Richard Shaw — better known by his rap moniker Bushwick Bill — may have been born with dwarfism, but his presence was larger than life. Sadly, the Geto Boys MC passed away at a Houston hospital on Sunday (June 9), roughly four months after he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He was 52.
Alongside Scarface, Willie D and the late DJ Ready Red, the Kingston-born artist laid the foundation for the horrorcore genre with their dark lyrics and ominous tones.
In the early ’90s, the Geto Boys were propelled to national recognition following the release of their 1991 album, We Can’t Be Stopped, which spawned the massive single,”Minds Playing Tricks On Me.” The track peaked at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and landed at No. 1 on the U.S. Hot Rap Songs chart.
The We Can’t Be Stopped cover art depicted a photo of Bushwick being rushed into surgery moments after he accidentally shot himself during an argument with his girlfriend. Unfortunately, the incident cost Bushwick his right eye.
On the flip side, the graphic and controversial image equated to more album sales, and the project was eventually certified platinum by the RIAA in 1992.
The 3-feet, 8-inch tall rapper released six solo albums during the course of his career and is considered a bona fide legend by countless fans and peers alike.
Hip Hop came out in droves to mourn the loss of Bushwick — from Snoop Dogg, Warren G and Naughty By Nature to Cypress Hill, Busta Rhymes and Erick Sermon.
Check out the reactions below.
It was time RIP Getoboy Bush
They should come out in Masses for Bill like with Nipsey And even more so! And I only say that due to his long time in the game, being part of the foundation of Southern Rap and all the odds he defied. He deserves a Memorial Service on the levels of Pac and Biggie!
Just saying.
Why you say that?
Nipsey was mainly for what he did for his direct community and the way he died. That was the main reason.
I’m not going to comparing Buswick Bill to Nipsey Hussle but I whole heartily agree with you. Houston, TX should do something for him.
very well you music
Damn…
Peel back all the layers and what you have there is a very social and nice dude. RIP
Such a unique voice and persona which will NEVER be duplicated. R.I.P Little Big Man stay grippin with Ready Red on that other side. Peace to the whole Rap A Lot Geto Boys fam…