In 2021, the hip-hop world lost giants.  
In 2021, the hip-hop world lost giants.  

They included legends as well as rappers  on their way up. And some died of natural  
They included legends as well as rappers  on their way up. And some died of natural  

causes while others saw violent ends.  Keep watching for the full, sad story.
causes while others saw violent ends.  Keep watching for the full, sad story.

The world was shocked in April 2021 when one of  the most successful rappers of the late 1990s  
The world was shocked in April 2021 when one of  the most successful rappers of the late 1990s  

and early 2000s died: the Ruff Ryder himself, DMX.  According to Vulture, the rapper had fallen into a  
and early 2000s died: the Ruff Ryder himself, DMX.  According to Vulture, the rapper had fallen into a  

coma following a heart attack caused by cocaine  use, before dying of multiple organ failure.
coma following a heart attack caused by cocaine  use, before dying of multiple organ failure.

His family wrote in a statement published by CNN:
His family wrote in a statement published by CNN:

"We are deeply saddened to announce  today that our loved one, DMX,  
"We are deeply saddened to announce  today that our loved one, DMX,  

birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at  50-years-old at White Plains Hospital with  
birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at  50-years-old at White Plains Hospital with  

his family by his side after being placed  on life support for the past few days."
his family by his side after being placed  on life support for the past few days."

Simmons had long been open with fans and  
Simmons had long been open with fans and  

reporters about struggling with  addiction since an early age.
reporters about struggling with  addiction since an early age.

"I will always have a drug problem.”
"I will always have a drug problem.”

“Tell me about that.”
“Tell me about that.”

“Just because you stop getting high, doesn't  mean that you don't have the problem."
“Just because you stop getting high, doesn't  mean that you don't have the problem."

He revealed that he was happiest when  he was looking at his youngest son,  
He revealed that he was happiest when  he was looking at his youngest son,  

Exodus, in a GQ interview in 2019, saying:
Exodus, in a GQ interview in 2019, saying:

"I just need to have a purpose.  And I don't even know that purpose,  
"I just need to have a purpose.  And I don't even know that purpose,  

because God has given me that purpose since  before I was in the womb, so I'm going to  
because God has given me that purpose since  before I was in the womb, so I'm going to  

fulfill that purpose whether I want to or not,  whether I know it or not, because the story  
fulfill that purpose whether I want to or not,  whether I know it or not, because the story  

has already been written. If you appreciate  the good, then you have to accept the bad."
has already been written. If you appreciate  the good, then you have to accept the bad."

Fans of the Oakland rap group Digital Underground  were devastated in April 2021 when frontman Shock  
Fans of the Oakland rap group Digital Underground  were devastated in April 2021 when frontman Shock  

G died in a Tampa hotel room, following an  accidental drug overdose, according to TMZ.  
G died in a Tampa hotel room, following an  accidental drug overdose, according to TMZ.  

He was best known for the beloved 1990 song,  "The Humpty Dance," which featured Shock G,  
He was best known for the beloved 1990 song,  "The Humpty Dance," which featured Shock G,  

born Gregory Jacobs, as his iconic alter  ego, Humpty Hump. Jacobs also had a history  
born Gregory Jacobs, as his iconic alter  ego, Humpty Hump. Jacobs also had a history  

with Tupac Shakur. TMZ announced that  Jacobs was 57 at the time of his death.
with Tupac Shakur. TMZ announced that  Jacobs was 57 at the time of his death.

Deadline revealed that his cause  of death had been a fentanyl,  
Deadline revealed that his cause  of death had been a fentanyl,  

ethanol, and methamphetamine overdose. The  Tampa Bay Times uncovered that Shock G had  
ethanol, and methamphetamine overdose. The  Tampa Bay Times uncovered that Shock G had  

a history of drug addiction and had been  involved in altercations with the police in  
a history of drug addiction and had been  involved in altercations with the police in  

the days before his death. But his sister,  Elizabeth Racker, defended him, saying:
the days before his death. But his sister,  Elizabeth Racker, defended him, saying:

"Usually what comes along with that  is, sometimes they struggle. It just  
"Usually what comes along with that  is, sometimes they struggle. It just  

goes and proves that people with that  caliber or skill sometimes struggle."
goes and proves that people with that  caliber or skill sometimes struggle."

