Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2024

1. Richard Parsons, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AOL Time Warner INC.

Richard Parsons, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AOL Time Warner INC., speaks at the American Chamber of Commerce luncheon in the Conrad Hotel, Admiralty. 02 September 2003 (Photo by Dickson Lee/South China Morning Post via Getty Images) color image,photography,horizontal,talking,ceo,lunch,human interest,hong kong,chairperson,richard parsons,warnermedia

2. Rickey Henderson, in pursuit of the Major League stolen base record. 1990.

Rickey Henderson, in pursuit of the Major League stolen base record. 1990. (Photo by John O’Hara/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images) color image,photography,horizontal,usa,sport,human interest,interception – sport,rickey henderson – baseball player

3. “Six” Opening Night

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 03: Jeremy O. Harris and Aziza Barnes pose at the opening night arrivals for the new musical “Six” on Broadway at The Brooks Atkinson Theatre on October 3, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/Getty Images) vertical,color image,photography,arts culture and entertainment,usa,new york city,arrival,portrait,music,theatrical performance,night,broadway – manhattan,opening event,brooks atkinson theatre,jeremy o. harris

4. Opening Premiere & Cocktail Hour Of New Stage Play “Feeding A Monster”

LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 20: Actor Art Evans attends the Opening Premiere & Cocktail Hour Of New Stage Play “Feeding A Monster” at The Hudson Theater on April 20, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images) photography,celebrities,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,actor,california,city of los angeles,new,cocktail,time,opening event,premiere event

5. Luther Vandross Live In Concert

Singers Alfa Anderson and Luther Vandross (Luther Ronzoni Vandross, Jr.) performs at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago, Illinois in September 1987. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images) microphone,photography,people,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,usa,waist up,concert,performance,singer,two people,1980-1989,black and white,archival,artist,illinois,chicago – illinois,popular music concert,singing,pop music,luther vandross,r&b,soul music,stage – performance space

6. Hans ‘Prime’ Dobson

Hans ‘Prime’ Dobson was best known for his time on the cultural staple ‘Rap City’—dubbed the longest-running cable music video show to feature rap music. 

7. Nikki Giovanni

Poet, activist and educator Nikki Giovanni passed away on December 9 at the age of 81. Cousin Allison Ragan said on behalf of the family, “We will forever feel blessed to have shared a legacy and love with our dear cousin.”

8. Dominique Brown

Influencer Dominique Brown passed away at 34 reportedly from a severe allergic reaction.  On December 5th, Brown was at a BoxLunch event when she unknowingly ate food that she was allergic to, according to other attendees.

9. Robin Ayers

10. Peter Westbrook

Over Thanksgiving weekend, Peter Westbrook, the first Black American to win an Olympic medal in fencing passed away. He was 72 years old. In 1984, Westbrook won an Olympic bronze medal at the Los Angeles Games in the individual saber. His win was notable for being not only first time an Black American fencer won an Olympic medal, but also first time in more than 35 years an American won an Olympic medal in fencing.

11. TJ Swan of The Juice Crew

Days before Thanksgiving, the OG Hip-Hop world mourned together as word broke that legendary Hip-Hop artist TJ Swan passed away at the young age of 57.

Known for rocking shiny silk shirts and designer Bally shoes, TJ Swan made a name for himself as part of the legendary Juice Crew which gave us Hip-Hop icons such as Roxanne Shanté, Biz Markie and Big Daddy Kane amongst many others. Taking to his own IG page to pay homage to TJ Swan, Big Daddy Kane paid respect to his Hip-Hop brother-in-arms with a video tribute of his own writing, “Rest well my good Brother!!! Rocking at a party, Shocking everybody!”

12. Saafir The Saucee Nomad

Saafir, whose real name was Reggie Gibson, had a notable music career as a rapper, producer, and actor. He first gained attention as a member of the Hobo Junction collective, known for its sharp lyricism and battle rap skills. His discography includes several albums such as “Boxcar Sessions” (1994), “The Hit List” (1999), and “Good Game: The Transition” (2006).

Saafir appeared in the cult-classic film “Menace II Society” (1993), where he played the role of Harold Lawson. He was also featured on the film’s soundtrack.

