2025 hasn’t been kind to hip-hop. The year has already claimed several influential voices, leaving fans scrolling through tributes and shaking their heads in disbelief. Each loss feels personal, like another piece of the culture gone too soon, reminding us that even legends aren’t promised tomorrow in this game.
Irv Gotti
Irv Gotti, born June 26, 1970, died on February 5, 2025, at 54 after a massive stroke. The Queens native helped shape hip-hop’s golden era—signing DMX, boosting Jay-Z’s early hits, and founding Murder Inc. with his brother Chris. “I love you, my brother,” Ja Rule said at his funeral.
DJ Unk
DJ Unk, born Anthony Platt, died in his sleep on January 24, 2025, at 43. The Atlanta legend behind “Walk It Out” and “2 Step” once ruled club playlists everywhere. His wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, confirmed the heart attack. Unk’s last track, “Show Out,” dropped in 2023—still moving feet years later.
Young Noble
Young Noble, born March 21, 1978, died by suicide on July 4, 2025, at 47. The final Outlawz member recruited by 2Pac, he appeared on “Hail Mary” and “Life of an Outlaw.” His partner E.D.I Mean wrote, “My brother and partner for over 30 years took his life this morning.”
Lotto Savage
Lotto Savage, born Diamon Clay on September 11, 1985, was shot and killed in Decatur on March 19, 2025, at 39. A 21 Savage affiliate, he broke out with “Trapped It Out” before signing to Epic Records. His last project, Unfinished Business (2024), now feels hauntingly titled.
Jemini The Gifted One
Jemini The Gifted One, born Thomas Smith, died on March 27, 2025. The Brooklyn rapper behind “Funk Soul Sensation” and Ghetto Pop Life (with Danger Mouse) never stopped creating—his 2023 album Born Again proved that. Producer Prince P announced the news, saying goodbye to a voice that kept hip-hop honest.
G$ Lil Ronnie
Texas rapper G$ Lil Ronnie, born October 28, 1989, was killed on March 3, 2025, at 35, alongside his 5-year-old daughter in Forest Hill. Known for “Hoodfame Killumanti” and “Wops,” he collaborated with Sauce Walka and Soulja Boy. His final track, “Chase,” dropped in 2024—ambition frozen mid-grind.
Sayso P
Sayso P, born Latorian Hunt on September 13, 1997, was killed in a Memphis shooting on March 22, 2025, at 27. The North Carolina native signed to Sauce Walka’s label and built buzz with “Hefner” and “Backdoor.” Police later found one suspect dead; another remains on the run.
Gene “Groove” Allen
Gene “Groove” Allen, born February 26, 1964, died suddenly at home on February 12, 2025, at 61. The Long Island native co-founded Groove B. Chill, starred in House Party, and appeared in What’s Love Got to Do With It? Before passing, he hinted at a comeback called Back to the Party.
Young Scooter
Young Scooter, born March 28, 1986, died on his 39th birthday after a fatal leg injury while fleeing police. The Freebandz and 1017 signee rose with “Columbia” in 2012 and dropped over a dozen tapes. Future mourned, “Life will never b the same without u my brother.”
