List of murdered hip hop musicians explained
This is a list of notable rappers and hip hop musicians murdered since 1987.
Two studies in the mid-2010s concluded that murder was the cause of half of hip hop musician deaths. The average age of death is between 25–30 years of age. Hip hop artists have a higher rate of homicide than artists of any other genre of music, ranging from five to 32 times higher.[1] [2]
Some reasons cited for the high homicide rate include poor background of many artists, criminal gang activity, drug use, and inadequate pastoral care among artists and record labels.[3] [4] [5] In 2020, XXL wrote that of 77 rapper deaths they examined, more than 40 remain unsolved, including the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur, the 1997 murder of the Notorious B.I.G., and the 1999 murder of Big L.[6]
List
See also
Notes and References
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- Life Expectancy and Cause of Death in Popular Musicians: Is the Popular Musician Lifestyle the Road to Ruin?. 26966963. 2016. Kenny. D. T.. Asher. A.. Medical Problems of Performing Artists. 31. 1. 37–44. 10.21091/mppa.2016.1007.
- Web site: January 31, 2020. 'It's a war zone': why is a generation of rappers dying young?. January 2, 2022. the Guardian. en.
- Web site: Killings of rappers are more than just a hip-hop problem, experts say . 2022-11-01 . NBC News . October 6, 2022 . en.
- Web site: Tapper . Jake . Nelson . Marie . Is Corporate America to Blame for Hip-Hop Violence? . 2022-11-01 . ABC News . en.
- Web site: X. X. L. Staff. The Current Status of Every Murdered Rapper's Case. January 2, 2022. XXL Mag. en.
- News: R.I.P. Scott La Rock – Remembering the BDP Legend 23 Years Later. August 27, 2010. XXL. December 28, 2013. January 13, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170113124906/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2010/08/rip-scott-la-rock-remembering-the-bdp-legend-23-years-later/. live.
- Web site: Search result. nl.newsbank.com. July 14, 2021. July 24, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180724183631/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=FV&p_theme=fv&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F54F2BA6E5C384D&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date%3AD&s_trackval=GooglePM%2F. live.
- News: Remembering Christian Hip Hop Pioneer Danny "D-Boy" Rodriguez (Full Interview). October 18, 2013. Wade-O Radio. November 9, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20190106133150/http://wadeoradio.com/danny-d-boy-rodriguez-interview-remembering-christian-hip-hop-pioneer/. January 6, 2019. dead.
- News: Confusion for Dallas detectives as D-boy is shot. November 1, 1990. crossrhythms.co.uk. November 9, 2015. November 17, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151117063444/http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/news/DBoy_Shot_Dead/29600/p1/. live.
- News: Charizma & Peanut Butter Wolf in Vapors. February 1, 2004. Stones Throw. December 29, 2013. December 30, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131230232251/http://www.stonesthrow.com/news/2004/02/charizma-peanut-butter-wolf-in-vapors. live.
- News: Peanut Butter Wolf Breaks Down His 10 Favorite Songs From the Charizma Box Set. Chris. Martins. May 22, 2014. Spin. November 9, 2015. November 17, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151117040518/http://www.spin.com/2014/05/peanut-butter-wolf-charizma-interview-circa-1990-1993-box-set-stream/. live.
- News: Rapper Slain After Chase In Queens. Clarisse. Jones. December 1, 1995. The New York Times. December 29, 2013. April 8, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200408090314/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/01/nyregion/rapper-slain-after-chase-in-queens.html. live.
- News: Oakland rapper dies in gunfire. Malcolm. Glover. August 2, 1996. SFGate. November 10, 2015. November 17, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151117020331/http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Oakland-rapper-dies-in-gunfire-3130818.php. live.
- News: In Bay Area, Rap Rivalries Lead To Deadly Violence. Soren. Baker. November 11, 1997. Chicago Tribune. November 10, 2015. November 17, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151117030154/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1997-11-12/features/9711120308_1_rap-seagram-local-artists. live.
- Web site: Tupac Shakur Biography. Biography.com. December 29, 2013. December 30, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131230232619/http://www.biography.com/people/tupac-shakur-206528?page=2. live.
