Ted “The Godfather” Devoux — founding member of the legendary West Coast Hip Hop group Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E. — passed away on Sunday (April 29), according to a Facebook post from his fellow T.R.I.B.E. members.
The Carson, California native established the Boo-Ya T.R.I.B.E. in the late ’80s alongside his Samoan brothers Paul, Donald, Roscoe, Danny, David and later Vincent Devoux (who stepped in to fill David’s role once he left).
The first part of the group’s moniker was intended to represent the sound of a shotgun blast, while the acronym in the second half of the name stood for, “Too Rough International Boo-Yaa Empire.”
In 1993, the West Coast gangsta rap pioneers appeared on the Judgment Night soundtrack performing “Another Body Murdered” with Faith No More. Following the news of Devoux’s death, fans of the Mike Patton-led band spoke to FNM bassist Bill Gould who talked about the making of the song.
“We didn’t know the Boo-Yaa guys before we did the collaboration…in fact, we met at the studio. They were all great musicians in their own right, and what was surprising is that we clicked immediately on a musical level. Once the instruments were set up, we proceed to do a probably 30 minute jam, which I have to say was excellent. Sadly, the engineers thought we were just soundchecking.”
So we did another, for probably another 30 minutes straight. It was also really good, maybe not quite the same as the first attempt, but great nonetheless. However, as luck would have it, the producer had forgotten to hit “record”. The music on this soundtrack came from our 3rd attempt, which turned out ok, but sadly probably the least interesting of the three takes.The Godfather was cool, everyone in the band deferred to him, he was definitely a respected leader.”
Over the years, Boo-Ya T.R.I.B.E. has collaborated with Hip Hop artists like Mack 10, Eminem, Layzie Bone and Luniz’ Yukmouth, among others.
Ice-T, Cee-Lo Green, KXNG Crooked, Paul Wall, DJ Rhettmatic of The Beat Junkies, Vinnie Paz, Ras Kass and more all hit social media to send their condolences.
Check out the posts below.
I’ve actually never listened to much of their stuff. Back in the day I had their track “Bang On” with Mack 10 on a burned CD, and about a year ago I discovered their song with Eminem and B-Real, which is pretty sick. I recently read about them because there was some rumor about Wack 100 and Treach getting into it with them in LA, but that’s about the extent of my knowledge. They are more well known on a street level to people in Cali than nationally for their music. RIP to Godfather though, its always sad news when someone passes.
Wack got handled over messing with Treach, allegedly by Kobra
Whoooooo?..
Eat a dick. Stupid ass motherfucker.
New Funky Nation since 90…RIP
can anyone confirm was it hepatitis c?
Some say Aids but i dont think its true
Did not have aids or Hep C. He was ill from a tumor. They took it out but couldn’t recover from it.
Whatevah. I’m just glad he’s dead 😀
Don’t hide behind the blogs. it’s not a good look
You’ll die soon. Hell is waiting for you piece of Shit
Can’t fight hate with hate brotha. That person lacking guidance. Probably not even a girl. Just hiding as one so no one sees how damaged they really are.
Disgusting…no wonda why the world is fucked with trash like u in it
Ahhh, you keyboard gangstas are the worst…
U should shut your mouth n show some respect.
Fuck you Oklahoma white girl trash! I used to live in OKC and it SUCKS just like you evil bitch! Show some respect
Rest In Beats.
the joint they did with Eminem was dope as f*ck
From breakin & enterin,blue city 2 B.Y.T. thanx fo da memoriez….my prayers go out 2 da rest of da tribe. Much luv usos. Karson made us all bounce.232nd
REST IN PEACE BROTHER, YOU WERE THE MOST INFLUENTIAL TO THE WHOLE PACIFIC NATION.
IA MANUIA LOU MALAGA.
It was a honor to have met him once in la habra .. All of them. ..they put on the making of there video …the one with trench …it was at all american bar and grill…i got to sit with them drink beer eat buffalo wings…Even tho boo ya looks gangsta…these are a bunch of great guys who loved the music they played….rest in peace sir….and thank u for the music u gave us
What a bunch of illiterate scum. And you idiots worshiping them. Oklahoma girl is the only one who makes sense in this comment section….
I grew up in Carson,along with Ted.when he started the blue City lockers in Jr high .I was the the white boy that pop locked with them.RIP my friend.