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Emerging from Memphis as a promising new voice in rap, Big Scarr tragically died on December 22, 2022, at just 22 years old. His death was later confirmed to be the result of an accidental overdose involving prescription pills. His ascent in the music industry was rapid after signing with Gucci Mane’s 1017 Records. His debut mixtape, Big Grim Reaper, released in 2021, showcased collaborations with notable artists such as Foogiano, Tay Keith, and Pooh Shiesty. Tracks like “MJ” and the Offset-featured “Fantasy” gained widespread acclaim, paving the way for his follow-up project, Big Grim Reaper: The Return.
Before his untimely death, Big Scarr was preparing to release his debut studio album and was scheduled to join Key Glock on the “Glockoma Tour.” His death prompted an outpouring of grief from the hip-hop community, with Gucci Mane sharing heartfelt tributes on social media. Fellow artists like NLE Choppa, Tay Keith, and BIG30 expressed their sorrow, emphasizing the profound impact he had on the scene.
2. Pop Smoke: The Voice of Brooklyn’s Drill Scene
On February 19, 2020, Pop Smoke was fatally shot during a home invasion in Hollywood Hills. The 20-year-old rapper was at a rented residence when five intruders, reportedly lured by a social media post revealing his location, entered the property. He was confronted and shot multiple times, including in the back, and was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. One of the suspects, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter, received a four-year prison sentence in 2023.
Pop Smoke was instrumental in bringing Brooklyn drill rap to mainstream audiences. His breakout hit “Dior” and collaborations like “Shake the Room” with Quavo established his signature sound. His posthumous debut album, Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon, released in July 2020, featured chart-topping singles such as “What You Know Bout Love,” “Mood Swings,” and “The Woo” featuring 50 Cent and Roddy Ricch. His influence continues to resonate, inspiring a new generation of artists and fans alike.
3. Nipsey Hussle: A Legacy of Entrepreneurship and Music
Nipsey Hussle was tragically shot outside his Marathon Clothing store in Los Angeles on March 31, 2019. The shooter, Eric Holder Jr., was sentenced to 60 years in prison in 2023. Hussle gained recognition through mixtapes like The Marathon and Crenshaw, with the latter famously sold through a unique $100-per-copy campaign backed by Jay-Z. His debut album, Victory Lap, released in 2018, featured hits such as “Last Time That I Checc’d” (featuring YG), “Grinding All My Life,” and “Rap Ngas.”
Beyond his music, Nipsey was celebrated for his entrepreneurial spirit and community activism. He was survived by his children, Emani and Kross, and his partner, actress Lauren London. His death sparked conversations about violence in hip-hop and the importance of artists investing in their communities.
4. Juice WRLD: The Tragic Rise and Fall
On December 8, 2019, just days after celebrating his 21st birthday, Juice WRLD died following a medical emergency at Chicago’s Midway Airport. He suffered a seizure during a federal search of his luggage, which led to his collapse. His girlfriend later revealed that he had ingested Percocet and was battling drug addiction, prompting the administration of Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal drug. Despite regaining consciousness, he was declared dead at the hospital.
Juice WRLD’s music, characterized by emotive lyrics and melodic flows, quickly gained popularity on SoundCloud with hits like “All Girls Are The Same” and “Lucid Dreams.” His debut album, Goodbye & Good Riddance, and subsequent release, Death Race for Love, both achieved commercial success, with the latter debuting at No. 1 on Billboard. His untimely death highlighted the ongoing crisis of mental health and substance abuse among young artists.
5. King Von: A Promising Career Cut Short
On November 6, 2020, King Von was shot and killed outside Atlanta’s Monaco Hookah Lounge at age 26. The incident stemmed from a conflict between his Chicago-based crew and rapper Quando Rondo’s associates. Timothy “Lul Tim” Leeks was initially charged with the murder but was later acquitted after charges were dismissed in August 2023, effectively ending the legal proceedings. His death marked a significant loss to the drill rap scene.
