rest in peace

Trugoy The Dove Of De La Soul Dead At 54

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Trugoy the Dove of the legendary hip-hop group De La Soul has passed away at age 54, the group’s publicist confirmed. David Jude Jolicoeur previously opened up concerning his congestive heart failure since 2018. Moreover, the Haitan-American MC revealed more about his condition in 2020, on an IG livestream with fellow Soul members Posnodous and Maseo. What’s more is that he ran the De La Instagram account as well, and he thanked fans for their support. De La Soul, and Trugoy as a lyricist, storyteller, and artist, changed the course of hip-hop in the late ’80s and early ’90s.

INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 13: Rapper Trugoy the Dove of the band De La Soul performs onstage during Weekend 1, Day 2 of the 2019 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 13, 2019 in Indio, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Coachella)

Recently, the trio’s social media posts celebrated the upcoming rerelease of their first six studio albums on streaming services. Furthermore, on January 3rd, De La announced the March 3rd release of much of their early catalog. These include 3 Feet High and Rising, De La Soul is Dead, Buhloone Mindstate, Stakes Is High, Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump, and AOI: Bionix. Moreover, they announced the return of these classic projects via their social media pages and official website.

Trugoy the Dove’s Legacy

“3 Feet High and Rising was inspired, maybe just the state that we were in as kids, just not afraid to say, ‘This is me.’ At the same time, it also gave birth to an era, a sound, a style in Hip Hop,” Trugory said during an interview with Ebro Darden. While their music hasn’t reached streaming because of sample clearance issues and shady contract deals, things smoothed out. Following an acquisition of their catalog in 2021, the group’s work will now properly compensate them for their greatness.

Given tracks like “The Magic Number,” “Me Myself and I,” and “Plug Tunin,” Trugoy’s impact on East Coast hip-hop and beyond is indelible. Along with the rest of the Native Tongues collective, they embraced idiosyncrasy, creativity, introspection, and social change in rap. Dave’s work with De La shot the group into the hip-hop hall of fame, with 3 Feet recently inducted into the Library of Congress. While their legacy as a group will forever mark the genre, Trugoy’s voice will continue to resonate with the hearts of so many.
Rest In Peace David Jude Jolicoeur, also known as Trugoy the Dove.

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Eminem’s Stunt Double Ryan Shepard Dead After Car Crash

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Eminem’s stunt double Ryan Shepard passed away in January in Washington following a car accident. Moreover, his brother Kyle told TMZ that an oncoming pickup truck hit Ryan as he tried to cross the street. While emergency responders rushed him to a hospital, they were unable to save him. The late Shepard was 40 years old and is survived by his two children, aged 7 and 11. After his work with Marshall Mathers, he worked at Disney as a mechanical ride engineer and moved to SpaceX as a test automation engineer.

Furthermore, Ryan acted as the Detroit rapper’s stunt double during the 2000s on multiple occasions. For example, he worked on his various visual projects, including films and music videos. Also, he appeared as a photo double and stand-in. Readers may remember Em’s 2002 MTV Movie Awards performance of “Without Me,” during which Shepard played superhero alter-ego Rap Boy. In addition, Ryan joined the “Lose Yourself” star for his Anger Management tour in 2002. Following that, he also participated in shows in Japan and Europe the next year. Also, he appeared in the music video for D12’s “Purple Hills” as Slim Shady’s double.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 05: Inductee Eminem performs on stage during the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Microsoft Theater on November 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

Meanwhile, Eminem spoke on his legacy and his many collaborators during his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction speech. ““I realize what an honor it is right now for me to be up here tonight,” he stated during his speech. “What a privilege it is to do the music that I love– the music that basically saved my life. I almost died from an overdose in 2007, which kind of sucked because — Hailie, plug your ears — because drugs were f**king delicious. And I thought we had a good thing going, man, but I had to go and f**k it all up and take too many.”

While MCs get most of the praise for their careers, they stand on the shoulders of thousands of unnamed collaborators. Whether it’s producers, set designers, caterers, assistants, executives, or more, those connections aren’t easily forgotten. Especially in a career as long, illustrious, and impactful as Eminem’s, let’s remember all the hands and lives that contribute to its legacy.
Rest In Peace Ryan Shepard.

