Music Industry In Mourning: Lichelle Marie Laws, also known as Boss, has sadly passed away – a significant loss for the hip-hop community. As a Detroit pioneer and the second female rapper signed by Def Jam Recordings, Boss became a pivotal figure in the genre. Her debut album, “Born Gangstaz,” solidified her influence in the world of rap.
Today, we extend our prayers and deepest condolences to the friends, family, and countless fans of the great Detroit rapper, Boss. Her contribution to music and her pioneering spirit have left an indelible mark on the genre, making her a beloved and respected figure in the world of hip-hop. Here are the details on her passing and cause of death.
R.I.P. Detroit hip hop legend Boss:
Boss, a trailblazing female rapper hailing from Detroit, Michigan, made an indelible mark on the music scene with her debut album, Born Gangstaz, which soared to number three on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in 1993. It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of this iconic Detroit rapper at the age of 54.
MC Lyte, the esteemed American rapper, pays tribute to Boss with a heartfelt message on social media:
“Rest in peace to one of the hardest that ever did it! #Boss will forever be missed, a mainstay and a cornerstone in the house of hip-hop.” 🎶🎶🎶
Cause of death
The specific cause of death for Boss, Lichelle Marie Laws, was not detailed and published yet. Due to her health struggles, including kidney failure and the aftermath of a major stroke and seizure, it can be inferred that her passing may be related to these long-term health issues. Her family has not yet provided details on the circumstances of her passing, and we will continue to monitor and update this article as more information becomes available.
About her Health Issues and Struggles
Laws’ life took a difficult turn due to severe health issues. In 1999, she began suffering from kidney failure, leading to a prolonged period of dialysis and significant health complications. Despite a fighting spirit and intermittent periods of better health that allowed her to continue recording music, her condition was a constant battle.
Her health struggles were publicly acknowledged in 2011 when it was revealed that she needed a kidney transplant, a call for help that highlighted her situation to her fans and the broader community.
Further complicating her health was a major stroke and seizure she suffered in 2017, which necessitated a GoFundMe campaign in 2021 to raise funds for a recommended medical procedure. Unfortunately, despite the support and her resilience, Laws’ health battles were a significant part of her later life until her passing on March 11, 2024, at the age of 54.
Obituary: Lichelle Marie Laws (Boss)
Lichelle Marie Laws, renowned as “Boss,” passed away on March 11, 2024, at 54. Born in Detroit on September 12, 1969, she broke barriers as the second female rapper signed to Def Jam. Her debut album, “Born Gangstaz,” made history, reaching number three on Billboard.
Boss faced personal and health challenges, including kidney failure and a stroke, yet continued creating music with resilience. Survived by her son Lamar, parents Joe and Lillie Laws, and sisters, her impact on hip-hop remains profound. The family requests privacy, and details for a memorial service will be announced later. May she rest in peace.
Lichelle Marie Laws (Boss) Biography
Early Life and Education
Lichelle Marie Laws, widely known by her stage name Boss, was born on September 12, 1969, in Detroit, Michigan, to Joe and Lillie Laws. Her father worked as an autoworker, while her mother was an educator with a master’s degree in education, teaching at junior high and middle schools, and formerly at Lewis College of Business in Detroit.
Both of her parents served as church deacons. Raised in a middle-class neighborhood on Detroit’s West Side, Laws was immersed in the arts from an early age, studying ballet and piano, and attending a Catholic private school where she was also a cheerleader. After high school, she pursued business studies for two years at Oakland University.
Musical Career
Laws’ musical journey began when she relocated to Los Angeles after graduating high school, accompanied by her DJ, Irene ‘Dee’ Moore. Her talent caught the eye of DJ Quik, leading to a collaboration that got Russell Simmons’ attention, who signed her to Def Jam West.
Her debut album, Born Gangstaz (1993), soared to number three on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with hits like “Deeper” and “Recipe for a Hoe” reaching the top of the Hot Rap Tracks chart. Despite her success, Laws faced challenges, including a departure from Def Jam and struggles to produce a second album that met the label’s expectations.
Legacy
Boss’s legacy as a pioneering female rapper and her candidness about her privileged upbringing juxtaposed against her gritty rap persona left an indelible mark on hip-hop. Despite facing numerous personal and health-related challenges, her work remains a testament to her talent, resilience, and the complexity of her character.
Tributes and Heartfelt Messages From the Hip-Hop Community and fans
Corey King:
“R.I.P. Detroit hip hop legend. The first Detroit rapper to make it on MTV Raps, and the first female to get on there as well. If you didn’t know, we used to rap together in my living room in the D. You will be missed, Boss. Montez Miller is with Carita M Miller.”
Montez Miller:
“BOSS…the second female rapper signed to Def Jam Records and one of the first female rappers in Detroit. She is from Detroit, and I’m from Detroit. Of course, let’s welcome her to BET…rest peacefully baby girl. 💔 I send my heartfelt condolences.”
Robert Overton:
“RIP to one of Detroit’s finest, OG female rapper The BOSS… She had health issues for a while…”
Fan Reactions:
Jose Ortiz:
“Wow R.I.P. Wow when BET had Rap City, I used to see her music video a lot. She was a top ten video every week. Man, sad to hear. My prayers go to the family. She did it her way—a legend.”
Cee Cee Karmah:
“OH NO! 😥 She was one of my favorite female rappers back in ‘93’ besides MC Lyte being my favorite in the late 80’s and 90’s. She was one of the hardcore female rappers in the 90s that didn’t get enough recognition🥺 SO SAD 😞 R.I.P BOSS—’DEEPER AND DEEPER’”
LaShan Polyseed Murray:
“Omg nooooo!!!! This is heartbreaking to hear. Rest well my sista. I don’t wanna feel like I’m in a daze so I smoke and —-“
Cathy Runnels:
“Omy.. RIP Queen.. we loved your music. Jam’d out to it at the club and it was so empowering … she never got her roses.. shame.”
