Eminem and Snoop Dogg have paid tribute to Def Jam pioneer hip-hop artist Bo$$, following her death at the age of 54. Bo$$ whose real name is Lichelle Marie Laws, was the first ever female rapper to be signed to Def Jam, with her one and only album titled Born Gangstaz released to success in 1993. While no cause of death has yet been released, Bo$$ was known to have struggled in the past with kidney failure.
Eminem was among those to pay tribute to the pioneering artist, taking to X (formerly known as Twitter) on Wednesday (March 12, 2024) to his fellow Detroit native. “Bo$$ rep’d the D so well as a pioneer. Such a talented MC. RIP!!!” Em wrote. Snoop Dogg also mourned Bo$$’ passing after hearing the news, writing on Instagram: “Damn. My homegirl before I got on. In the D. Game.”
Bun B was the one who broke the tragic news earlier this week, posting on social media: “Rest in peace to my big sis Lichelle Laws AKA Boss. One of the best female MCs and a dear friend. Give Rick Royal a hug for me. Long Live The Org!” DJ Premier also left a heartfelt tribute to her: “Damn! R.I.P. BO$$. 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 also posted about the news as he wrote: “Rip Lichelle aka Bos one of the Dopest females to rap and was a good friend and label mate. #DefJam.” Various other artists posted tributes to Bo$$ including Jermaine Dupri, Jadakiss, 9th Wonder, Ed Lover, Lloyd Banks and Slim Thug.
