Bo$$, First Female Rapper Of Def Jam, Dies At 54
Artists like Bun B, DJ Premier, Warren G, and more paid tribute.
Bo$$, celebrated as the first female MC signed to the iconic Def Jam Recordings, has reportedly passed away. She was 54.
The MC born Lichelle Marie Laws was born and raised in Detroit, but moved to California after graduating from high school. After a few years in Oakland, she moved to Los Angeles. There, she immediately showcased her talent on the mic, becoming a fixture in the LA scene. Shortly after her introduction to the city, she and her DJ were discovdred by DJ Quik, who put her on AMG’s Quik-produced track “Mai Sista Izza B___H.” This led to her ultimate deal with Def Jam’s West Coast division.
In 1993, she released her only studio album, Born Gangstaz, which featured a number of hits like “Recipe of a Hoe,” “I Don’t Give a F__k,” “Deeper,” “Progress of Elimination,” and more. The album was quite successful, reaching No.22 on the Billboard 200 and No.3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Born Gangstaz featured a number of special guests both on production and on the mic. MC Serch, Jam Master Jay, T-Ray, and Erick Sermon (among others) handled beats, while guest features came from Papa Juggy, Admiral D, Onyx, Def Jef, and more.
Rappers came out in full force to offer tribute to the groundbreaking rapper. Bun B wrote: “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 added: “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 added: “Rip Lichelle aka Bos one of the Dopest females to rap and was a good friend and label mate. #DefJam.”