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South African Rapper AKA Fatally Shot

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South African rapper AKA passed away on Friday (February 10) after a shooting in his home country. According to various reports circling around the media, AKA and another unidentified person sustained multiple gunshot wounds outside of a nightclub in Durban. Moreover, police haven’t identified a motive for the shooting, although they gave a bit more details. “I can confirm that two men were killed and one of them is a well-known rapper,” said police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said, per New24. “Police will not [release] any names of the victims yet until a full investigation is completed.”

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA OCTOBER 02: (SOUTH AFRICA OUT) South African rapper AKA during the exclusive launch of AKA Beam World App powered by Vodacom at the Pivot, Montecasino on Johannesburg, South Africa. AKA officially launched his much anticipated personal app in partnership with the mobile communications at an event attended by family, friends and business partners. (Photo by Oupa Bopape/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

AKA, real name Kiernan Forbes, passed shortly after culprits gunned him down near a popular nighttime spot. ALS paramedic Garrith Jamieson spoke to TimesLIVE about what occurred when medical assistance got to the scene. “On arrival, paramedics met total chaos and a scene where two men, believed to be in their late 30s, sustained multiple gunshot wounds,” he stated. “Paramedics assisted the men and unfortunately the first male sustained multiple gunshot wounds and showed no signs of life and declared deceased at the scene.”

Furthermore, paramedics found the second victim in critical condition and were unable to save them. This news is all the more tragic when you consider Forbes had much to look forward to in life. For example, AKA planned to release a new album titled Mass Country on February 24th. Also, his work included collaborations with the likes of Burna Boy and Nasty C during his career. The late rapper lives on through his music and his daughter, Kairo. While he never became the biggest star, he was well on his way to breaking into the U.S. markets. Moreover, Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur recently voice his sadness for the loss and reflected on an interview they did for AllHipHop.

“I cannot believe they took AKA from us,” Jigsaw wrote on Twitter. “He was such good energy. He was one of the few rappers I let my daughter meet when she was young. When he came to the states, I made sure I interviewed him for @AllHipHopcom. He was incredibly dope. #RIPAKA.”
Rest In Peace AKA.

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Tupac Painting From “Baby Boy” That John Singleton Owned Worth $75K

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A painting of Tupac Shakur from the 2001 film Baby Boy costs $75,000, which the late John Singleton left behind. Moreover, Radar Online obtained court documents from his estate on Wednesday (February 1) with an updated list of his assets. If you recall, the director passed away in 2019. However, that Tupac painting isn’t all the film memorabilia in his collection you may recognize. In fact, his estate valued his slew of items and collections at an estimated $156,700.

LOS ANGELES – FEBRUARY 1991: Director John Singleton poses for a portrait in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty Images)

Furthermore, Singleton also owned Baby Boy‘s iconic lowrider bike, worth around $50,000. Also, the estate, run by his mother Sheila Ward, listed an original Boyz n The Hood poster worth $700. In addition, Singleton had 13 director script binders valued at $6,500. Moreover, these include scripts for classics like Poetic Justice, Shaft, Black Snake Moan, and Hustle & Flow. Overall, these items all contribute to the estate’s heft value. However, the collection also includes heaps of classic comic books and seven personal journals. According to the estate, he wrote in these journals during his time producing various movies.

When they valued them at $3,500, the filing indicated the reasoning and history behind that price tag. “[John was] a famous movie director, who had a major impact on the movie industry and movie history,” the filing read. Singleton passed unexpectedly at age 51 in April of 2019 after he suffered numerous strokes. Not only was he the first African-American nominee for Best Director at the Academy Awards, but he was also the youngest. Moreover, the Oscars nominated him for Boyz n The Hood when he was just 24 years old.

“There is not enough that can be said about John Singleton and the profound impact he made in his 51 years of life,” Los Angeles City Council President Herb J. Wesson Jr. stated in a press release. “In a time and in an industry where all the odds were stacked against him, John overcame and became the best at his craft. And more than maybe anyone, he opened people’s eyes to a reality and an experience of South Los Angeles that had been overlooked by society.”