- News: A Death by Gunplay. Michel. Marriott. September 22, 1996. The New York Times. November 10, 2015. November 17, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151117053515/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/22/weekinreview/a-death-by-gunplay.html. live.
- News: Tupac Shakur: 1971–1996. Kevin. Powell. October 31, 1996. Rolling Stone. November 10, 2015. November 17, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151117015015/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/tupac-shakur-1971-1996-19961031. live.
- News: G-Slimm (Big Boy Records) in New Orleans | Rap - the Good Ol'Dayz.
- News: Rapper Is Shot to Death in Echo of Killing 6 Months Ago. Todd S.. Purdum. March 10, 1997. The New York Times. November 11, 2015. November 17, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151117041901/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/10/us/rapper-is-shot-to-death-in-echo-of-killing-6-months-ago.html. live.
- News: Notorious B.I.G. Killed in Los Angeles. March 10, 1997. Rolling Stone. November 11, 2015. November 17, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151117080811/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/notorious-b-i-g-killed-in-los-angeles-19970310. live.
- News: Notorious B.I.G. autopsy released, 15 years after his death. Dana. Ford. December 9, 2012. CNN. November 11, 2015. November 17, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151117060936/http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/07/showbiz/notorious-big-autopsy/. live.
- News: That's the Breaks. Craig D.. Lindsey. February 11, 1999. Houston Press. December 29, 2013. November 5, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151105150432/http://www.houstonpress.com/music/thats-the-breaks-6569213. live.
- News: This Day In Rap History: Houston Rapper Fat Pat Was Gunned Down. Elva. Aguilar. February 3, 2014. Complex. November 11, 2015. November 17, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151117030126/http://www.complex.com/music/2014/02/this-day-in-rap-history-fat-pat-murdered-feb-3. live.
- News: This Day In Rap History: Harlem Rapper Big L Was Fatally Shot. Tara. Mahadevan. February 15, 2014. Complex. November 11, 2015. November 17, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151117030550/http://www.complex.com/music/2014/02/this-day-in-rap-history-big-l-fatally-shot-feb-15. live.
- Book: Hess, Mickey. 2009. Hip Hop in America: A Regional Guide. Greenwood. 41. 978-0313343216.
- News: Donald Phinazee on the Life of Big L. Brett. Johnson. November 29, 2013. CraveOnline. December 29, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20180305145329/http://www.craveonline.com/music/131904-donald-phinazee-on-the-life-of-big-l. March 5, 2018. dead.
- News: Gunshot Wounds Kill Dj Uncle Al. September 11, 2001. Sun-Sentinel. December 29, 2013. December 31, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131231002500/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2001-09-11/news/0109110086_1_wounds-disc-jockey-miami-dade. live.
- News: Nine Years After DJ Uncle Al's Death, Miami's Hip-Hop Scene Remembers the Legend. David. Rosario. October 13, 2010. Miami New Times. November 11, 2015. November 17, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151117014900/http://www.miaminewtimes.com/music/nine-years-after-dj-uncle-als-death-miamis-hip-hop-scene-remembers-the-legend-6480141. live.
- News: Jam Master Jay's Legacy and Death, 10 Years Later. Brandon. Soderberg. October 29, 2012. Spin. November 11, 2015. November 17, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151117020528/http://www.spin.com/2012/10/jam-master-jays-legacy-and-death-10-years-later/. live.
- News: Brazilian Rap Star 'Sabotage' Shot Dead. Paul. Russell. January 25, 2003. rapnewsdirect.com. December 29, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131231002252/http://www.rapnewsdirect.com/0-202-1349-00.html. December 31, 2013. dead.
- News: Brazilian Rap Star 'Sabotage' Shot To Death. Nolan. Strong. January 25, 2003. AllHipHop. November 11, 2015. November 17, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151117031903/http://allhiphop.com/2003/01/25/brazilian-rap-star-sabotage-shot-to-death/. live.
- Web site: USATODAY.com – Rapper Camoflauge fatally shot outside Georgia studio . Usatoday30.usatoday.com . May 21, 2003 . November 20, 2015.
