A Generation Of Rappers Are Not Making It Out Of Their 20s
Another Tragic Loss
Not even a month since the tragic shooting that ended in the death of 30-year-old rapper PnB Rock, and the hip hop community is mourning another loss.
Within the week, it has been reported that a popular Dallas rapper BFG Straap was shot and killed in his hometown at the age of 22. Not even 48 hours later, it was reported that Lil Uzi’s artist, Lotta Cash Desto was shot and killed in Houston.
Roddy Ricch Speaks Out
“LA! Usually I try to mind my business and let the world rotate but we gotta do better. It’s too much senseless violence. Too much opportunity and motivation to take things other people work hard for. It’s too miuch life to live to take someone else’s away, Roddy wrote on his Instagram story. “I love my city but we can’t keep going out like this. Before you know it, it’ll be nobody left to take from or kill.”
The rapper is also know for his song ‘Die Young’ which he recently performed at the Something In The Water Festival back in June. While a montage of deceased rappers played behind him, Roddy sings the lyrics:
“Gotta keep it on me , I don’t wanna die young I rather be judged by twelve then carried by six I’ma go post my bail, just look at my wrist Tell me, why the legends always gotta die quick?
Roddy Ricch is not the only person to echo these sentiments. The culture have witnessed rap “OGs” like Gillie and Wallo from Million Dollars worth a game speak to young rappers just weeks before a tragic incident occurs.
Prominent Hip Hop figures like Dj Envy, Nicki Minaj, and Joe Budden have suggests younger artist stopping posting their location, get jewelry protection or stop dissing thier “opps” in songs.
But it begs the question… is there a solution?
The rappers who died this month now join the list of young stars who didn’t make it out of their twenties due to violence:
POP SMOKE (20)
Brooklyn Drill rapper was shot and killed during a home invasion in Hollywood Hills on February 19, 2020. The rapper was 20-years-old at the time. He is considered a pioneer of the brooklyn drill sound and known for his big hits ‘Welcome To The Party’ and ‘Dior’. His posthumous album ‘Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon’ debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums charts.
KING VON (26)
26- year- old, Chicago rapper was fatally shot on November 6, 2020 outside of an Atlanta Hookah Lounge. Von is known for his association with rapper “Lil Durk” as well as the ‘Crazy Story’ breakout single.
XXXTENTACION (20)
XXXTentaction was gunned down on June 18, 2018, in a reported robbery after leaving a motorsports store in Florida. The 20-year-old rapper was wildly popular at the time of his death and jumped to fame after his song ‘Look at me’ went viral on social media in 2016. XXXTentacion was featured in XXL 2017 freshman class and his debut album ‘?’ went No.1 when it released. At the time, he had been awaiting trail for a domestic violence incident involving his pregnant girlfriend.
FBG DUCK (26)
FBG Duck, a popular Chicago rapper was reportedly killed in broad daylight while shopping in a busy Chicago area.
MO3 (28)
Dallas rapper Mo3 is dead after being gunned down on a Texas interstate. Mo3 is most famous for his collabs with Boosie and rapper Kevin Gates. He was 28 years old.
JAYDAYOUNGAN (24)
Popular Louisian rapper JayDaYoungan was shot and killed outside his home in Bogalusa, Louisiana.The rapper gained success when he signed to Atlanta records. He has worked with artist like, Latto, Moneybagg Yo, Lil Durk, and Boosie.
DRAKEO THE RULER (28)
LA rapper, Drakeo The Ruler was stabbed to death on December 19, 2021 at an LA music festival. Drake was influential in his hometown and know for his song with Drake.