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Gangsta Boo’s Last Music Video Released

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Gangsta Boo’s last music video dropped recently for Drumma Boy’s track “Imma Mack.” Also, the track features the late Boo’s fellow Three 6 Mafia member Crunchy Black and La Chat in the K. Cutta-directed video. While the Southern pioneer’s death shocked the hip-hop world, her hustle was tragically in full swing. Furthermore, she also featured on GloRilla and Latto’s track “FTCU,” which released to much acclaim from fans. Moreover, TMZ Hip Hop obtained exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the video shoot. According to their report, Gangsta Boo was excited about the project and went back to her home of Memphis during Christmas to shoot her contributions.

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MAY 05: Gangsta Boo attends the Grand Opening for My Fish Stop Mississippi Soul Fish North Hollywood at My Fish Stop on May 05, 2022 in North Hollywood, California. (Photo by Maury Phillips/Getty Images)

Overall, you can feel Gangsta Boo’s character, presence, and energy come through in the music video. For example, TMZ footage captured her during the editing process, giving her passionate input with a bottle of Patrón Tequila in hand. Later in the final video, she energetically delivers her verses and enjoys cooking up in the kitchen. “Imma Mack” comes from Drumma Boy’s Welcome to My City Vol. 4. Moreover, the project featured several Memphis rappers spitting together over instrumentals, and served as a regional highlight. In fact, Boo felt very compelled and inspired by the project, given her longstanding and enduring love for her city.

Meanwhile, TMZ spoke to Drumma Boy about the compilation and his excitement surrounding the 20-track album and related endeavors. Overall, the producer had nothing but love for Boo’s participation in the project and her passion. Moreover, he spoke positively on the compilation’s achievement of bringing all these artists together.

Still, the greatness of Gangsta Boo’s music and video presence matched with grief and pain over her tragic passing. Regardless, fans and loved ones reciprocated that same love she has for Memphis at her funeral proceedings last month. Hundreds of mourners paid their respects, with everyone from industry titans to community members in attendance. The Three 6 Mafia icon passed at the age of 43, and authorities haven’t revealed an official cause of death yet. However, many suspect that a drug overdose took her life, although those claims remain in the rumor mill. As always, come back to HNHH for the latest on Gangsta Boo’s legacy and her influence on the hip-hop world.

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Moneybagg Yo Calls For Justice For Tyre Nichols

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Moneybagg Yo took to Instagram to send his prayers to Tyre Nichols’ family and call for justice for his passing. Many protested the Memphis Police Department’s cruelty and will likely continue to do so. Moreover, the Memphis rapper shared a message to the Nichols family and to the city via Instagram.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – JANUARY 12: Moneybagg Yo attends Rap Snacks Disrupt 2023 Feed The Soul: A Conversation On Culture, Community, Family and Creating Wealth at W Fort Lauderdale on January 12, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Ivan Apfel/Getty Images)

“Praying for the family of Tyre Nichols,” the rapper’s post read. “Also praying for our city. #JusticeForTyre.” Also, he captioned it with the same hashtag and added some emojis, including open hands and praying hands.

Moreover, the police department fired five Memphis police officers from their post following a traffic stop. According to the department’s official statement, a “confrontation” occurred during the stop that caused Nichols to flee. Later, a second “confrontation” took place when authorities caught up to him.

“Our son ran because he was scared for his life,” his stepfather Rodney Wells told reporters. “And when you see the video you’ll see why he was scared for his life.”

Furthermore, U.S. President Joe Biden issued a statement on Tyre Nichols’ death.

“Tyre’s family deserves a swift, full, and transparent investigation into his death,” the statement read. “As Americans grieve, the Department of Justice conducts its investigation, and state authorities continue their work, I join Tyre’s family in calling for peaceful protest. Outrage is understandable, but violence is never acceptable. Violence is destructive and against the law. It has no place in peaceful protests seeking justice.”

Also, attorney Ben Crump called footage from the January 7th stop “appalling” in a recent press conference.