Pitchfork reported in June 2021 that Bay Area  icon Gift of Gab, one half of Blackalicious,  
Pitchfork reported in June 2021 that Bay Area  icon Gift of Gab, one half of Blackalicious,  

had passed away. Born Timothy Parker, the  rapper was known for tongue-twisting songs  
had passed away. Born Timothy Parker, the  rapper was known for tongue-twisting songs  

like "Alphabet Aerobics." Alongside  DJ and longtime friend Chief Xcel,  
like "Alphabet Aerobics." Alongside  DJ and longtime friend Chief Xcel,  

whom he'd met in high school, Blackalicious  released game-changing EPs and albums like Nia.
whom he'd met in high school, Blackalicious  released game-changing EPs and albums like Nia.

While it was known that his health had  declined in recent years, Gift of Gab  
While it was known that his health had  declined in recent years, Gift of Gab  

revealed in his self-titled documentary in 2016  that he went on dialysis for kidney failure.  
revealed in his self-titled documentary in 2016  that he went on dialysis for kidney failure.  

When his kidney problems returned in 2020, the  rapper had a transplant, but he sadly died just  
When his kidney problems returned in 2020, the  rapper had a transplant, but he sadly died just  

a year later. His rap collective paid tribute  to him in a statement published by Pitchfork:
a year later. His rap collective paid tribute  to him in a statement published by Pitchfork:

"Tim peacefully departed this earth to be  with our ancestors [...] We ask that the  
"Tim peacefully departed this earth to be  with our ancestors [...] We ask that the  

family's privacy is respected as we mourn  the tremendous loss of our dear brother."
family's privacy is respected as we mourn  the tremendous loss of our dear brother."

His musical partner, Chief Xcel,  insisted that Gift of Gab had a  
His musical partner, Chief Xcel,  insisted that Gift of Gab had a  

spiritual connection with his art, stating:
spiritual connection with his art, stating:

"Our brother was an MC's MC who  dedicated his life to his craft.  
"Our brother was an MC's MC who  dedicated his life to his craft.  

One of the greatest to ever do it. He truly  believed in the healing power of music."
One of the greatest to ever do it. He truly  believed in the healing power of music."

But he didn't leave Blackalicious  fans without one last gift.  
But he didn't leave Blackalicious  fans without one last gift.  

According to Pitchfork, the rapper had  recorded nearly 100 new tracks before he died,  
According to Pitchfork, the rapper had  recorded nearly 100 new tracks before he died,  

none of which have been released  yet. A source told Rolling Stone:
none of which have been released  yet. A source told Rolling Stone:

"Some of those were already  slated for the next release,  
"Some of those were already  slated for the next release,  

but more of Gab's lyrical genius  will be heard for years to come."
but more of Gab's lyrical genius  will be heard for years to come."

New York rapper Black Rob was 52  years old when he died in April 2021,  
New York rapper Black Rob was 52  years old when he died in April 2021,  

The Associated Press reported. He  had a history of health problems  
The Associated Press reported. He  had a history of health problems  

and had been sent to an Atlanta hospital  following a serious cardiac arrest, where  
and had been sent to an Atlanta hospital  following a serious cardiac arrest, where  

fellow rapper and Bad Boy Records collaborator  Mark Curry held his hand during his last moments.
fellow rapper and Bad Boy Records collaborator  Mark Curry held his hand during his last moments.

