Bo$$, the first female rapper to sign to Def Jam, passed away on March 11 (Monday), HipHopDX reports. She was 54.
Houston rap icon Bun B confirmed the news on Instagram as he paid tribute to the groundbreaking Detroit MC.
“Rest in peace to my big sis Lichelle Laws AKA Boss. One of the best female MCs and a dear friend,: Bun B wrote. “Give Rick Royal a hug for me. Long Live The Org!”
A host of other rappers also took time to honor Bo$$ such as 9th Wonder, Chuck D, Jermaine Dupri, Mia X, The D.O.C., and Slim Thug.
Legendary producer DJ Premier also offered his condolences on Instagram.
“Damn! R.I.P. BO$$. Condolences to your family…SALUTE DETROIT,” his post read. “We did a dope “Deeper Rmx” @defjam never released.”
“Back in 1993 she came to D & D and recut her vocals to my beat. It was so RAW.”
We had a good session drinking 40’s, puffin Lah, and vibing,” Premier continued. “Can someone at Def Jam find that in the Vaults? I want a copy of that Remix. Sleep Peacefully, Queen. Sh*t was mad real.”
Born Lichelle Marie Laws on September 12, 1969, in Detroit, Bo$$ relocated to Los Angeles after high school along with DJ Irene ‘Dee’ Moore to pursue a career in rap music. Eventually, she was discovered by DJ Quik with rapper AMG. When Def Jam founder Russell Simmons heard the track, he signed her as the first artist of Def Jam West.
In 1993, Bo$$ released her debut album “Born Gangstaz” which featured standout tracks such as “Deeper”, “I Don’t Give a F**k, and “Recipe for a Hoe”, which went to number one on the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks chart. Production for the LP was handled by Erick Sermon, Def Jef, AMG, T-Ray, Chyskillz, Jam Master Jay, and several others, Onyx, Admiral D, Papa Juggy, and more made guest appearances on the project.
“Born Gangstaz” reached number three on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in 1993 and peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Although her debut was successful, Bo$$ would never record another album.
Bo$$ moved to Dallas in the mid-90s, where she raised a child and worked as a radio DJ. Although she recorded more demos, they were all rejected by Def Jam.
In 1999, Bo$$ was suffering from kidney problems, and over the years, her health issues began to take a turn for the worse.
She suffered a major stroke and seizure and was in need of a kidney transplant in 2017. To help her with her medical expenses, a GoFundMe was established in 2021 while she was suffering from renal disease.
No cause of death has been given.
We extend our prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Bo$$.
