Rappers We've Lost in 2019 So Far

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.

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.”

Watch the video to pay respects to the rappers who died in 2019 so far.

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