KMG of gold-selling rap group Above The Law has passed away. Long-time friend Kokane tweeted ”1 of the greatest MCz on da West has passed! My heart hurt so bad! On my life, I will keep his legacy Alive!! I’ll miss U forever… RIP KMG” (via Hip Hop DX)
VICE: How To Grow Up In Long Beach
“I met Snoop through church when we was like 13 or 14. You know, they had them little church picnics and basketball games, and that’s where I got to know him. I remember him as being a real cool dude who was always trying to out-freestyle everybody. I just did what I did: I started writing raps but I sung them instead because I was in the choir.”
An article from the archives; Nate Dogg speaks to Vice about the hotspots in Long Beach and growing up in the city with Snoop and Warren G.
Jay Dee, born James D. Yancey, was one of the few artists whose records were bought on sight, played until digested and then discussed among fans and critics (usually on Okayplayer), where an entire legion of Dilla devotees lurks). He kept hip-hop relevant long after many of its greatest heroes had left it for dead, at least creatively. There are many talented beat-makers and producers, but there will only be one Jay Dee.
Great article from the archives on Dilla.
Camu Tao (1977-2008) (Pictured above with Aesop Rock)
Born: Tero Smith
Repped: Columbus, OH
Cause of death: Lung cancer
Albums: Table Scraps (with MHz - 2001), Nighthawks (with The Nighthawks - 2002), Smashy Trashy (with SA Smash - 2003), Blair Cosby’s Cape Cod (Going For De Gold) (2004), Blair Cosby II: The Wali Era (2004), Blair Cosby’s Cereal Carpens ‘97 Season (2006), Forever Frozen In Television Time (with Central Services - 2010), King Of Hearts (2010)
Most known for: Working with Cage, El-P & The Weathmen.
“Camu was, in one way or another, one of the most important creative forces and inspirations to almost everyone associated with him. He was a wild soul. He was a genius who never got the chance to see his dreams come to fruition. Camu’s passing is a constant reminder to me to follow the path I need to in my life and to try my best to let go of some of the petty stresses and conflicts that at one time seemed relevant but now feel like child’s play.” - El-P
Buff Love, The Human Beatbox (1967-1995)
Born: Darren Robinson
Repped: Brooklyn, NY
Cause of death: Heart attack
Albums with The Fat Boys: Fat Boys (1984), The Fat Boys Are Back (1985), Big & Beautiful (1986), Crushin’ (1987), Coming Back Hard Again (1988), On And On (1989), Mack Daddy (1991)
Best known for: “Human Beat Box” (1984)
“He would come to my door and be like “Mark you hold this stack, don’t worry about it, things are going to be better.” “ Yo Mark, you got nothing to eat, I’m on the way to your house right now. I got two buckets of KFC and I’m bringing you some money.” “Yo Mark, if you need anything come check me out.” Buff was the guy that was there for me always. He had the biggest heart in the world, he was a sweet guy and I miss him to death. That’s my brother.” - Prince Markie Dee, fellow member of the Fat Boys