Black Rob had risen to fame by  working with Sean "Diddy" Combs,  
Black Rob had risen to fame by  working with Sean "Diddy" Combs,  

appearing on songs like "Bad Boy 4 Life."  In 2000, he had his own hit with "Whoa!",  
appearing on songs like "Bad Boy 4 Life."  In 2000, he had his own hit with "Whoa!",  

which became the New York City native's  best-known solo track. Curry told The AP:
which became the New York City native's  best-known solo track. Curry told The AP:

"'Whoa!' carried us through a significant point of  
"'Whoa!' carried us through a significant point of  

our time in hip-hop. He always felt  like he took the label on his back."
our time in hip-hop. He always felt  like he took the label on his back."

Black Rob's career took a turn after  he was convicted and sent to jail  
Black Rob's career took a turn after  he was convicted and sent to jail  

for a 2004 hotel robbery. Before his  death, Rob revealed in 2021 that he  
for a 2004 hotel robbery. Before his  death, Rob revealed in 2021 that he  

was homeless and had suffered four  strokes, as reported by The Source.
was homeless and had suffered four  strokes, as reported by The Source.

"When they told you, Rob you had a stroke,  what did you think, what was your thought?"
"When they told you, Rob you had a stroke,  what did you think, what was your thought?"

"I was like ‘what?’ I had a stroke?"
"I was like ‘what?’ I had a stroke?"

According to Curry, Diddy helped him out in  the years following his brush with the law  
According to Curry, Diddy helped him out in  the years following his brush with the law  

and even paid for Black Rob's  funeral. According to Page Six,  
and even paid for Black Rob's  funeral. According to Page Six,  

Diddy wrote in a since-deleted Instagram tribute:
Diddy wrote in a since-deleted Instagram tribute:

"Rest in power, King. You have made millions of  people all over the world feel good and dance!"
"Rest in power, King. You have made millions of  people all over the world feel good and dance!"

In March 2021, Chucky Trill died after being  fatally injured in a shocking highway shooting,  
In March 2021, Chucky Trill died after being  fatally injured in a shocking highway shooting,  

according to NME. The up-and-coming Houston rapper  had burst into the spotlight when he released  
according to NME. The up-and-coming Houston rapper  had burst into the spotlight when he released  

"Streets Don't Love a Soul" in 2018. His single's  success led him to release his own album, working  
"Streets Don't Love a Soul" in 2018. His single's  success led him to release his own album, working  

with other artists like Lil' KeKe, Propain, and  Trapboy Freddy. His career was cut tragically  
with other artists like Lil' KeKe, Propain, and  Trapboy Freddy. His career was cut tragically  

short on March 5, when gunshots were heard on  Interstate 85 near Atlanta at 3 in the morning.
short on March 5, when gunshots were heard on  Interstate 85 near Atlanta at 3 in the morning.

Police officers found him in his parked car  struggling with a gunshot wound when they  
Police officers found him in his parked car  struggling with a gunshot wound when they  

arrived on scene. Trill eventually died after  being taken to the hospital to treat his injury,  
arrived on scene. Trill eventually died after  being taken to the hospital to treat his injury,  

leading to widespread grief and  anger from the Houston rap scene.
leading to widespread grief and  anger from the Houston rap scene.

His manager, Bone, told the Houston Chronicle  that Chucky Trill had been visiting the area so  
His manager, Bone, told the Houston Chronicle  that Chucky Trill had been visiting the area so  

that he could watch the NBA All-Stars  Weekend. Bone paid tribute, saying:
that he could watch the NBA All-Stars  Weekend. Bone paid tribute, saying:

"He was very passionate about his music, very  humble young dude. [...] Just a good guy."
"He was very passionate about his music, very  humble young dude. [...] Just a good guy."

Baby CEO had been a controversial  presence in rap for years before his  
Baby CEO had been a controversial  presence in rap for years before his  

untimely death. The Memphis rapper,  whose real name was Jonathan Brown,  
untimely death. The Memphis rapper,  whose real name was Jonathan Brown,  

was only 14 years old when he burst onto the scene  under the wing of his late mentor, Fredo Santana,  
was only 14 years old when he burst onto the scene  under the wing of his late mentor, Fredo Santana,  

according to the New York Post. Baby CEO's  young appearance shocked viewers in music  
according to the New York Post. Baby CEO's  young appearance shocked viewers in music  

videos where the teenager was shown holding  prop guns and rapping about gang violence.  
videos where the teenager was shown holding  prop guns and rapping about gang violence.  

