Died On This Date (August 27, 1987) Scott La Rock / Boogie Down Productions

Scott “La Rock” Sterling
March 2, 1962 – August 27, 1987

larockjpgScott “La Rock” Sterling was a social worker and DJ when he met rapper KRS-One in 1986.  The two along with D-Nice, formed rap group Boogie Down Productions in 1986.  The group helped usher in what would later be called gansta rap with their gritty songs that married dancehall reggae with hip hop. Their debut hit album, Criminal Minded is considered a cornerstone of the genre.   Scott Sterling died in a hospital operating room shortly after being shot by alleged hoods in the South Bronx.  He was just 25.

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By All Means Necessary - Boogie Down Productions

Died On This Date (2009) Titus Glover aka Baatin / Rapper In Slum Village

Baatin (Born Titus Glover)
March 8, 1974 – July 31, 2009

baatinComing to prominence in the Detroit’s underground rap scene of the ’90s, Baatin was part of the popular rap group, Slum Village.  The group released several albums throughout its career, including a couple for Capitol Records.  Baatin left the group in 2002 due to undisclosed health reasons.  He passed away at the age of 35 on July 31, 2009.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

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Trinity (Past, Present and Future) - Slum Village

Died On This Date (July 21, 2008) K-Swift / Popular Baltimore Hip Hop DJ

K-Swift (Born Khia Edgerton)
October 19, 1980 – July 21, 2008

kswift2Khia Edgerton, aka DJ K-Swift was a popular Baltimore area DJ.   She died after fracturing her neck in what was ruled a swimming accident when she dived into her backyard pool.  Edgerton first interned at local radio station 92Q, while in college, and soon went to work for them full time.  In 1998, she began co-hosting a program which became Baltimore’s highest rated radio show.  Edgerton was also a popular draw at the local clubs and owned her own label, graphics company and management company.  She was 27 when she died.



Died On This Date (July 15, 1990) Trouble T Roy / Heavy D & The Boyz

Trouble T Roy (Born Troy Dixon)
October 19, 1967 – July 15, 1990

Trouble T at far left

Trouble T Roy was a hip-hop dancer best known for his work with Heavy D & the Boyz for three years during the late ’80s.  While on tour with the group in July of 1990, Trouble T Roy accidentally fell from a theater balcony while horsing around with other members of the group.  He died at an area hospital from his head injuries.  He was just 22.  Heavy D passed away in 2011.


Died On This Date (June 28, 2010) Rammellzee / Influential Hip Hop Musician & Artist

Rammellzee
1960 – June 28, 2010

Rammellzee was a popular and influential New York City based performance artist, sculptor, graffiti artist, and hip hop singer.  His vocal style, which dates back to the early ’80s, is said to have influenced the likes of the Beastie Boys and Cypress Hill.  He released several records, though under different monikers, throughout his career, and had collaborated with Buckethead of Guns ‘N Roses fame.  Rammellzee was 49 when he died on June 28, 2010.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

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The Bi-Conicals of the Rammellzee - The Rammellzee