obit
NFL Player Jeff Gladney Killed In Car Accident
HipHopWired Featured Video Source: Icon Sportswire / Getty Jeff Gladney, a cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals, was tragically killed in a car accident on Memorial Day. The news of Gladney’s passing came from a college teammate of his and was later confirmed by his agent. Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jalen Reagor tweeted on Monday (May 30), “Lost my Brother, my best friend, my right hand man… ain’t too much more I can take man damn! R.I.P Jeff Gladney, brother watch over me please.” Reagor and Gladney were teammates at Texas Christan University, with TCU officials later releasing a statement honoring Gladney’s contributions and continued support of the school. From TCU: Our TCU Athletics family, and especially our football program, was very devastated to learn of the passing of Jeff ...
Ronnie Hawkins, Rockabilly Legend, Dies at 87
Ronnie Hawkins, the larger-than-life Arkansas-born rockabilly singer who called Canada home for more than 60 years, died Sunday morning (May 29) after a lengthy illness. He was 87. Hawkins, also known as The Hawk or Rompin’ Ronnie, had an ear for talent. His band The Hawks — which he originally formed during his days at the University of Arkansas — served as a farm team for many musicians, most notably Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Richard Manuel and Robbie Robertson, who went on to back Bob Dylan before creating The Band. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Hawkins’ wife, Wanda, confirmed the news of the musician’s death to The Canadian Press. “He went peacefully and he looked as handsome as ever,” she said in a phone interview wit...
NBA Hall Of Fame Big Man Bob Lanier Dies At 73
HipHopWired Featured Video Source: Focus On Sport / Getty Bob Lanier, a standout center for the Detroit Pistons and the Milwaukee Bucks, died this past Tuesday (May 10). According to the NBA, Lanier passed after experiencing a short illness. As seen on NBA.com, Lanier, born Robert Jerry Lanier Jr. on September 10, 1948, got his start on the hardwood as an undecorated high school player in Buffalo, N.Y. ahead of going on to attend St. Bonaventure University. He was selected No. 1 overall in 1970 by the Detroit Pistons after leading St. Bonaventure to the NCAA Final Four. Across 14 seasons playing for the Pistons and later the Milwaukee Bucks, Lanier averaged 20.1 points and 10.1 boards over the course of his career. Lanier was an eight-time NBA All-Star, and NBA All-Star MVP, and made the A...
DJ Kay Slay, Influential New York Rapper, Dies at 55
Keith Grayson, known as DJ Kay Slay, died on Easter Sunday at 55 years old following a tumultuous battle with COVID-19. Grayson had been fighting COVID-19 for four months. The Sun reported that he had succumbed to the virus’ complications after being hospitalized and put on a ventilator in December. The New York rapper’s passing was confirmed to the New York Post in a statement from his family. “Our hearts are broken by the passing of Keith Grayson,” the Grayson family says. “A dominant figure in Hip Hop culture with millions of fans worldwide, DJ Kay Slay will be remembered for his passion and excellence with a legacy that will transcend generations. In memory of DJ Kay Slay, our family wishes to thank all of his friends, fans, and supporters for their prayers and well wishes du...
Traci Braxton Dies Of Cancer At 50
HipHopWired Featured Video Source: Slaven Vlasic / Getty Traci Braxton, sister of R&B star Toni Braxton, battled with cancer for years and sadly succumbed to the disease according to a post from her sister. Traci was a notable member of the Braxton Family Values reality television series and released a charting solo project just a few years ago. TMZ has the exclusive report, of which we share a portion, below: Traci’s Husband Kevin Surratt tells TMZ … “We have come to a time where we must inform the public that after a year of privately undergoing a series of treatment for Esophageal cancer our beloved Traci Braxton has gone on to glory.” We’re told Traci’s sisters, mom and friends were by her side when she passed. Toni Braxton’s heartfelt message to her sister can be read and viewed b...
‘Good Times’ Actor Johnny Brown Has Died
HipHopWired Featured Video Source: Jason Merritt / Getty Johnny Brown made his mark in the industry via his role as building superintendent Nathan Bookman on the hit series Good Times after establishing himself as a singer. According to one of his children, Brown suddenly passed away after going into the hospital for a routine checkup. The Hollywood Reporter shared details of Brown’s passing after listing an Instagram post from Brown’s daughter, Sharon Catherine Brown, along with a statement that we’ll share below. From Instagram: Johnny Brown June 11, 1937 – March 2, 2022 Our family is devastated. Devastated. Devastated. Beyond heartbroken. Barely able to breathe. We respectfully ask for privacy at this time because we need a minute to process the unthinkable. To articulate the depths of ...
