BO$$ Dead at 54: Def Jam Rapper, Hip-Hop Pioneer Cause of Death Tragic

BO$$ is considered one of the pioneers in the hip-hop genre in the 1990s, and she became the first-ever female rapper Def Jam Records signed.

According to BET, the rapper died due to kidney failure at the age of 54 on Mar. 11; her death was confirmed by Bun B.

"Rest in peace to my big sis Lichelle Laws AKA Boss. One of the best female MCs and a dear friend," the Houston-based rap icon wrote on his Instagram post. "Give Rick Royal a hug for me. Long Live The Org!"

Aside from Bun B, other rappers paid tribute to BO$$, including Jermaine Dupri, Mia X, The D.O.C., Slim Thug, 9th Wonder, Chuck D, and DJ Premier.

"D**n! R.I.P. BO$. Condolences to your family...SALUTE DETROIT," wrote DJ Premiere in his tribute on Instagram with a picture of the late rapper.

"We did a dope 'Deeper Rmx' [Def Jam] 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 40s, puffin Lah, and vibing. Can someone in Def Jam find that in the Vaults? I want a copy of that remix.

"Sleep peacefully, Queen. S**t was mad real," he added.

Who Was BO$$?

BO$ was born Lichelle Laws; she was an American rapper from Detroit who rose to prominence following the release of her debut album, "Born Gangstaz."

The album peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in 1993.

Many hoped for a follow-up to the successful release, however, BO$$ was never able to release her sophomore album.

In 2004, though, she released a mixtape titled "The Six Million Dollar Mixtape" via Def Jef, showcasing her personality, which had not faded throughout the years, reports say.

"Boss gon' always be that ghetto gangsta b***h first," she rapped. "This ain't a gimmick, this is me, so this the best hand / you f**kin' get, recognize Boss a vet, man."

Rappers Mourn BO$$' Death

BO$$ suffered a stroke in 2017 after being diagnosed with renal disease, Billboard reports; she launched a GoFundMe campaign in 2021 to assist her with her medical bills.

Her death hit the Hip-hop community hard, and several rappers expressed their sadness: "The Hip Hip Alliance is saddened by the passing of our Beloved 'BO$$.'

"First Detroit Female Gangsta rapper signed to Def Jam. She will never be forgotten and will live in our hearts forever. We send our sincere condolences to her family, friends, Detroit, and the entire world. RIP legend," wrote Kurtis Blow.