As the year comes to a close, it is important to recognize and acknowledge the artists that we lost over the past 365 days. Even though they are gone, because of their music and contributions to popular culture, they will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.
Here (in alphabetical order) are a list of notable music figures that passed away in 2015. AllHipHop.com sends our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and fans of all those that are no longer here.
ASAP Yams: He was an integral part in ASAP Mob’s rise to stardom, but in March, at the age of only 26, he passed away as a result of drug intoxication.
Errol Brown: The 1975 classic “You Sexy Thing” is a record by the funk band Hot Chocolate. Errol Brown was the lead singer of the group and he died in May at his home in the Bahamas from liver cancer.
Chinx: He was a signee of French Montana’s Coke Boys label. But after getting shot, he died from his wounds on May 17.
Andraé Crouch: After suffering a heart attack in January, the man who is widely regarded as the “Father of Modern Gospel Music” died. In addition to gospel, he also collaborated with other notable music legends such as Elton John, Quincy Jones, and Stevie Wonder.
Dex Osama: The Detroit rapper was growing in popularity and had even received co-signs from the likes of Meek Mill and Dej Loaf. Unfortunately, he was shot and killed outside a gentlemen’s club in the Motor City in September.
DJ AJ: He was the DJ for Kurtis Blow and Busy Bee. And Kurtis even gave him props in the 1984 record, “AJ Scratch.” He passed away in September from an undisclosed illness.
Wendell Holmes: As one half of gospel duo The Holmes brothers, he and his brother Sherman released upwards of 10 albums. Wendell’s cause of death earlier this year was bladder cancer.
Hussein Fatal: He is most notable for his work with 2Pac and his contributions as a member of The Outlaws. He passed away on July 10 after being involved in a car accident in Georgia.
The Jacka: In his lifetime, the Left Coast rhymer released over 13 LPs (and that’s just as a solo artist, not counting his work with Mob Figuz). Sadly, he was fatally shot in Oakland in February.
B.B. King: At the age of 89, blues legend B.B. King died in Nevada this past May. The iconic guitar player’s impact can’t be overstated. Therefore, it’s no surprise that he is often referred to as the “King of Blues.”
Koopsta Knicca: Koopsta was best known as a member of Three Six Mafia. Additionally though, he did drop a notable solo project called Da Devil’s Playground. After suffering from a brain aneurysm and stroke, he was placed on life support. After the life support was removed, he died on October 9th.
Charmayne Maxwell: As a result of an accident in her home in March, this member of the Grammy-Award nominated R&B group Brownstone died. The group is most notable for hits such as “Pass the Lovin’” and “If You Love Me.”
Sean Price: Price not only made an impact as a member of the Boot Camp Clik and half of Heltah Skeltah, his solo efforts also made him a true force to be reckoned with in the Hip-Hop community. Tragically, just days before the release of his Songs in the Key of Price album, he died in his sleep.
Pumpkinhead: While receiving surgery on June 9, the “Dynamic” rapper from Brooklyn died.
Percy Sledge: The “When a Man Loves a Woman” singer passed away at the age of 73 in May.
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