He was only 20 when he was tragically shot in  January 2021, according to WMC Action News.
He was only 20 when he was tragically shot in  January 2021, according to WMC Action News.

The rapper, who later changed his stage  name to Big CEO, died on the scene of a  
The rapper, who later changed his stage  name to Big CEO, died on the scene of a  

deadly brawl in Frayser, Tennessee. According  to Metro, the musician's older brother was  
deadly brawl in Frayser, Tennessee. According  to Metro, the musician's older brother was  

the one who announced his tragic death on  Twitter, who wrote in a since-deleted post:
the one who announced his tragic death on  Twitter, who wrote in a since-deleted post:

"My Lil Brother Baby Ceo Has Passed  Away. Please Pray For Our Family."
"My Lil Brother Baby Ceo Has Passed  Away. Please Pray For Our Family."

He went on to reflect that Baby CEO and his  girlfriend had only recently become parents,  
He went on to reflect that Baby CEO and his  girlfriend had only recently become parents,  

after welcoming a baby in November 2020.
after welcoming a baby in November 2020.

The world of Chicago Drill lost one  of its brightest stars in August 2021,  
The world of Chicago Drill lost one  of its brightest stars in August 2021,  

when Edai 600 was tragically gunned down in  his hometown. The rapper, born Cordai Ealy,  
when Edai 600 was tragically gunned down in  his hometown. The rapper, born Cordai Ealy,  

was known for songs like "Six Double O" and  his 2012 remix of "Gucci" with Chief Keef.
was known for songs like "Six Double O" and  his 2012 remix of "Gucci" with Chief Keef.

According to The Source, Police scanner recordings  showed that Edai 600, who had a wife and daughter,  
According to The Source, Police scanner recordings  showed that Edai 600, who had a wife and daughter,  

had been shot in the back multiple times. He  later died after he was taken to the hospital.  
had been shot in the back multiple times. He  later died after he was taken to the hospital.  

SKPop reported that fellow rappers like Young  Dre Money and King Hittz reacted to the news  
SKPop reported that fellow rappers like Young  Dre Money and King Hittz reacted to the news  

on their social media accounts, sharing  their shock and grief with their followers.
on their social media accounts, sharing  their shock and grief with their followers.

In the last few years of his life, Lil  Theze racked up hundreds of thousands of  
In the last few years of his life, Lil  Theze racked up hundreds of thousands of  

views on songs like "Hashtag" and "Gang,"  collaborating with rappers like Bandlife  
views on songs like "Hashtag" and "Gang,"  collaborating with rappers like Bandlife  

Birdy and Daboii. But he made headlines  in 2021 when the 20-year-old rapper was  
Birdy and Daboii. But he made headlines  in 2021 when the 20-year-old rapper was  

shot dead by a retired police officer during a  clash at a gas station in Oakland, California.
shot dead by a retired police officer during a  clash at a gas station in Oakland, California.

The rapper, whose birth name was Desoni Gardner,  
The rapper, whose birth name was Desoni Gardner,  

was shown at the gas station in surveillance  footage published by the San Francisco Chronicle.  
was shown at the gas station in surveillance  footage published by the San Francisco Chronicle.  

At around 1pm, an alleged robbery turned into  a shootout when former law enforcement official  
At around 1pm, an alleged robbery turned into  a shootout when former law enforcement official  

Ersie Joyner took out his gun and fatally  shot Lil Theze. Joyner ended up in hospital.
Ersie Joyner took out his gun and fatally  shot Lil Theze. Joyner ended up in hospital.

"You can see retired captain Ersie Joyner  holding his phone as he's pumping gas  
"You can see retired captain Ersie Joyner  holding his phone as he's pumping gas  

when three men approached him and  appear to shake him down for valuables."
when three men approached him and  appear to shake him down for valuables."

