Hip hop is taking a moment today to remember the talents of later rap icon who was a dominant force in his heyday. It was 25 years ago today (March 26) that Eric "Eazy-E" Wright passed away due to complications from AIDS. The Compton rapper had only announced that he was living with the virus just weeks prior, and his death came as a shock to hip hop and beyond.
The N.W.A. icon was reportedly admitted to the hospital for a severe cough in February 1995 and was given his diagnosis. On March 16, he made a public statement. Four days later, he drafted a letter to his fans. On March 26, the 30-year-old rapper had passed away. Since that time there have been conspiracy theories about how Eazy-E contracted HIV/AIDS, but it's believed that he got it from a sexual partner.
Eazy-E's legacy has continued and today, the rapper's son, Lil Eazy-E, shared a touching video that included clips from his father's funeral. Lil Eazy-E wanted to make sure people celebrated the life and legacy of his dad. "25 YEARS," he wrote in the caption. "Man no matter how many years it still hurts but I’m goin to continue to Represent........RIP POPS I LOVE N MISS YOU EVERYDAY OF MY LIFE #Ripeazye #EazyE #compton #25 #Kingofcompton." Check out the tribute below.
View this post on InstagramPop Smoke Celebrated In Lively Brooklyn Procession
Pop Smoke's memory was honoured during a celebration of life in his Brooklyn neighbourhood of Canarsie on Thursday.
Brooklynites gathered together to celebrate the life of the late Pop Smoke during a funeral procession in Brooklyn on Thursday afternoon, two weeks after he was tragically murdered in Los Angeles. Though his family and loved ones held their own private memorial last weekend to say goodbye, folks were able to honour Pop's memory by taking to the streets of his native neighbourhood of Canarsie, beginning their march on 82nd Street and Flatlands. Family, friends, and fans of the late rapper could be seen gathered under a mural of his likeness on 82nd as a horse-drawn carriage rode by with the words "POP SMOKE" engraved on the glass walls, in the signature style of Off White designer, Virgil Abloh.
According to Complex, attendees belted out the lyrics to songs of his like “Welcome to the Party,” “Dior,” and “Shake the Room" that were blasting out of car speakers. Folks could be seen dancing on top of cars and yelling out his signature catchphrase, "Woo!" any chance they got. A man even popped a bottle of champagne while Pop's "Element" played in the streets, before the celebration ultimately came to an end at the corner of 92nd Street and Seaview Avenue. “You would never see this sh*t before Pop Smoke,” a man shouted over the crowd. “We’re united! This is real Brooklyn sh*t.”
Pop Smoke has always been proud to rep Canarsie. In September 2019, while driving through his neighbourhood, he told The New York Times that he made music for the young people who grew up like him and “got to carry their guns to school because it ain’t safe, but they still got to make sure they get they diploma ’cause they mom could be happy.”
50 Cent has announced that Pop Smoke's first posthumous album, which he will be executive producing, is set to be released in May, with features from Roddy Ricch, Drake, Post Malone, and more.
Lakers’ Kobe Bryant Shirts Revealed Ahead Of Memorial Service
Those attending the Lakers' "Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant" at Staples Center will receive memorial t-shirts and programs.
The Los Angeles Lakers will be holding 'A Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant' today, February 24th (2/24), as a nod to the numbers worn by both Gigi and Kobe. Those in attendance at Staples Center will receive a special edition t-shirt and program, both featuring memorable photos taken of the Laker legend and his daughter.
Tickets for today's event were priced at $224 each, two for $224 and $24.02 each, with all proceeds donated to the newly named Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. According to ESPN, more than 80,000 people entered for the chance to purchase tickets but the arena can only hold roughly 20,000. Among those 20,000 will be plenty of Laker legends including Shaquille O'Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, as well as current NBA stars such as Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, Russell Westbrook and James Harden.
Although The Celebration of Life for Kobe & Gianna Bryant will not be shown on any video screens outside Staples Center, the event will air live on local tv stations starting at 10am local time (1pm ET). Live streams of 'A Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant' can also be found on CNN's website, NBA TV, CBS All Access, and BET and its social media platforms.
Kobe & Gianna Bryant’s Memorial To Be Livestreamed By Tidal
Kobe and Gianna Bryant's public memorial service on Monday, February 24th, will be broadcasted over livestream by Tidal.
Tidal has announced that it will be livestreaming Kobe and Gianna Bryant's public memorial service on Monday. The father and daughter have already been laid to rest in a private ceremony in Corona del Mar, California on February 7th, attended only by close friends and family. However, earlier this month, it was announced that a celebration of life would take place at the Staplers Center in L.A. on February 24th, to honour Kobe and Gianna Bryant's memories following their tragic deaths on January 26th. Tickets have been made available for the public to purchase, the net proceeds of which will be donated to charity.
Elsa/Getty Images
On Friday, Jay-Z's streaming service, Tidal, revealed that the whole memorial service will be available for everyone to view livestream on their platform. Even non-subscribers will be able to watch the emotional affair.
"We’re honored to bring the Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant to fans across the globe livestream," Tidal's official Twitter account shared. "Members, as well as non-members, are welcome to tune in on Monday, Feb. 24 at 10AM PT / 1PM ET." The date of the memorial—2-24-20—reflects Kobe and Gianna's jersey numbers, respectively, with "20" representing the number of years Kobe played for the NBA and was married to his wife, Vanessa. The memorial will be available to stream on Monday this link. RIP Kobe and Gianna.
Lexii Alijai Death: Kehlani Shares "Celebration Of Life" Info & Manager’s Statement
Rest in peace, Lexii.
The hip-hop community is shocked after the death of Lexii Alijai, a rising rapper out of Minnesota. The star reportedly passed away on New Year’s Day, affecting her peers greatly and leading many to share their grieving processes online. Kehlani has been taking this hard, featuring the rapper on several of her songs and helping her breakout as an artist. She has been dedicating the last couple of days to honor the life of Lexii and today, she shared information on how to attend her Celebration of Life ceremony, posting all the details on social media.
Fans of Lexii Alijai are invited to celebrate the late 21-year-old’s life with her family and friends in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Taking place tonight and this weekend, there will be several chances to say goodbye to the rapper. A statement was shared by her management.
Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images
“Lexii was an extraordinary talent who left an incredible mark on the music industry in just a short period of time. She was a true lyricist and an exceptional storyteller with an authentic sound full of energy and curiosity. She had a deep love and devotion to music but more than anything, was a generous and kind soul, with an infectious spirit. Lexii was inspired by J. Cole and the time she spent with the many Dreamvile artists and was enthusiastic about the future and eager to see the world. Her debut album ‘Come Back Soon’ was set to release this year.
The entire 1AM family is heartbroken and deeply saddened by her passing. Our deepest condolences to her friends, fans and everyone who was touched by her. Her family appreciates privacy during this difficult time.”
Rest in peace, Lexii. All of us at HNHH are sending love and light to her loved ones.
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