Lola “Gangsta Boo” Mitchell has reportedly passed away at the age of 43. She was reportedly found dead at approximately 4 p.m. on January 1, 2023.
Hours later, news of the late musician’s passing circulated via social media. Hip-Hop pioneers such as Paul “DJ Paul” Beauregard and Anthony “Krayzie Bone” Henderson were among the many to pay tribute to the fan favorite on Sunday evening.
“Rest in peace to queen Gangsta Boo,” Mike Eagle tweeted.
“The first lady of Three 6 Mafia. An incredible artist who could ride a beat like no other & transcended generations in a fickle business. Her solo debut, Enquiring Minds, remains one of the best of the Hypnotize Minds canon. Peace [and] love to her family,” Andrew Barber tweeted.
Gangsta Boo is a prolific writer, rapper and trendsetter that has had a profound impact in the city of Memphis, but she is a legend in music regardless of region or genre. Her career began in the early 1990s as she picked up rapping as a teenager. She would go on to work alongside Three 6 Mafia throughout the release of their first six albums. She also delivered three solo projects of her own from 1998 through 2003. In addition to her work with Three 6 Mafia, the Memphis native also collaborated with the likes of Eminem, T.I., Gucci Mane, Tinashe, Lord Infamous, Lil’ Jon, E-40 and countless others throughout her career.
“Gangsta Boo walked so a lot of people could run,” she told Billboard in December.
“I would honestly say that I have to admit, respectfully and humbly, that I am the blueprint. I hear my cadence in a lot of men and female rappers.”
The cause of Gangsta Boo’s death has not been determined. Def Pen sends its condolences to the family of Lola “Gangsta Boo” Mitchell in this trying time.