According to the Vallejo Sun, the production  company Star Quality Entertainment was the  
According to the Vallejo Sun, the production  company Star Quality Entertainment was the  

first to break the news on Instagram  after the rapper died on the scene.
first to break the news on Instagram  after the rapper died on the scene.

NPR reported in January 2021 that Double  K, the rapper and producer behind "People  
NPR reported in January 2021 that Double  K, the rapper and producer behind "People  

Under The Stairs", died at 43 years old. He  was a Los Angeles native who had formed a  
Under The Stairs", died at 43 years old. He  was a Los Angeles native who had formed a  

group with fellow rapper Thes One and started  releasing funk-influenced albums in the '90s.
group with fellow rapper Thes One and started  releasing funk-influenced albums in the '90s.

DJ Mark Luv announced the news on Instagram,  sadly telling his followers in a video:
DJ Mark Luv announced the news on Instagram,  sadly telling his followers in a video:

"Today I lost a friend,  Michael Turner, aka Double K."
"Today I lost a friend,  Michael Turner, aka Double K."

He went on to reveal that the rapper  had passed away peacefully in his sleep.  
He went on to reveal that the rapper  had passed away peacefully in his sleep.  

Luv shared some good memories, like  the fact that Double K and his wife  
Luv shared some good memories, like  the fact that Double K and his wife  

had been the ones to help him out  when he was homeless on the streets.
had been the ones to help him out  when he was homeless on the streets.

Chuck D of Public Enemy also showed  his respect for Double K on Twitter,  
Chuck D of Public Enemy also showed  his respect for Double K on Twitter,  

calling him "a great young man" who was  committed to making music. Chuck D tweeted:
calling him "a great young man" who was  committed to making music. Chuck D tweeted:

"Gone too soon. His aunt happened to be a good  friend of mine & he comes from good folk."
"Gone too soon. His aunt happened to be a good  friend of mine & he comes from good folk."

Up-and-coming rapper 18veno, who was born Paul  Harts, was only 19 years old when he was shot  
Up-and-coming rapper 18veno, who was born Paul  Harts, was only 19 years old when he was shot  

and killed in South Carolina. Pitchfork  reported that he was officially pronounced  
and killed in South Carolina. Pitchfork  reported that he was officially pronounced  

dead at the Piedmont Medical Center in Rock  Hill, South Carolina on January 23, 2021.
dead at the Piedmont Medical Center in Rock  Hill, South Carolina on January 23, 2021.

Harts started to find fame in  the world of Southern trap,  
Harts started to find fame in  the world of Southern trap,  

releasing an EP and an album in 2020. 18veno  told Lyrical Lemonade in an interview:
releasing an EP and an album in 2020. 18veno  told Lyrical Lemonade in an interview:

"I grew up on some Gucci Mane, Yo Gotti, Young  Jeezy— that was what my mama played in the car."
"I grew up on some Gucci Mane, Yo Gotti, Young  Jeezy— that was what my mama played in the car."

18veno added that he had been  rapping since third or fourth grade.  
18veno added that he had been  rapping since third or fourth grade.  

He also spoke about how music inspired  him to keep staying out of trouble,  
He also spoke about how music inspired  him to keep staying out of trouble,  

recalling that he, quote, "just had to learn how  to be a grown man" after a few visits to jail.
recalling that he, quote, "just had to learn how  to be a grown man" after a few visits to jail.

In February 2021, Complex reported  that two men had been arrested and  
In February 2021, Complex reported  that two men had been arrested and  

charged in connection to the fatal  shooting. Sheriff Kevin Tolson stated:
charged in connection to the fatal  shooting. Sheriff Kevin Tolson stated:

"After weeks of diligent  investigation, our detectives  
"After weeks of diligent  investigation, our detectives  

believe these are the people responsible  for the unnecessary death of Paul Harts."
believe these are the people responsible  for the unnecessary death of Paul Harts."

