Rapper Gangsta Boo, former member of hip-hop group Three 6 Mafia, has died at the age of 43.
Throughout her career, she has collaborated with artists including slim ShadyGucci Mane, Run The Jewels, Lil Jon, E-40, TI and OutKast.
The music star, real name Lola Mitchell, was found dead in her hometown of Memphis, TennesseeNew Year’s Day.
Her cause of death has not been released, and no further details have been given about where she was found.
Her mother, Veronica Mitchell, confirmed the news, saying in a statement on behalf of the family: “The Mitchell family would like to thank all of you for your support for the untimely death of Lola ‘Boo’ Mitchell. condolences.
“The family asks for your continued prayers and privacy as we process the loss of a loved one.”
Gangsta Boo’s musical career began at the age of 14 when she was discovered by DJ Paul, a founding member of Three 6 Mafia. On her 15th birthday, she joined a rap group that also included such famous members as Juicy J, Crunchy Black and Lord Infamous.
She performed on the group’s debut album, Mystic Stylez, in 1995 and went on to appear on other albums, including the platinum-selling When the Smoke Clears: Sixty 6, Sixty 1.
Her debut solo album, Inquiring Minds, was released in 1998 while she was still in the band. However, they later parted ways and she released her second solo record Both Worlds *69 in 2001.
Just weeks before her death, she said she was gearing up to release her fourth solo album, The BooPrint, in late 2023. She also filmed an unreleased video Imma Mack with producer Drumma Boy, who paid tribute, and in the new year, Eve shared a video of her achievements in 2022.
“Gangsta Boo is like a sister to me, introducing me to the world like a brother to me,” Drumma Boy said in a statement.
“We are both Leos with the same energy in unity and seeing people happy! What a devastating loss as she always wanted to see someone else win! May the Queen of Memphis rest in peace, my sister forever.”
dragonMissy Elliott, Rah Digga, TyDollaSign and OutKast’s Big Boi and her former Three 6 Mafia bandmates also paid tribute to them.
“Rest in peace in Heaven Gangsta Boo,” Drake wrote in a Story post on Instagram.
Juicy J shared a photo of the two together, complete with a heartbroken emoji, and DJ Paul shared a photo of the star.