Unfortunately, rappers dying at a young age is not a rare occurrence. It’s something that’s been happening since hip-hop was in its infancy.
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It’s so sad to see since we are also blessed to live in a time where MCs over 40 are still thriving and putting out mature and entertaining music. It makes me wonder, what if those artists who never made it passed 40 were blessed to live longer? How would they have turned out? What would their music sound like? How would their content change?
With the recent and tragic passing of Rich Homie Quan, let’s look back at all the rappers who died too young.
Rich Homie
Rich Homie Quan was a beloved Atlanta rapper who rose to prominence with the 2013 song “Type of Way.” He had the flare, energy, and style that made him beloved by his fans. Just days before his passing, he posted a cryptic message on Instagram that read, “Vision clear even through the BS,” which has led to people still speculating about how he died.
Big L
Big L was a rising star in the New York City hip-hop scene. He was a talented word-wiz who was as dope as they come when it came to lyrics. Unfortunately, he died before the release of his much-anticipated sophomore album, The Big Picture. L was only 24 we he was fatally shot in a drive-by-shooting.
2Pac
Unlike Big L, 2Pac has a huge discography full of music that was released while he was alive. But it still would’ve been a pleasure to watch him grow as an artist and actor. Although he died at 25 years old, he left such a mark on the genre that some forget he was so young.
Notorious B.I.G.
Unlike Big L, I think Biggie’s potential was realized, as he has some of the most popular and timeless classics in hip-hop history. But he still was only alive for the release of his debut album, Ready to Die. I wonder how far he would’ve taken his music had he lived. It’s crazy to think that he accomplished all he did in just 24 years.
Left Eye
Left Eye was known as one-third of the popular R&B group, TLC. As the only MC, she always stood out as the most energetic and dynamic. She released two studio albums, Supernova and Eye Legacy, but the way she died was so tragic that I wish it never happened. She was only 30 when she passed.
Juice WRLD
I know what you’re asking, is Juice WRLD a legend? To old heads, he might not be, but to a younger generation of hip-hop fans, he is totally deserving of that label. He was an incredible MC and songwriter who could freestyle with the best of them. Although he died at 21 due to an overdose, he’s one of the top 20 most-streamed artists of all time on Spotify.
Takeoff
Takeoff’s death still doesn’t sit right with me to this day. He just minded his business rap over trap beats. Never had beef with anyone. Never bothered anyone. But he was still fatally shot in an incident he wasn’t even directly involved in. He was only 28.
Nipsey Hussle
Nipsey Hussle was just becoming a national figure before he died at 33. He was a Los Angeles legend for a long time due to his work in the community and his savvy business moves. He became a national figure after the release of his debut album, Victory Lap. He had so much more to give to his city and the hip-hop genre.
Eazy E
The Godfather of Gangsta rap. In only 30 years of living, Eazy-E founded N.W.A., discovered Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, and kicked off the careers of Ice Cube and Dr. Dre. What would he have done if he was able to live another 30?
Ol’ Dirty Bastard
The most unique member of the Wu-Tang Clan. ODB always stood out on tracks and when you saw him in interviews. He was an MC who could thrive on the most hardcore hip-hop track and also fit perfectly on a pop record.
J Dilla
Do you have a favorite producer who prominently uses jazz and soul samples in their beats? He was probably influenced by J Dilla, who did not even need an MC to rap over his beats to make an incredible body of work. Wish he was alive to see the impact he left. Prior to his death at 32, he was still making classic beats in his hospital bed.
Big Pun
Big Pun had just as much star power as Notorious B.I.G. He was a hardcore street rapper who could make fun and catchy hits. When he died at 28 in 2000, he only released one studio album. It would’ve been great if he was able to make much more.
Pimp C
Unlike many artists on this list, Pimp C was able to enjoy a lot of success as half of UGK. But due to his death in 2007, their run as one of the most important and instrumental southern rap groups came to an unfortunate end.
Jam Master Jay
Jam Master Jay was alive and present for Run-D.M.C.’s golden years, so it’s not like we didn’t see him thrive. But the details of his death are just horrible. Allegedly, he was fatally shot over the acquisition of nearly 10 kilos of cocaine from a supplier in the Midwest.
Mac Dre
Mac Dre is a Bay Area legend who was fatally shot at only 34 while he was on tour in Kansas City, Mo. He released a plethora of studio albums up until his death, but there was no reason for him to stop releasing music even in 2023.
Pop Smoke
Pop Smoke was going to be the next New York City hip-hop star. He was leading a wave of rappers in the most important city in rap, and then it was taken all away after he was fatally shot in Los Angeles. He was only 20 years old.
Shawty Lo
Although Shawty Lo did live until he was 40, he barely got to experience it, as he died just six months after his 40th birthday. Lo was an Atlanta hip-hop star who was the voice behind a number of southern classics including, “Laffty Taffy” (as a part of D4L) and “Dey Know.”
Bankroll Fresh
Bankroll Fresh was an up-and-coming star in the Atlanta rap scene before he was fatally shot in 2016. He was only 28.
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