Rapper Bo$$ has died at the age of 54 after a lengthy health battle.
Bo$$ dies after health battle
On Monday (March 11), news broke in the hip-hop world that 1990s rapper Bo$$ had passed away. Her former label, Def Jam Recordings, confirmed her death in an Instagram post on Tuesday (March 12).
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lichelle Marie Laws (Bo$$),” the label’s account captioned a photo of the late rapper. “Bo$$ will be remembered as a hip-hop pioneer who was one of the first female rappers to sign with Def Jam in the early 1990s. Our prayers and condolences go out to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Bo$$ was one of the first female rap artists to sign with Def Jam – Nikki D being the first. She released her debut album Born Gangstaz in 1993. The album included her breakthrough single “Deeper”, which peaked at No. 65 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. That would be her only album. She released the mixtapes “The Six Million Dollar Mixtape” and “Doin Everythang” in 2004 and 2008 respectively.
Bo$$ has experienced significant health issues in recent years. In 2021, she set up a GoFundMe page to help with medical expenses. She has been looking for a new kidney since she developed kidney disease in 2011. In 2017, she suffered a stroke.
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Rapper pays tribute to Bo$$
After news of Bo$$’s death broke, multiple rappers paid tribute to her on social media.
Bun B posted a photo of Bo$$ on Instagram with the caption: “RIP my sister Lichelle Laws (aka The Boss). She was one of the best female MCs and a dear friend .Give me a hug Rick Royal. Long live the organization!”
DJ Premier also acknowledged the Detroit rapper’s passing in a heartfelt IG post.
“Damn it! RIP BO$$. Condolences to your family… Hats off to Detroit! We posted a great ‘Deeper Rmx’ @defjamnever. She came to D&D back in 1993, and re-edited her vocals to my beat. RAW. We had a great time drinking 40, puffin Lah and vibing. Can someone from Def Jam find this in the Vaults? I’d like a copy Copy of Remix.
The queen sleeps peacefully. It’s so crazy. “
Read more: Here are 15 female rappers who made hip-hop history
See Def Jam’s statement regarding Bo$$’s death and watch her video for “Deeper” below.