“We join Tyre’s family in supporting the Department’s decision to terminate the five officers who brutalized him, ultimately causing his death,” he wrote with fellow attorney Antonio Romanucci. “This is the first step towards achieving justice for Tyre and his family. They must also be held accountable for robbing this man of his life and his son of a father.”

Still, what do you think of Moneybagg Yo’s message of prayers and justice to the family of Tyre Nichols? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, come back to HNHH for the latest updates and tributes regarding this heinous case.

Rest In Peace Tyre Nichols.

Brandon “Boogie B” Montrell Killed In New Orleans Shooting

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Tragedy shocked the comedy world and New Orleans this Christmas Eve. A shooting took place outside a grocery store in the city’s Central Business District, and a stray bullet struck and killed comedian Brandon “Boogie B” Montrell. Authorities believe Montrell was not the intended target. According to reports, he was sitting in his car in a parking lot of Rouses Market on Baronne Street. Moreover, the shooting interrupted Christmas shopping and rush hour traffic.

Afterwards, Montrell’s family released a statement via their attorney to NOLA.com. His mother, Sherilyn Price said, “My son was not just the victim of a stray bullet. He’s the victim of decades of neglect that have left New Orleans’ youth with no hope for a future and with no real fear of consequences.”

Furthermore, police released two surveillance camera photographs of two suspects, along with a getaway car and a woman they’d like to speak to. However, authorities haven’t reported any arrests or further developments in this case. Despite the case’s unclear and shocking nature, the news spread and many shared their condolences to his Instagram page.

“You will be thoroughly missed my beloved brother,” wrote comedian, producer, and Emmy winner Ron C. “Thank you for the great memories. was looking forward to us going on road and watching our dreams come true. Thank you for always supporting me and my family. Love u bro!”

“He was definitely my children’s Santa,” added Mia X, legendary First Lady of No Limit Records.

Boogie B’s career and work brought joy and laughter to so many in his community and beyond. Moreover, he worked to make a name for himself from a young age, when he got his nickname due to his dancing and rapping ability. Furthermore, some of his influences include Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Martin Lawrence, and Rudy Ray Moore.

Later in his career, Montrell would move to the West Coast after finding success in Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York. Also, he starred in Into the Dark, Boosters, and his hit viral show New Orleans Hood History.

Stay tuned to HNHH for the latest in this developing story. Rest In Peace Brandon “Boogie B” Montrell.

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Stephen “tWitch” Boss Allegedly Left Suicide Note

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The world continues to react to the tragic passing of Stephen “tWitch” Boss.

A new report from TMZ indicates that a suicide note was found at the scene of his death.

(L-R) Zaia Boss, Allison Holker, Weslie Fowler, Maddox Laurel Boss, and Stephen “tWitch” Boss attend Illumination and Universal Pictures’ “Minions: The Rise of Gru” Los Angeles premiere. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage)

Law enforcement has allegedly told the tabloid site that the note contains “vague references to issues he had been dealing with.”

On Wednesday (December 14), news began circulating about his death by suicide. The entertainer was only 40 years old.

Boss’ wife, Allison Holker, allegedly rushed to a police station after her husband left the house without his car. His phone was also turned off. She says these circumstances were unusual for the So You Think You Can Dance alumni.

Additionally, sources are telling The New York Post that widespread rumors surrounding the reasoning for his suicide are false.

In a since-deleted Instagram post on Thursday (December 15), actor Columbus Short confusingly shared a theory surrounding the freestyle hip-hop dancer’s death.

“You guys don’t know what people are going through. You know, people made investments, people do a lot of things.. this is just a theory,” he says in the video.

“What if you invested in something that took your whole life savings, possibly? It gets rough,” Short continues afterwards.

In other news, Boss’ grandfather, Teddy, is speaking out about his last words with his grandson.

In their final conversation before his tragic passing, the former DJ for The Ellen DeGeneres Show told his grandpa how much he loved him.

“Every word has meaning. His last words to me were a simple text that says, ‘I love you Dad-Dad.’ Our question is why? Where did it come from?” Teddy told The Daily Mail.

Comment your favorite memory of “tWitch” down below and make sure to stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates.

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