- Web site: Rap News Network – Hip-Hop News: Soulja Slim's Future Cut Short By Jealousy . Rapnews.net . November 28, 2003 . November 20, 2015 . September 24, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150924085545/http://www.rapnews.net/0-202-258060-00.html . live .
- News: Special Report – Murder . NOLA.com . February 8, 2004 . November 20, 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20151117063352/http://www.nola.com/speced/cycleofdeath/index.ssf?%2Fspeced%2Fcycleofdeath%2Fviolence.html . November 17, 2015 .
- Rapper Mac Dre Killed In Kansas City . Billboard . November 2, 2004 . November 20, 2015 . November 14, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151114163455/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/65810/rapper-mac-dre-killed-in-kansas-city . live .
- Web site: Murder rap | Local Music | Detroit Metro Times . .metrotimes.com . November 20, 2015 . September 10, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120910223848/http://www2.metrotimes.com/editorial/story.asp?id=6825 . live .
- Web site: Papa Touwtjie . Dutch . surinamstars.com . November 20, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170113041816/http://www.surinamstars.com/Papa%20Touwtjie.html . January 13, 2017 . dead .
- D12 Rapper Proof Shot And Killed In Detroit . Billboard . November 20, 2015 . September 25, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150925132855/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58792/d12-rapper-proof-shot-and-killed-in-detroit . live .
- Web site: Proof Would Have Been 40 Years Old Today – XXL . October 2, 2013 . Xxlmag.com . November 20, 2015 . November 20, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151120225759/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/10/proof-40-years-old-today/ . live .
- Houston Rapper Big Hawk Shot To Death . Billboard . November 20, 2015 . September 25, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150925131610/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58556/houston-rapper-big-hawk-shot-to-death . live .
- Web site: Rapper Dolla is shot, killed at Beverly Center – latimes . Los Angeles Times . March 24, 2013 . June 20, 2020 . June 22, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200622004149/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-may-19-me-beverlycenter19-story.html . live .
- Web site: Roderick Burton . Legacy.com . May 19, 2009 . November 20, 2015 . November 23, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151123194830/http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/latimes/obituary.aspx?n=roderick-burton&pid=127457321 . live .
- Web site: Rapper Speed é encontrado morto em Niterói. Globo G1. October 27, 2010.
- Web site: Reguetoneros lamentan muerte de Lele. Primera Hora. July 2, 2010. May 31, 2020. April 6, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200406233446/https://www.primerahora.com/entretenimiento/farandula/notas/reguetoneros-lamentan-muerte-de-lele/. live.
- News: McCarthy . Brendan . Messy Mya, burgeoning rapper and YouTube sensation, identified as 7th Ward murder victim . The Times-Picayune . November 16, 2010.
- Web site: Fans Remember Rapper Magnolia Shorty . Wdsu.com . December 21, 2010 . November 20, 2015 . December 4, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131204055804/http://www.wdsu.com/Fans-Remember-Rapper-Magnolia-Shorty/-/9854144/10982632/-/ynq89bz/-/index.html . live .
- News: Montreal rapper found slain . Toronto Sun . February 12, 2011 . June 20, 2020 . July 14, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210714123243/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/montreal-rapper-found-slain-1.997598 . live .
- Web site: Rapper Bad News Brown killed in Montreal . December 23, 2020 . February 15, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210215032601/https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/Music/2011/02/15/Rapper-Bad-News-Brown-killed-in-Montreal/39301297746786/?ur3=1 . live .
- Web site: Adán Zapata, el cantante de rap mexicano que fue asesinado por error . notimérica . June 1, 2016 . May 14, 2019 . May 14, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190514105807/https://m.notimerica.com/sociedad/noticia-adan-zapata-cantante-rap-mexicano-fue-asesinado-error-20160601085948.html . live .
- Web site: McVeigh . Karen . 2012-09-13 . Chicago hip-hop feud deepens after death of Joseph 'Lil Jojo' Coleman . 2024-08-13 . . 1756-3224 . 60623878.
- Web site: Rapper shot dead on stage in Brazil - Truthloader (DETAILS) . Point . June 9, 2013 . October 30, 2018 . July 14, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210714123305/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKjAncbZ8ok%2F . live .
