Died On This Date (February 21, 2013) Kenny Clutch / Oakland Rapper

Kenny Clutch (Born Kenneth Cherry Jr.)
DOB Unknown – February 21, 2013

kenny-clutchMember of the 27 Club

Kenny Clutch was an up-and-coming rapper from Oakland, California.  He had recently moved to Las Vegas where he was releasing music videos on youtube in order to build a following.  In the early hours of February 20, 2013, Kenny Clutch was apparently involved in an altercation that resulted in being fired upon by occupant(s) of another vehicle on the Las Vegas Strip.  The shooting reportedly lead to a fiery collision involving Clutch and a taxi cab.  The driver of the cab, identified as Michael Bolden, and a passenger were killed in the explosion.  Four other vehicles were apparently damaged as the alleged assailant fled the scene in his or her car.  In all, six others, besides those killed, were injured.  It was not immediately clear if Clutch was killed by gunshot or the resulting crash.  Kenny Clutch was 27 years old when he died.

Died On This Date (February 14, 2014) Tim Dog / Popular East Coast Rapper

Tim Dog (Born Timothy Blair)
January 1, 1967 – February 14, 2013

tim-dogStraight outta the Bronx, Tim Dog was not shy about proclaiming his disdain for West Coast rap with his 1991 hit, “Fuck Compton.”  The popular N.W.A.-targeting “diss” song appeared on his 1991 debut, Penicillin on Wax and sparked wax responses from the likes of DJ Quik, Compton’s Most Wanted, and Dr. Dre among others.  The song ultimately landing on XXL Magazine’s Top 25 Diss Tracks Of All Time. Dog followed up with Do Or Die two years later along with two other albums in the mid 2000s.  Earlier in his career, Dog recorded with Ultramagnetic MCs as well as Ultra with Kool Keith.  On the business side, Dog held high-ranking positions at Rap Legends Recordings, Our Turn Records, Big Xity Entertainment, and BMC Management.  In 2012, Dog was the subject of a Dateline NBC episode due to his 2011 involvement in an online dating scam for which he was sentenced to five years probation.  On February 14, 2013, Tim Dog died from a seizure reportedly triggered by a long battle with diabetes.  He was 46.

What You Should Own

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Click to find at amazon.com



Died On This Date (October 26, 2012) Natina Reed / American Rapper & Singer; Member of Blaque

Natina Reed
October 28, 1979 – October 26, 2012

Natina Reed was a Queens, New York born singer and rapper who is best remembered as one-third of the popular R&B singing group, Blaque.  Formed in 1999, the group, which also included Shamari Fears and ultimately, Brandi Williams, the group caught the ear of TLC’s Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes who signed them to a production deal.  Lopes became a mentor to Reed.  Blaque went on to release three albums with Reed contributing her raps to hits like “Bring It All To Me,” “Can’t Get It Back,” and “808.”  In all, the group charted five singles in the US through 2004 when the group split up after Reed joined a ministry.  Reed reunited with Blaque in later years, while Reed dabbled in acting.  She also began work on a solo album.  On October 26, 2012, Reed was struck and killed by a vehicle as she walked across a street near her home.  Early reports indicate that it was an accident, and that the drivers of the vehicle cooperated with the police.  No charges were initially filed.  Natina Reed was  32 when she passed away.

Thanks to Harold Lepidus at the Bob Dylan Examiner for the assist.

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com

Blaque

Died On This Date (September 3, 2013) Matthew Africa / Popular San Francisco Disc Jockey

Matthew Africa
DOB Unknown – September 3, 2012

Matthew Africa was a popular hip-hop DJ in the San Francisco bay area.  Africa began building his following after he joined U.C. Berkeley radio station, KALX-FM.  Over a career that spanned some 20 years, he was revered for his ability to find rare soul and hip-hop vinyl nuggets and introduce them to his audience.  He went on to become a popular club, party, and event DJ while fans gobbled up his mix tapes.  In recent years, Africa could be heard on AllDayPlay.fm.  He also worked as an intellectual property attorney.  On September 3, 2012, Matthew Africa and his wife, Ha Le were driving home from Yosemite when, for unknown reasons, he reportedly lost control of his car and ultimately collided with a big rig.  While his wife was flown to a hospital with major injuries, Africa died from his injuries at the scene.  He was 40.


Died On This Date (August 30, 2013) Chris Lighty / Managed 50 Cent, Diddy, Mariah Carey, Ja Rule

Chris Lighty
DOB Unknown – August 30, 2012

Chris Lighty was a respected artist manager who counted Sean “Diddy” Combs, Mariah Carey, Ja Rule and 50 Cent as clients.  Raised in New York City, Lighty landed his first significant gig in 1988 with Russell Simmon’s Rush Management.  After learning the ropes and building a solid reputation as a man who could build brands, Lighty formed Violator Management.  His early roster included Busta Rhymes, L L Cool J, and Missy Elliott.  Before long, Lighty was representing some of the biggest names in entertainment, and while doing so, becoming one of the most significant business forces in rap history.  Chris Lighty reportedly died from a self-inflected gunshot wound at his home on August 30, 2012. He was 44.

Thanks Kelly Samojlik at New Releases Now for the assist.