By Edem Latsu Nukafu
Bo$$, famously known as the first female emcee ever to penned down a deal to Def Jam Recordings, has reportedly passed on.
On Monday (March 11), UGK’s Bun B took to Instagram to disseminate the unfortunate news while eulogizing her and other departed rappers in a heartfelt post.
Next to an image of the Detroit native, who was 46 years old at the time of her passing, he composed: Rest in peace to my big sis Lichelle Laws AKA Boss. One of the best female MCs and a dear friend. Give Rick Royal a hug for me. Long Live The Org!”
Jadakiss, 9th Wonder, Jermaine Dupri,
Ed Lover, Lloyd Banks and Slim Thug were among the many other netizens who paid their respects under the UGK spitter’s IG post.
After a while, DJ Premier shared his tribute to his peer and wrote: “Damn! R.I.P. BO$$. Condolences to your family… We did a dope “Deeper Rmx” @defjam never released.
“Back in 1993 she came to D & D and recut her vocals to my beat. It was so RAW. We had a good session drinking 40’s, puffin Lah and vibing.”
Preemo’s wrapped up by asking people at the label to assist him release said joint and added: “Can someone at Def Jam find that in the Vaults? I want a copy of that Remix. Sleep Peacefully Queen. Shit was mad real.”
DJ Battlecat also articulated his profound sorrow via social media soon after the news began spreading, sharing a montage of the late rapper.
“I HATE POSTING BUT PEOPLE GOT TO KNOW WHO SHE WAS FROM DETRIOT VERY OWN FIRST FIRE INCREDIBLE M.C. BO$$ TO COME OUT AND SET THE TONE WITH GANSTA RAP IN A LYRICAL HEART FELT WAY,” he composed and shared.
Warren G was also hit by this unfortunate news took timw to share: “Rip Lichelle aka Bos one of the Dopest females to rap and was a good friend and label mate. #DefJam.”
● Biography
Birthed and breaded in Detroit, Bo$$ migrated to Los Angeles after graduating from high school and immediately commenced making waves in the local scene. Soon after she was discovered by one of DJ Quik‘s associates, Russell Simmons heard about her and signed her to Def Jam’s West Coast branch.
In 1993, She dropped her only studio album, Born Gangstaz. With hits such as “Recipe of a Hoe,” “I Don’t Give a Fuck,” “Deeper,” “Progress of Elimination” and “Mai Sista Izza Bitch,” the LP went on to reach No. 22 on the Billboard 200 tally and No. 3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
It is also worth knowing that the album was produced by a number of all-star beatmakers such as Jam Master Jay, MC Serch and Erick Sermon, among others.
In addition, it featured cameos by Onyx, Admiral D, Papa Juggy and other artists.
Though a cause of demise has not yet been disclosed, Bo$$ had been battling with health-related issues in the years leading up to her untimely passing.
According to a GoFundMe page set up in 2021, she was suffering from renal ailment, which rendered her kidneys malfunctioning for processing toxins in her digestive system. In 2017, she encountered a major stroke and seizure, following which she was in desperate need of a kidney transplant.
“We are now trying to see if the family can get a specialized procedure for her,” the campaign’s description reads. “The procedure is costly and we wanted to reach out to her extended family, her friends and fans, to ask for assistance with helping her to be blessed with this procedure to help her to get back to her health. The funds are needed as soon as possible to set her up for the procedure.
“After this procedure she will be on the kidney list for a transplant from a donor, once we receive one. We are humbly requesting your help family. Please give whatever you can. We are grateful for anything that you can do.”
Our profound condolences to Bo$$’s family and friends. ‘Hip-Hop is dead’, the entire community is mourning this great loss.
Writer’s email; edemlatsu093@gmail.com