Posthumously, King Von released his second album, Grandson, in July 2023, featuring collaborations with artists like G Herbo, Polo G, and Lil Durk. The project showcased his storytelling prowess and continued to solidify his legacy within the genre.
6. Takeoff: The Tragic End of a Migos Member
On November 1, 2022, Takeoff was shot and killed during a private party at Houston’s 810 Billiards & Bowling. He was attending the event with his uncle and fellow Migos member, Quavo, when an argument over a dice game escalated into gunfire. Takeoff was struck and died at the scene, while two others were injured. The incident was classified as a homicide, with Patrick Xavier Clark charged in connection with the shooting. Clark was released on a $1 million bond.
As a core member of Migos, Takeoff contributed to four studio albums and numerous mixtapes. His solo project, The Last Rocket, released in 2018, and the collaborative album with Quavo, Only Built for Infinity Links, released in October 2022, exemplify his influence and talent within the hip-hop community.
7. Young Dolph: Memphis’s Beloved Rapper
Young Dolph was shot and killed in Memphis, Tennessee, on November 17, 2021, while visiting Makeda’s Homemade Cookies. Witnesses reported that assailants in a white Mercedes-Benz opened fire on him as he prepared for a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway. Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith were indicted on first-degree murder charges but pleaded not guilty in Shelby County Criminal Court.
Born in Chicago and raised in Memphis, Dolph gained fame with tracks like “Preach” (2014) and collaborations such as “Cut It” with O.T. Genasis. His catalog includes popular songs like “Foreva,” “100 Shots,” and “Play Wit Yo’ Bch.” Memphis honored his legacy by renaming a street after him and establishing Dolph Day of Service. His discography includes seven albums and numerous mixtapes, including the 2021 release Dum and Dummer 2 with Key Glock.
8. Mac Miller: A Lasting Influence
Mac Miller’s death on September 7, 2018, left a lasting impact on fans and artists alike. The rapper died from an accidental overdose involving alcohol, cocaine, and fentanyl-laced oxycodone, as confirmed by the LA County Coroner. His former associate, Stephen Walter, was sentenced to over 17 years in prison for supplying the drugs that led to his death.
Hailing from Pittsburgh, Miller gained prominence in the early 2010s, earning a spot on XXL’s Freshman Class of 2011 alongside Kendrick Lamar and Meek Mill. His breakthrough mixtape, K.I.D.S., featured hits like “Nikes On My Toes” and “The Spins.” His final album, Swimming, released shortly before his passing, was certified double platinum in 2023, with tracks like “Self Care” and “Come Back to Earth” resonating deeply with fans. His legacy endures through posthumous releases and reissues, keeping his influence alive in the industry.
9. Speaker Knockerz: A Promising Talent Lost
Speaker Knockerz was found dead at age 19 in his Columbia, South Carolina home on March 6, 2014. Rising to fame with viral hits like “Lonely” and “Freak H,” which amassed hundreds of millions of views on YouTube, he initially gained recognition as a producer before releasing his own projects, including Married to the Money. His tracks “Money,” “Flexin & Finessin,” and the “Rico Memoir” trilogy became staples of his catalog.
Initially believed to have died from a heart attack caused by codeine syrup overdose, his mother later clarified in a 2023 interview that this was not the case. Since his passing, artists such as Soulja Boy, Kevin Gates, Lil Tecca, and OhGeesy have paid homage to his talent and influence, cementing his legacy despite his brief career.
10. XXXTENTACION: A Controversial Icon
On June 18, 2018, XXXTENTACION was shot and killed during a robbery outside a dealership in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Three men-Michael Boatwright, Dedrick Williams, and Trayvon Newsome-were convicted of first-degree murder and armed robbery. The incident occurred as the 20-year-old artist was leaving RIVA Motorsports, where he was ambushed, shot, and robbed of $50,000 in cash.
He gained fame with his 2015 viral hit “Look at Me,” which was certified five times platinum in 2023. His 2018 album, ?, debuted at number one on Billboard, with singles like “SAD!” reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Posthumous releases, including Skins and Nasty Vibes, continue to influence the genre and spark discussions about mental health and violence in the industry.
