The hip-hop industry has been profoundly impacted by violence, with many talented American rappers losing their lives to murder. These artists shaped the culture, using their music to express the struggles and experiences of their communities. Sadly, their careers were cut short, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the world. Here are 20 American rappers who were tragically murdered.
1. Tupac Shakur (1971–1996)
Tupac Shakur, one of the most iconic figures in hip-hop, was shot multiple times in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas in September 1996. Tupac was known for his socially conscious lyrics, addressing issues like poverty, violence, and inequality. His murder remains one of the most infamous unsolved cases in hip-hop history.
2. The Notorious B.I.G. (Christopher Wallace) (1972–1997)
Only six months after Tupac’s death, Christopher Wallace, better known as The Notorious B.I.G., was gunned down in a similar drive-by shooting in Los Angeles. Biggie’s storytelling ability and his smooth delivery made him one of the greatest rappers of all time. His murder also remains unsolved, contributing to the East Coast-West Coast rivalry narrative that defined the mid-1990s.
3. Nipsey Hussle (Ermias Asghedom) (1985–2019)
Nipsey Hussle was not only a talented rapper but also a community leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for social justice in South Central Los Angeles. In March 2019, Nipsey was shot and killed outside his clothing store, The Marathon. His death shocked the hip-hop community, as Nipsey had been heavily involved in efforts to uplift and rebuild his neighborhood.
4. XXXTentacion (Jahseh Onfroy) (1998–2018)
XXXTentacion, known for his emotionally raw and genre-blending music, was shot and killed in an apparent robbery in Florida in June 2018. At the time of his death, XXXTentacion was rapidly rising in popularity, with his music exploring themes of depression, heartbreak, and trauma.
5. Pop Smoke (Bashar Jackson) (1999–2020)
Brooklyn rapper Pop Smoke was a leading figure in the resurgence of New York drill music. In February 2020, he was shot and killed during a home invasion in Los Angeles. Pop Smoke had just begun to gain international recognition with hits like Dior and Welcome to the Party. His posthumous debut album, Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon, topped the charts after his passing.
6. Big L (Lamont Coleman) (1974–1999)
Big L, one of the most respected lyricists in underground hip-hop, was murdered in Harlem in February 1999. Known for his intricate wordplay and punchlines, Big L had the potential to become one of hip-hop’s greatest stars. His killer was later arrested, but the motive behind the murder remains unclear.
7. King Von (Dayvon Bennett) (1994–2020)
Chicago rapper King Von was fatally shot outside a nightclub in Atlanta in November 2020. Known for his storytelling ability and vivid depictions of life in Chicago’s South Side, King Von had released his debut album just a week before his death. His murder was caught on camera, and his alleged killer was charged.
8. Lil Snupe (Addarren Ross) (1995–2013)
Lil Snupe was only 18 years old when he was shot and killed in Louisiana in 2013, just as his career was beginning to take off. Signed to Meek Mill’s Dream Chasers label, Lil Snupe was known for his freestyle skills and energetic performances. His murder was reportedly over an argument during a video game, highlighting the senseless violence that took his life.
9. Proof (DeShaun Holton) (1973–2006)
Proof, a founding member of D12 and close friend of Eminem, was shot and killed in Detroit in April 2006. His death occurred during an altercation at a nightclub. Proof was a major figure in Detroit’s hip-hop scene and played a crucial role in Eminem’s rise to stardom.
10. Bankroll Fresh (Trentavious White) (1987–2016)
Atlanta rapper Bankroll Fresh was shot and killed outside a recording studio in March 2016. He had been gaining attention with his mixtapes and collaborations with major artists. Although an arrest was made in connection with his murder, no one was convicted, leaving his case unresolved.
11. Young Greatness (Theodore Jones) (1984–2018)
Best known for his hit single Moolah, New Orleans rapper Young Greatness was shot and killed outside a Waffle House in October 2018. His death marked another tragic loss for the New Orleans rap scene, which has seen numerous artists fall victim to gun violence.
12. Chinx (Lionel Pickens) (1983–2015)
Chinx, a rapper affiliated with French Montana’s Coke Boys label, was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in Queens, New York, in May 2015. Chinx had been gaining recognition for his street anthems and collaborations with major artists. His murder remains unsolved, despite years of investigations.
13. Mac Dre (Andre Hicks) (1970–2004)
Bay Area legend Mac Dre was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in Kansas City, Missouri, in November 2004. Known for pioneering the hyphy movement, Mac Dre’s influence on West Coast rap remains significant. His death is still shrouded in mystery, with no arrests made in connection to the murder.
14. Jam Master Jay (Jason Mizell) (1965–2002)
Jam Master Jay, a founding member of the legendary group Run-D.M.C., was shot and killed in his recording studio in Queens in October 2002. Jay’s murder shocked the hip-hop world, as he was seen as a positive figure in the industry. Two suspects were indicted in 2020, nearly two decades after his death.
15. Doe B (Glenn Thomas) (1991–2013)
Alabama rapper Doe B was shot and killed during a nightclub shooting in Montgomery in December 2013. Signed to T.I.’s Grand Hustle label, Doe B was a promising talent whose career was cut short by violence. His killers were later convicted, but the loss of Doe B left a void in the Southern rap scene.
16. Freaky Tah (Raymond Rogers) (1971–1999)
Freaky Tah, a member of the Queens-based group Lost Boyz, was shot and killed in March 1999. Known for his energetic ad-libs and stage presence, Freaky Tah’s murder came at a time when Lost Boyz were experiencing mainstream success. His death was reportedly linked to a dispute within his neighborhood.
17. Jimmy Wopo (Travon Smart) (1997–2018)
Pittsburgh rapper Jimmy Wopo was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in June 2018. Known for his gritty lyrics and street anthems, Wopo was on the verge of signing a major record deal before his untimely death. His murder, like many others in hip-hop, remains unsolved.
18. Big Hawk (John Hawkins) (1969–2006)
Big Hawk, a Houston rap legend and older brother of Fat Pat, was shot and killed in May 2006. His death followed the murder of his brother Fat Pat in 1998, leaving a lasting impact on the Houston rap scene. Big Hawk’s murder remains unsolved, but his contributions to Southern hip-hop are still celebrated.
19. Fat Pat (Patrick Hawkins) (1970–1998)
Fat Pat, another influential figure in Houston hip-hop, was shot and killed in February 1998. Known for his work with DJ Screw and the Screwed Up Click, Fat Pat helped lay the foundation for the Houston rap movement. His death, like that of his brother Big Hawk, is still unresolved.
20. Stretch (Randy Walker) (1968–1995)
Stretch, a close associate of Tupac Shakur, was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in Queens in November 1995. His murder came one year after Tupac was shot in a robbery attempt in New York. The circumstances surrounding Stretch’s death have fueled conspiracy theories, but the case remains unsolved.
Conclusion
The murder of these 20 rappers highlights the ongoing issue of violence within the hip-hop community and the devastating loss of talent it has caused. These artists left behind legacies that continue to influence new generations of rappers, but their deaths serve as a stark reminder of the dangers that many face.
