Died On This Date (June 28, 2010) Rammellzee / Influential Hip Hop Musician & Artist
themusicsover 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.
What You Should Own
VL Mike was an up-and-coming rap star from New Orleans. A so-called “gangsta” rapper, he was part of Chopper City Boyz whose debut was released in 2007. VL Mike soon left the group after apparently being at odds with the head of his label. He was set to release his solo debut in April of 2008 when he was shot and killed. His killer has yet to be caught.
Guru was a popular rapper/MC who gained popularity during the early ’90s with Gang Starr. A duo formed with DJ Premier in 1987, Gang Starr signed with EMI Records who released their debut, No More Mr. Nice Guy, in 1989. The group’s effective used of New York swing jazz and hip hop endeared them to fans and critics alike. In 1993, Guru released the brilliant Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 album where he introduced a live jazz band into the hip hop arena. Guests on the album included Branford Marsalis, Donald Byrd and Roy Ayers. Guru had been actively recording and performing up until the time of his death. On February 28, 2010, he suffered a heart attack which resulted in a coma that he eventually awoke from. On April 19th however, he died of cancer at the age of 43.