11. Lil Keed: A Rising Star’s Tragic End
Lil Keed died at age 24 from eosinophilia, a rare blood disorder, as reported by the LA County Medical Examiner. His health rapidly declined after seeking hospital care in 2022 for severe abdominal pain, leading to multiple organ failures. Prior to his death, he released his second studio album, Trapped On Cleveland 3, which received positive reviews and featured collaborations with artists like Lil Toddler and Travis Scott.
He had previously gained recognition with hits such as “Anonymous” and “HBS,” and appeared on YSL’s Slime Language 2 compilation. His collaborations with artists like Gunna and Mountainous Sean further showcased his rising prominence in the trap scene.
12. PnB Rock: A Tragic Loss at a Popular Eatery
PnB Rock was fatally shot during a robbery at a Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘N Waffles in Los Angeles on September 12, 2022. He was dining with his girlfriend, Stephanie Sibounheuang, when assailants targeted him for his jewelry. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital. The suspects, Freddie Lee Trone and his son, were charged in connection with the crime, which shocked fans and the hip-hop community alike.
He first gained recognition with his 2014 mixtape Real Nga Bangaz and later achieved commercial success with singles like “Fleek” and “Selfish,” which reached No. 51 on Billboard’s Hot 100. His inclusion in XXL’s 2017 Freshman Class alongside artists like XXXTENTACION and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie underscored his rising influence in the genre.
13. Absorbing: A Talented Artist Gone Too Soon
Signed to Gucci Mane’s 1017 Records, Absorbing died at age 26 in 2024 due to an accidental overdose involving oxycodone and benzodiazepines-medications typically prescribed for anxiety and depression. Her death sparked tributes from former collaborators and fellow artists such as Gloss Up, Kaliii, Monaleo, and Gucci Mane, who praised her talent and potential. Just two years prior, she had released her debut album, No Luv, which was followed by a deluxe edition, Luv Scarred / No Luv.
14. Foolio: A Life Marked by Violence
Foolio’s career was tragically cut short in June 2024 when he was shot multiple times while celebrating his 26th birthday in Tampa, Florida. The incident resulted in his death and injuries to three others. Investigations led to the arrest of Davion Murphy in January 2025, identified as the primary suspect, along with other individuals linked to the crime. Foolio’s lyrics often reflected his experiences with violence and mortality, emphasizing the dangerous environment he navigated throughout his life.
He had previously spoken openly about multiple attempts on his life and the constant threats he faced, making his death a stark reminder of the perilous realities many artists endure.
15. OG Maco: A Life of Challenges and Creativity
OG Maco died in December 2024 at age 32 after sustaining a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His manager, Poppa Perc, confirmed that the incident was a suicide attempt. Known for his breakout hit “U Guessed It,” OG Maco was among the first artists signed to Quality Control Music and gained recognition in 2014. His career was marred by personal struggles, including the loss of a close friend in a car accident in 2016 and a diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis, a severe skin disease, in 2019.
Despite these hardships, he continued to produce music and even founded his own label, Originality Properties Greatness, which signed acts like Doja Cat. His life was a testament to resilience amid adversity, and his death marked the end of a complex but influential career.
16. Rich Homie Quan: A Legacy of Impact
One of the defining voices of the 2010s hip-hop scene, Rich Homie Quan passed away at age 34 in September 2024, with his death attributed to an accidental overdose. His early hits, including “Type of Way,” “Life,” and the triple platinum “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh),” established him as a prominent figure in Atlanta’s trap movement. His debut album, Rich As In Spirit, and subsequent projects showcased his unique style and storytelling ability.
Following his death, numerous artists such as Boosie Badazz, Jacquees, Playboi Carti, and Quavo paid tribute, emphasizing his influence and the void left in the industry. His father, Corey Lamar, shared that he was in the midst of completing a 20- to 25-song project and was preparing to shoot new videos before his untimely passing, underscoring the potential that was lost.
