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While 2021 found Hip-Hop fans saying goodbye to icons like DMX and fan favorites such as Young Dolph, 2022 has resulted in even more rappers losing their lives.
As the year comes to a close, the culture can’t help but remember the several MC’s who have passed away over the last 12 months, including Takeoff, Coolio, PNB Rock and others.
From Hip-Hop legends to all-star rookies, pay respects to every rapper who lost their lives this year below.
Snootie Wild
Born LePreston Porter, Memphis rapper Snootie Wild was shot in Houston on February 25, 2022, and succumb to his injuries on the 27th after two days of fighting for his life. He was 36 years old.
“Gone in body, but your NAME & LEGACY will live forever!” expressed the rapper’s Instagram page at the time.
DJ Kay Slay
While not a rapper, DJ Kay Slay’s presence within Hip-Hop has truly been missed since he passed away on April 17 following a battle with COVID-19. The DJ, born Keith Grayson, was 55 years old.
Lil Keed
YSL rapper Lil Keed, born Raqhid Jevon Render, died May 13, his brother confirmed on Instagram at the time. He was 24 years old.
While the circumstances surrounding his death were unclear for months, his mother took to Instagram Dec. 14 to clarify, “Today, we’ve confirmed that Raqhid died from natural causes with no drugs or alcohol found in his system.”
Trouble
Atlanta rapper Trouble, born Mariael Orr, was shot and killed outside of an apartment complex June 5 at the age of 34.
Jamichael Jones turned himself in for the crime and is currently facing murder, aggravated assault, battery and home invasion charges for Orr’s death.
Pat Stay
Battle rapper Pat Stay, born Patrick Stay, died September 4 at the age of 36 after being fatally stabbed in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The MC was remembered by several industry artists, including Eminem and Royce Da 5’9″.
PnB Rock
Philly native PnB Rock, born Rakim Hasheem Allen, was shot and killed at a South Los Angeles Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles restaurant on September 12. He was 30 years old.
Lotta Cash Desto
Memphis up-and-comer Lotta Cash Desto, born Destinee Govan, was shot and killed in Houston on Sept. 24. She was 25 years old.
Rapper and mentor Lil Uzi Vert attended the young star’s funeral and spoke on his disbelief in losing the artist.
“I ain’t even gon’ lie, but this don’t even feel real to me. I’m just gon’ be real.”
Coolio
Hip-Hop veteran Coolio was found dead Sept. 28 at a friends home, where he was discovered lying on the bathroom floor. The “Gangsta’s Paradise” artist and father of 10 was 59 years old.
Takeoff
Migos member Takeoff, née Kirsnik Khari Ball, was shot and killed in Houston in the early morning hours of Nov. 1. He was 28 years old.
Patrick Xavier Clark, the alleged triggerman in Takeoff’s killing, has been arrested and is currently looking to clear his name via a private investigator.
Tame One
New Jersey rapper and The Artifacts member Tame One, real name Rahem Brown, was pronounced dead on Nov. 6, with his mother confirming the unfortunate news via Facebook.
“I can’t express this any other way,” she said. “My son, Rahem Brown, Tamer Dizzle, is dead. The medical examiner says the six pharmaceutical drugs that Trinitas hospital prescribed to him last Friday, combined with the weed he smoked over this weekend…his heart simply gave out.”
He was 52 years old.
Hurricane G
Born Gloria Rodriguez, Brooklyn rapper Hurricane G also passed away on Nov. 6. at the age of 52.
The MC’s daughter revealed months prior that the legend was battling stage 4 lung cancer, which was ultimately her cause of death.
Grand Daddy I.U.
Rapper Grand Daddy I.U., née Ayub Bey, passed away Dec. 13 at the age of 54. According to producer Pete Rock, the Hip-Hop icon transitioned “peacefully in his sleep.”