- Lil Snupe, Meek Mill Protégé, Dead At 18 . . December 12, 2022.
- Web site: Tensions rise in Greece as Golden Dawn linked to murder – Channel 4 News . Channel4.com . September 18, 2013 . November 20, 2015 . November 30, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151130223028/http://www.channel4.com/news/greece-golden-dawn-killah-p-murder-pavlos-fyssas . live .
- Web site: Rapper Joshua Ribera's killer Armani Mitchell jailed . BBC . March 27, 2013 . February 24, 2019 . February 24, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190224173434/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-26772161 . live .
- Web site: Doe B Shot and Killed in Alabama; Rapper Was 22 . The Hollywood Gossip . December 28, 2013 . November 20, 2015 . November 20, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151120204918/http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2013/12/doe-b-shot-and-killed-in-atlanta-rapper-was-22/ . live .
- Web site: Silvers . Emma . R.I.P. The Jacka, an Iconic Voice in East Bay Hip-Hop | All Shook Down . SF Weekly . May 6, 2015 . November 20, 2015 . November 19, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151119030635/http://www.sfweekly.com/shookdown/2015/02/03/rip-the-jacka-an-iconic-voice-of-east-bay-rap . live .
- Web site: NYPD trying to generate leads in fatal shooting of Queens rapper | abc7ny.com . 7online.com . May 20, 2015 . November 20, 2015 . July 19, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150719020135/http://7online.com/news/rapper-killed-after-gunman-opens-fire-on-car-in-queens/726998/ . live .
- Bankroll Fresh, Atlanta Rapper, Dead at 28. Rolling Stone. March 5, 2016. February 19, 2020. May 16, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200516013749/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bankroll-fresh-atlanta-rapper-dead-at-28-229874/. live.
- Web site: Houston Rapper Mr. 3-2 Fatally Shot. Complex. June 27, 2018. June 14, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180614195339/https://www.complex.com/music/2016/11/houston-rapper-mr-32-shot. live.
- News: Iannelli . Jerry . Hitt . Tarpley . Rapper XXXTentacion Shot Dead in Broward County . Miami New Times . June 18, 2018 . June 22, 2018 . June 19, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180619035751/http://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/rapper-xxxtentacion-shot-in-broward-county-tmz-reports-10451838 . live .
- News: Rapper Jimmy Wopo killed in drive-by shooting. June 19, 2019. Fox 4. November 17, 2019. November 17, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191117005905/https://www.fox4now.com/entertainment/jimmy-wopo-killed. live.
- Web site: Toronto rapper Smoke Dawg identified as 1 of 2 dead in downtown shooting. Global News. May 28, 2020. November 9, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201109034006/http://globalnews.ca/news/4307243/rapper-smoke-dawg-dead-queen-peter-shooting/. live.
- News: Hasselle . Della . Reports: Rapper 'Young Greatness' Shot, Killed Outside New Orleans Waffle House . The Advocate . October 29, 2018 . October 29, 2018 . February 16, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190216122118/https://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/news/crime_police/article_961d8caa-db6d-11e8-bb91-5b1579de2ad8.html . live .
- Web site: January 1, 2019. Vrienden: Slachtoffer schietpartij is rapper Feis. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20190104011415/https://www.ad.nl/rotterdam/vrienden-slachtoffer-schietpartij-is-rapper-feis~a96edf72/. January 4, 2019. January 3, 2021. Algemeen Dagblad. nl.
- Web site: Latin trap artist Kevin Fret, 24, shot dead . . January 11, 2019 . February 24, 2019 . February 24, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190224173606/https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/latin-trap-artist-kevin-fret-dead-at-24 . live .
- Web site: Nipsey Hussle, Grammy-nominated rapper, shot dead in Los Angeles . . March 31, 2019 . December 21, 2019 . July 14, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210714123225/https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/nipsey-hussle-grammy-nominated-rapper-shot-dead-in-los-angeles . live .
- News: Maarten van Dun and Paul Vugts. 4 December 2019. Jeugdbendes in Zuidoost: drillrapper werd gedood met kapmes. Youthgangs in the Southeast: drill rapper was killed with a machete. Het Parool. nl.
