Bo$$, best known as the first female MC signed to Def Jam Recordings, has reportedly passed away.
On Monday (March 11), Bun B took to Instagram to share the unfortunate news while paying tribute to the departed in a heartfelt post.
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Next to an image of the Detroit native, who was 54 years old at the time of her passing, he wrote: “Rest in peace to my big sis Lichelle Laws AKA Boss. One of the best female MCs and a dear friend. Give Rick Royal a hug for me. Long Live The Org!”
Jermaine Dupri, Jadakiss, 9th Wonder, Ed Lover, Lloyd Banks and Slim Thug were among the many people who paid their respects under the UGK spitter’s social media share.
Soon after, DJ Premier posted his own homage to his peer and wrote: “Damn! R.I.P. BO$$. 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.”
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He concluded by asking people at the label to help 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 expressed his sorrow on 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$$ TO COME OUT AND SET THE TONE WITH GANSTA RAP IN A LYRICAL HEART FELT WAY,” he wrote.
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“REST IN DETROIT QUEEN & THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING ! @dolldetroit FOR BEING BY HER SIDE WHEN WE ALL FIRST MET IN 1993 IN GARAGE STUDIO WOW.”
Warren G was also distraught by the news, as he shared: “Rip Lichelle aka Bos one of the Dopest females to rap and was a good friend and label mate. #DefJam.”
Born and raised in Detroit, Bo$$ moved to Los Angeles after graduating from high school and immediately began 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 released 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 noting that the album was produced by a number of all-star beatmakers such as Jam Master Jay, MC Serch and Erick Sermon, among others. Additionally, it featured cameos by Onyx, Admiral D, Papa Juggy and more.
Though a cause of death has not yet been revealed, Bo$$ had been struggling with health-related issues in the years leading up to her untimely passing.
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According to a GoFundMe page set up in 2021, she was suffering from renal disease, which rendered her kidneys useless for processing toxins in her body. In 2017, she suffered a major stroke and seizure, following which she was in desperate need of a kidney transplant.
“We are now trying to see if the family can get a specialized procedure for her,” the campaign’s description reads. “The procedure is costly and we wanted to reach out to her extended family, her friends and fans, to ask for assistance with helping her to be blessed with this procedure to help her to get back to her health. The funds are needed as soon as possible to set her up for the procedure.
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“After this procedure she will be on the kidney list for a transplant from a donor, once we receive one. We are humbly requesting your help family. Please give whatever you can. We are grateful for anything that you can do.”
HipHopDX sends its condolences to Bo$$’s family and friends.