SBTV Founder Jamal Edwards Dead At 31
HipHopWired Featured Video Source: Anadolu Agency / Getty Jamal Edwards, the founder of the British music platform SBTV and champion of Grime music, has reportedly died. Edwards founded SBTV as a means to feature Grime music but went on to helped break artists such as Ed Sheeran, Skepta, Lady Leshurr, and more. Edwards, born August 24, 1990, began his career as a rapper under the name SmokeyBarz, at the age of 15. Under the moniker, Edwards uploaded videos of his performances to the SBTV YouTube page in 2006, which then served as a hub to feature a bevy of musicians from the vast British scene including the aforementioned artists and others such as Dave, Jessie J, and Rita Ora among others. Since its launch, the channel has moved north of 1 million subscribers. So vast was the SBTV reach t...
Funk Trailblazer Betty Davis Dead At 77
HipHopWired Featured Video Source: Anthony Barboza / Getty Betty Davis exploded onto the music scene in the 1970s, sporting a brash and sultry image that made her an icon to many. The pioneering funk singer and songwriter passed away this week, and we look back at her life. Fans of funk will most likely be familiar with Davis via her stylish album covers that served as precursors for the likes of other sex-positive artists such as Lil’ Kim, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat, and even Madonna before them. She was born Betty Mabry in Durham, N.C., and was raised partially in the Pittsburgh suburb of Homestead. At 16, she left home to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and found her footing in the fashion-forward scene of Greenwich Village and New York overall....
Chicago Soul Singer Syl Johnson Dead At 85, Hit Song “Different Stroke” Legendary In Hip-Hop Sampling
HipHopWired Featured Video Source: Timothy Hiatt / Getty Syl Johnson, a soul and blues singer out of Chicago, has reportedly died. Johnson’s 1967 hit “Different Strokes” was used by a number of Hip-Hop notables via sampling. Local outlet CBS Chicago reports that the family of Johnson issued a public statement regarding the passing, which occurred this past Sunday (Feb. 6). From CBS Chicago: Hall of Fame Legend, Syl Johnson (born Sylvester Thompson in Holly Springs, MS). Dad, Brother, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle, Friend & Artist, he lived his life as a singer, musician, and entrepreneur who loved black music,” the family said in a statement. As the outlet notes, Johnson’s brother, Blues guitarist and singer Jimmy Johnson passed away six days prior at the age of 93. Johnson was...
Meatloaf, Famed Rock Singer & Actor, Dies At 74
HipHopWired Featured Video CLOSE Source: Brian Rasic / Getty Meatloaf, one of the highest-selling artists of his era and a beloved figure in the Rock music genre, has died. According to a report, Meatloaf passed away on Thursday (Jan. 20) with his family and friends close by. Deadline reports that Meatloaf, born Marvin Lee Aday and later changing his first name to Michael, was surrounded by his wife Deborah, two daughters, and close family friends by way of an account from Meatloaf’s agent, Michael Greene. The outlet shared a portion of a statement from the family: “We know how much he meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all of the love and support as we move through this time of grief in losing such an inspiring artist and beautiful man,” Meat Loaf’s family said in a statement...
Fashion Maven André Leon Talley Dies At 73
HipHopWired Featured Video CLOSE Source: Cindy Ord / Getty André Leon Talley, a fashion legend who made his mark as the former creative director of Vogue, has reportedly passed away. Talley was battling a long-term illness, according to still-developing reports. TMZ was among the first to report the passing of Talley after confirming the news with a source who says that the iconic fashion maven passed away on Tuesday (Jan. 18) in White Plains, N.Y. More from TMZ: Talley was instrumental to Vogue’s vision and direction in the ’80s and ’90s, when he worked his way up the magazine ranks to eventually become the news director — which he helmed from ’83 to ’87 — and then ascended to Vogue’s creative director in ’88. He held that post for a good 7 or so years, and before long … he was heading up...
Houston Rapper Sad Frosty Dead At 24
HipHopWired Featured Video CLOSE Source: Screencap / Instagram Sad Frosty, a rapper who amassed a strong online following, has reportedly died. The cause of death remains unknown, and many of Sad Frosty’s peers took to Twitter to mourn him. There isn’t much online regarding Sad Frosty’s personal life, but what we have learned is that he was born on March 4, 1997, and was raised in the Houston, Texas area. The U.S. Sun reports that Frosty broke wide with 2018’s “ADHD Freestyle.” Frosty released two full-length projects, A Playlist, and Playground, in 2018 and 2019 respectively. His last two songs, “Beavis & Butt-head” with DC The Don and “Dopamine Freestyle,” were released in 2021. Sad Frosty was 24. — Photo: Instagram