- Web site: Police arrest 5 people in connection with rapper Pop Smoke's murder. July 9, 2020. Fox News. July 9, 2020. July 9, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200709215625/https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/police-arrest-five-people-pop-smoke-murder. live.
- Web site: Toronto rapper Houdini shot dead at 21. Global News. May 12, 2020 . June 22, 2021. April 13, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210413051856/https://globalnews.ca/news/6991259/toronto-rapper-houdini-dead/. live.
- Web site: "Pop, Lock, and Drop It" Rapper Huey Killed In Double Shooting. Zoe. Haylock. June 26, 2020. Vulture.
- Web site: Rapper King Von, 2 others, fatally shot in Atlanta. NBC News. November 6, 2020. en. November 6, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201106193353/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/rapper-king-von-2-others-fatally-shot-atlanta-n1246807. live.
- Web site: Rapper Mo3 Killed in Dallas Shooting at 28. November 11, 2020. Variety. June 22, 2021. February 12, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210212190835/https://variety.com/2020/music/obituaries-people-news/mo3-dead-dies-dallas-rapper-1234829477/. live.
- Web site: 2nd man charged with murder in fatal shooting of Dallas rapper MO3 on I-35E in Oak Cliff. April 23, 2021. DallasNews. June 22, 2021. April 28, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210428060310/https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2021/04/23/2nd-man-charged-with-murder-in-fatal-shooting-of-dallas-rapper-mo3-on-oak-cliff-highway/. live.
- News: Swedish rapper shot dead, stoking outrage over gang violence . October 22, 2021 . Reuters . October 22, 2021.
- Web site: Rapper Young Dolph dead at 36 after Memphis bakery shooting. Fox News. November 17, 2021. November 18, 2021.
- Web site: Rapper Drakeo the Ruler Dies at 28 After Backstage Stabbing at Once Upon a Time in L.A. Festival: Reports. Tomás. Mier. People. December 19, 2021.
- News: Snootie Wild Dies After Allegedly Being Shot. XXL. February 26, 2022. February 26, 2022. Coleman. C. Vernon III.
- Web site: Rapper's family defend decision to prop 'dead body' on club stage. April 7, 2022. The Independent.
- Web site: "We Ready" rapper Archie Eversole shot, killed by his brother, DeKalb police say. Staff. WSB-TV. April 14, 2022. April 14, 2022.
- Web site: May 29, 2022 . Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala shot dead day after govt withdrew his security . May 29, 2022 . Hindustan Times . en.
- Web site: Rapper Trouble killed in home invasion at residence of 'female friend'. Kalhan. Rosenblatt. NBC News. June 5, 2022. June 5, 2022.
- Activist, Ex-Lawmaker Among Detainees Executed in Myanmar . July 25, 2022 . . https://web.archive.org/web/20221008052810/https://time.com/6200072/myanmar-execution-activists/ . October 8, 2022 . live .
- Web site: Rapper JayDaYoungan fatally shot in Louisiana. Phil. Helsel. NBC News. July 27, 2022. July 28, 2022.
- Web site: Kiszla . Cameron . Leyvas . Gil . Chapman . Elizabeth . Rapper PnB Rock fatally shot at South L.A. Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles . KTLA . September 12, 2022 . September 12, 2022.
- News: Takeoff: Migos rapper shot dead in Houston at 28 . November 1, 2022 . BBC News . November 1, 2022.
- Web site: Jeff Wicks . Nkosikhona Duma . Lisalee Solomons . Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes killed in Durban nightclub shooting . 2023-02-10 . News24 . en-US.
- Web site: Puerto Rican rapper Pacho El Antifeka is shot to death . June 2, 2023 . Mundo Now.
- Web site: Dutch rapper Bigidagoe shot dead in Amsterdam. The Brussels Times. 25 February 2024.
- Web site: Grammisvinnaren C.Gambino skjuten till döds på Hisingen. sv. Götenborgs-Posten. 4 June 2024. 4 June 2024.
- Web site: Jacksonville rapper Julio Foolio shot, killed in Tampa ‘ambush’: attorney. News4JAX. Graham Media Group. 24 June 2024. 27 June 2024.