Detroit rap legend Bo$$, Def Jam Records’ first female rap signee, reportedly passed away at 54.
Born Lichelle Marie Laws, Hip Hop received word of her passing by Bun B in an Instagram post on Monday (March 11). With a photo of the late rapper, Bun captioned: “Rest in peace to my big sis Lichelle Laws AKA Boss. One of the best female MCs and a dear friend. Give Rick Royal a hug for me. Long Live The Org!”
As of press time, the cause of death has not been determined; however, she had a history of health problems. In 2021, a GoFundMe page shared she suffered from renal disease, which rendered her kidneys ineffective.
Bo$$ signed with Def Jam’s West Coast division and released her only album, Born Gangstaz, in 1993. Best known for the DJ Quik-produced track “Mai Sista Izza B___H,” her album included the classics “Recipe of a Hoe,” “I Don’t Give a F__k,” “Deeper,” and “Progress of Elimination.”
Born Gangstaz reached #22 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Warren G and DJ Premier among other hip-hop legends expressed sympathy to the family and fans on social media.
DJ Premier wrote: “Damn! R.I.P. BO$$. Condolences to your family… We did a dope “Deeper Rmx” @defjam never released. Back in 1993 she came to D & D and recut her vocals to my beat. It was so RAW. We had a good session drinking 40’s, puffin Lah and vibing…Can someone at Def Jam find that in the Vaults? I want a copy of that Remix. Sleep Peacefully Queen. S__t was mad real.”
Warren G added: “Rip Lichelle aka Bos one of the Dopest females to rap and was a good friend and label mate. #DefJam.”
Rest In Peace Bo$$.