Beloved beatboxer and rapper Biz  Markie, often known as the "clown  
Beloved beatboxer and rapper Biz  Markie, often known as the "clown  

prince of hip hop," died in July 2021 due to  complications with diabetes, as NPR reported.
prince of hip hop," died in July 2021 due to  complications with diabetes, as NPR reported.

Biz Markie first became a fixture of  the New York hip-hop scene in the 1980s,  
Biz Markie first became a fixture of  the New York hip-hop scene in the 1980s,  

alongside acts like the Beastie Boys, before  releasing the iconic song, "Just a Friend."
alongside acts like the Beastie Boys, before  releasing the iconic song, "Just a Friend."

"You've got that great voice,  how do they get in there?”
"You've got that great voice,  how do they get in there?”

“You gotta just take it out of my  throat and I gotta give it to them.”
“You gotta just take it out of my  throat and I gotta give it to them.”

[laughter]
[laughter]

According to TMZ, Markie had been hospitalized  several times over the previous year,  
According to TMZ, Markie had been hospitalized  several times over the previous year,  

but was admitted to a hospital  in Baltimore for his diabetes,  
but was admitted to a hospital  in Baltimore for his diabetes,  

where he died with his wife by his  side. A representative stated to TMZ:
where he died with his wife by his  side. A representative stated to TMZ:

"We are grateful for the many  calls and prayers of support  
"We are grateful for the many  calls and prayers of support  

that we have received during this difficult time.
that we have received during this difficult time.

The representative also stated that Biz Markie:
The representative also stated that Biz Markie:

"Created a legacy of artistry that will  forever be celebrated by his industry peers  
"Created a legacy of artistry that will  forever be celebrated by his industry peers  

and his beloved fans whose lives he was able to  touch through music, spanning over 35 years."
and his beloved fans whose lives he was able to  touch through music, spanning over 35 years."

The late rapper is survived by his wife,  
The late rapper is survived by his wife,  

family members and close friends who  will miss his vibrant personality.
family members and close friends who  will miss his vibrant personality.

Lil Loaded was emerging as a viral star for tracks  like "6locc 6a6y" when the 20-year-old rapper  
Lil Loaded was emerging as a viral star for tracks  like "6locc 6a6y" when the 20-year-old rapper  

suddenly died in May 2021. BBC News reported  that the Dallas rapper, whose real name was  
suddenly died in May 2021. BBC News reported  that the Dallas rapper, whose real name was  

Dashawn Robertson, took his own life. His lawyer  confirmed that his death was self-inflicted.
Dashawn Robertson, took his own life. His lawyer  confirmed that his death was self-inflicted.

XXL revealed that Robertson's mother had  discovered her son's body in his home.  
XXL revealed that Robertson's mother had  discovered her son's body in his home.  

She had been alarmed by his emotional state the  previous night, as he had apparently been crying  
She had been alarmed by his emotional state the  previous night, as he had apparently been crying  

over a relationship. Robertson, who was facing  an upcoming trial over manslaughter charges,  
over a relationship. Robertson, who was facing  an upcoming trial over manslaughter charges,  

had cryptically posted a message on his  Instagram story prior to his death that stated:
had cryptically posted a message on his  Instagram story prior to his death that stated:

"I ask for entrance into your  kingdom thru all of my mistakes[.]  
"I ask for entrance into your  kingdom thru all of my mistakes[.]  

I know you love all of your children and I'm  ready for my heart and soul to Join you."
I know you love all of your children and I'm  ready for my heart and soul to Join you."

Lil Loaded also reportedly asked to be forgiven  for his shortcomings from, quote, "the most high."
Lil Loaded also reportedly asked to be forgiven  for his shortcomings from, quote, "the most high."

If you or anyone you know  is having suicidal thoughts,  
If you or anyone you know  is having suicidal thoughts,  

please call the National Suicide Prevention  Lifeline​ at​ 1-800-273-TALK (8255)​.
please call the National Suicide Prevention  Lifeline​ at​ 1-800-273-TALK (8255)​.