More than just musicians, these emcees were philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and in some
cases, mothers and fathers.
Though their lives were tragically cut short, they left behind not only musical legacies,
but also a lasting impact on their communities.
These are the rappers we've lost in 2019.
Nipsey Hussle, born Ermias Asghedom, was highly-regarded for his 2018 Grammy-nominated album Victory
Lap, but his business acumen and philanthropy work were just as important.
After all, it's not everyday that you hear of someone selling their mixtapes for $100
apiece while opening STEM centers for the youth of Los Angeles.
The 33-year-old was outside his store, The Marathon Clothing, on March 31st, 2019 when
he was fatally shot.
By Monday, April 1, 2019 the LAPD identified a possible suspect in the shooting, who escaped
the scene with the help of "an unidentified female" accomplice, according to CNN.
As of the making of this video, they were both still at large.
Hussle warned fans about violent gang culture in February in an interview with HOT 97.
"I understand gang culture is global now.
I don't really agree with it.
I'm like, 'Man, be careful.
Don't open that can of worms, for real.'"
He is survived by two children and his longtime girlfriend, actress Lauren London.
England lost a rising hip-hop star on February 9th, 2019.
That morning, rapper Cadet, whose real name is Blaine Johnson, tragically passed in a
car crash.
Cadet was en route to a performance at a UK college when the taxi he was traveling in
collided with a van.
Cadet passed at the scene, according to a police statement.
Cadet was apparently just starting to attract widespread attention.
Fellow musician Example tweeted after learning of Cadet's passing,
"Was chatting to [him] only last week about how excited [he was] for some festivals this
summer."
Music producer Manny Norte tweeted that the 28-year-old "couldn't stop smiling" at all
of the opportunities he had been getting before his passing, adding, "RIP Cadet."
Puerto Rican rapper Kevin Fret was once described as "Latin Trap's first openly gay pioneer"
by Paper magazine.
His track "Soy Asi," which translates to "I'm this way," has earned more than 3 million
views on YouTube.
But before he could really spread his message, he was tragically gunned down.
Fret was shot in the early hours of January 10th, 2019 as he was riding his motorcycle
through Puerto Rico.
The 24-year-old was then transported to a hospital, where he passed.
His manager Eduardo Rodriguez said in a statement following the shooting,
"Kevin was an artistic soul, a big-hearted dreamer.
His passion was music, and still had a lot to do.
This violence must stop.
There are no words that describe the feeling we have and the pain that causes us to know
that a person with so many dreams has to go.
We must all unite in these difficult times, and ask for much peace for our beloved Puerto
Rico."
Police have yet to arrest any suspects, as of the making of this video.
Tikey Patterson, who went by "Trap House," was seen as a legend in Phoenix, Arizona.
Over the course of his 10-year career, he made a name for himself after opening for
50 Cent, E-40 and Nas.
He was also known for his philanthropic efforts.
Justus Samuel, founder of local label Respect The Underground, told the Phoenix New Times,
"He was more than a leader in the music community.
He was a leader in the urban community.
He just had a voice, and he used it."
Sadly, Trap House was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in the summer of 2018,
which has a survival rate of 3 percent.
A GoFundMe was soon created to help raise money for his medical fees and living expenses
while going through treatment, but he lost his battle with the disease just months later,
on January 19, 2019.
He was only 35 years old.
If you were to ask a hip hop fan who their favorite battle rappers are, there's a good
chance they'd have Tech 9 on their list.
The Philadelphian, born Akeem Mickens, could go toe-to-toe with anyone.
Unfortunately, his life was cut short at the age of 32.
His death was first announced by a friend, fellow battle rapper Buttah From-Da Block,
on March 25th, 2019 through Facebook.
Buttah told Newsweek,
"Unfortunately we haven't fully figured the cause of his passing we are still waiting
on the autopsy.
We are praying that it was natural causes.
He had no signs of harm done to his body."
While he never achieved mainstream success, Tech 9 counted some of the biggest stars in
the music industry as fans, some of whom quickly took to social media to mourn his passing.
Kendrick Lamar tweeted,
"Condolences to the family of the late great Tech9 of philly.
Rest well."
And Lupe Fiasco posted,
"Rip Tech 9… one of the most entertaining battle rappers."
Nina Ross Da Boss was Tampa, Florida's best kept secret.
She had tens of thousands of fans, a trove of catchy singles and freestyles, and popular
mixtapes like 2012's "The Only S--- Poppin."
It's a real shame that the rest of the world didn't get to know her.
Nina, whose real name was Jimmiel Spillman-Ingram, was the one of the victims of a double homicide
that occurred on January 8th, 2019.
WFLA reported that details were limited, but that the rapper had been with an unidentified
male when she was fatally shot.
The station added that Spillman-Ingram's car "was found crashed into a nearby home and
caused some minor damage."
The case is still open as of the making of this video.
The 31-year-old is survived by six children, who ranged in age from 2 months old to 11
years old at the time of her passing.
"Song for You" rapper Willie Bo, also known as Willie McCoy, had just gotten back to his
native California from a tour when he was shot by six police officers.
According to police, they responded to a call on February 9th, 2019, regarding an "unresponsive"
man in the drive-thru of a Vallejo Taco Bell and arrived to find Bo lying in his car with
a gun on his lap.
Police say that they tried to open his door, but it was locked.
They positioned vehicles behind Bo's car as it was still in drive.
However, the 21-year-old became alert, at which point the officers started to yell commands,
such as "show me your hands."
Instead, they say, Bo reached for his gun, resulting in police firing their weapons at
him.
According to the Guardian, Bo was hit 25 times, including in the face and chest.
He passed at the scene.
Bo's family has rejected that story, telling the media that body cam footage shows that
he was never actually alert.
They plan to file a lawsuit against the officers and police department.