Rapper Bo$$ has passed away at the age of 54 after a long battle with his health.
Bo$$ dies after health battle
On Monday (March 11), reports surfaced in the hip-hop community that 1990s rapper Bo$$ had died. Her former label, Def Jam Recordings, confirmed the death in an Instagram post on Tuesday (March 12).
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lichelle Marie Laws (Bo$$),” the company's account captioned a photo of the late rapper. “Bo$$ will be remembered as a pioneer in hip hop as she was one of the first female rappers signed to Def Jam in the early 1990s. Our prayers and condolences go out to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Bo$$ was one of the first female rap artists signed to Def Jam — Nikki D was the first. Her debut album was released, Gangstaz was born, in 1993. The album includes her breakout single “Deeper,” which peaked at No. 65 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This would be her only album. He released the mixtapes The Six Million Dollar Mixtape and Doin Everythang in 2004 and 2008, respectively.
Bo$$ has been dealing with major health issues in recent years. In 2021, she set up a GoFundMe page to help pay her medical bills. He was looking for a new kidney after suffering from kidney disease in 2011. In 2017 he suffered from a stroke.
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Rappers pay tribute to Bo$$
Many rappers paid tribute to Bo$$ on social media following the news of her death.
Bun B posted a photo of Bo$$ on Instagram and captioned the photo, “Rest in peace to my big sister Lichelle Laws AKA Boss. One of the best female MCs and a dear friend. Give Rick Royal a hug for me. Long live the Organization!”
DJ Premier also acknowledged the Detroit rapper's passing in a heartfelt IG post.
“Damn! RIP BO$$. Condolences to your family…SALUTE DETROIT! We did a dope release 'Deeper Rmx' @defjamnever. In 1993 she came to D & D and cut her vocals on my beat. She was so DOWN .We had a good time drinking 40's, panting and shaking. Can someone at Def Jam find this in the Vaults? I want a copy of this Remix.
Rest In Peace Queen. S**t was crazy real.”
Read More: Here Are 15 Female Rappers Who Made Hip-Hop History
Check out Def Jam's statement on Bo$$'s death and watch the “Deeper” video below.
