1990’s Hip Hop Heroes Are Dying Before They Reach The Age Of 50.

Click to the 1:03 mark to hear Professor Griff talk about rappers dying in their 40’s

Go to the 5:55 mark to hear Greg Nice talk about rappers passing away in their 40’s

It was pointed out that emcees such as Guru, Big Syke, Heavy D, and Phife Dawg all died in their 40’s. We also lost people like Sean Price  and Hip Hop crooners Nate Dogg and Johnny P before they reached the age of 50.  These people were all prominent figures in the  1990’s Hip Hop movement that I grew up in. In my opinion, this time frame was the “Golden Era” of Hip Hop.  Depending on your age, the timeline  of the Golden Era varies. But for me, 1988-1998 was the pinnacle for innovation, fashion and progression in Hip Hop. So to hear that my “rap heroes” are passing away, not only hurts from a fan perspective; it also makes me question my own mortality.

I will be turning 40 years old real soon, and to see people who I looked up to, die around the same age as me is scary. The invincible bravado I once had in my youth has faded into concern.  The rap lyrics of some of these brothers were the fuel that ignited that invincible feeling as a youth. Not so coincidently, their demise has been the symbolic representation of my fear. 

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