Rap in Eternal Peace: We’re Mourning These Rappers Who Died in 2025

The Breakdown: The hip-hop community is a little less bright with the loss of these rappers who died in 2025.

2025 has been a big year for rap fans. Kendrick Lamar headlined the Super Bowl halftime show and took home five Grammys. Drake became the first rapper to sell more than 500 million certified units across singles, features, and albums. And Tyler, the Creator, Schoolboy Q, Nelly, Drake, Kendrick, Cordae, Glorilla, and the Wu-Tang Clan are all on tour.

But the world of rap has also been shattered by some significant losses too. From veterans of the rap game to up-and-coming MCs, here are six rappers who died in 2025.

Before there were TikTok dances, rappers were dropping songs with their own signature moves. Few songs or dances were as prolific as DJ Unk’s “Walk It Out” (2006). Unk, whose real name was Anthony Leonard Platt, was one of the rappers who shaped the sound of Southern hip-hop over his 26 years in the industry.

The Atlanta-born rapper passed on January 24. His wife revealed that he died of a heart attack in his sleep. This was his second cardiac arrest. He had previously suffered a heart attack in 2009, which he told XXL was due to stress, lack of exercise, and unhealthy eating.

Gene Allen began rapping in the 80s. His moniker, Groove, not only represented his rap talent but contributed to the name of the rap group Groove B. Chill, which he started with fellow rappers Daryl “Chill” Mitchell and Belal “DJ Belal” Miller. The trio released one studio album in 1990 before Allen turned his attention to acting, appearing in House Party (1990), House Party 2 (1991), Boomerang (1992), and What’s Love Got To Do With It (1993).

Per TMZ, Allen passed on February 12 in his Maryland home. While his daughter announced her father’s passing and their family’s grief, Allen’s cause of death has not been made public.

Since 2016, G$ Lil Ronnie released at least one album a year. His consistency highlighted his passion for the rap game and his commitment to his career. His 13 albums helped him build a solid fan base, with his song “Hoodfame Killuminati” amassing 3.9 million streams on Spotify.

G$ Lil Ronnie (born Ronnie Sibley) had his rap dreams cut short when he was shot and killed on March 3 in Forest Hill, Texas, after two gunmen opened fire on him at a car wash. Tragically, his 5-year-old daughter, R’mani Sibley, was in the car and was also killed in the shooting.

After serving an 18-month sentence for a weapons charge, LPG Qua decided he would dedicate his voice and his talent to make a difference.

Known as “The Voice of the Youth,” LPG Qua rose to fame for his freestyles condemning gun violence and promoting positivity in his community. His raps gained the attention of fellow Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill and a collaboration with will.i.am.

In a twist of cruel irony, LPG (born Qidere Johnson) was killed by the very violence he spoke out against. On May 12, he was shot in the chest during what authorities described as a “robbery gone wrong.” He succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

Latorian Hunt, better known as Sayso P, was a rapper on the rise. Along with his friend and collaborator, Sauce Walka, Sayso P had been building a catalog of music and a loyal fanbase. He was most well known for his songs “Backdoor” (2023) and “Hefner” (2024).

Both Sayso P and Sauce Walka were shot in what police believed was a targeted shooting outside of a hotel in Memphis on March 22nd. While Walka was shot once in the leg and has since recovered, Sayso P died from the multiple gunshot wounds he sustained.

The alleged shooter, Jayden Dandridge, was found shot and killed in an abandoned building in Houston just five days after he was publicly named as a suspect.

In rap, features can be a valuable co-sign, and Young Scooter had his fair share. Scooter collaborated with a number of well-known rappers, including Future, Offset, and Quavo. Though he wasn’t mainstream, he had made a name for himself in the Atlanta rap scene with hits like “Colombia” (2013).

Scooter (born Kenneth Edward Bailey) lost his life on his birthday, March 28th. Officers arrived at his home in response to a call about a dispute. When Scooter fled, the officers chased him. The rapper allegedly leaped over a fence, cutting his leg on a piece of wood. The injury resulted in significant blood loss, and though officers rendered aid on scene, Scooter died at the hospital.

While these rappers’ passing represents a loss for hip-hop fans, we know it’s an even greater loss to their families and loved ones, and we extend our sincerest condolences.