13. Clifton R. Wharton Jr

Clifton R. Wharton Jr. was the first Black president of Michigan State University from 1970-1978. In addition to being the first Black president of MSU, he was the first Black to lead a major predominantly white university in the United States.  Wharton passed away at the age of 98 in New York on Saturday, November 16th

14. Bob “Butterbean” Love

Former NBA star Bob “Butterbean” Love has passed away at the age of 81 following a prolonged battle with cancer. Love’s career, marked by perseverance and determination, made him a standout figure in basketball.

15. Lou Donaldson

Legendary saxophonist Lou “Sweet Poppa Lou” Donaldson passed away on November 9, 2024 at 98 years old. He is credited for being one of the first to bridge bebop and soul, and is known as a pioneer of the soul-jazz genre. Donaldson, writer of ‘Blues Walk’, is a member of the International Jazz Hall of Fame, an NEA Jazz Master (the nation’s highest award for jazz artists), and much more.

16. Chubbie Baby

Artist, producer, executive and all-around mover and shaker in the Hip-Hop world Chubbie Baby passed away on November 10, 2024. While the details surrounding this passing have not been publicly revealed, several celebs including Gunna, Keri Hilson, and others took to social media to express sorrow over his passing. 

Notable tracks from his time in music include “Oh Yeah,” “Leanin’ Low,” “Hardtimes,” “Model Thug,” “Hood Like a Zoo,” “Diplomat,” and “Transformer,” among others.

17. Ella Jenkins

Musician Ella Jenkins affectionately known as the “First Lady of Children’s Music,” created many well-known children’s songs such as, well-known songs include “You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song,” “Did You Feed My Cow?” and “Miss Mary Mack.”.  With a career spanning more than 60 years, Jenkins’ accomplishments include her work being in the Library of Congress, and receiving the  Grammy Lifetime Achievement award.  Jenkins was 100 years old at the time of her passing.  

18. Judith Jamison

Judith Jamison, a luminary in the world of dance and an iconic figure in American choreography, has passed away at 81. Her death, following a brief illness, marks the end of an era for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where she served as a guiding light for decades.

Jamison’s extraordinary career began when she joined the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in the 1960s, quickly becoming one of its most celebrated performers. Her presence on stage was nothing short of mesmerizing, her movements both powerful and graceful. For 15 years, she danced with the company, captivating audiences with her talent and passion before leaving to explore other artistic endeavors, including performances with renowned ballet companies and Broadway productions.

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20. Tyka Nelson

Tyka Nelson, the sister of legendary musician Prince, died Monday (November 4th) morning. Her brother, President Nelson, confirmed her passing. No cause of death is available at this time. Nelson was also a singer and songwriter, releasing several albums. One of her most recognized songs was “Marc Anthony’s Tune,” which gained significant attention and reached number 33 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

21. Quincy Jones

Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson told several outlets that he died Sunday night at his home in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles, surrounded by his family.

“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” the family said in a statement. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”

22. DJ Clark Kent

Source: Footwear News / Getty

UPDATED: 4:30 p.m. ET., October 25th, 2024

As we’ve come to understand year after year, day after day even, death is unfortunately an inevitable part of life. Still, as much of a fact as that may be, the blow of experiencing loss never gets any easier, nor does reporting on the subject in Black culture.

DJ Clark Kent passed away after a three-year battle with Colon Cancer. His passing was announced by his family through his social media accounts.

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of the beloved Rodolfo A. Franklin, known to the world as DJ Clark Kent. Clark passed away Thursday evening surrounded by his devoted wife Kesha, daughter Kabriah and son Antonio. Clark quietly and valiantly fought a three year battle with Colon Cancer, while continuing to share his gifts with the world. The family is grateful for everyone’s love, support and prayers during this time and ask for privacy as they process this immense loss.

The influence of DJ Clark Kent, born Rodolfo A. Franklin, can be felt all over Hip-Hop and sneaker culture. Kent started as the DJ for rapper Dana Dane. Rap Mogul Damon Dash credits the DJ and Producer for introducing him to Jay-Z in the early 90s. Kent would go on to produce several tracks on Jay-Z’s critically acclaimed debut album, Reasonable Doubt including “Brooklyn’s Finest” featuring The Notorious B.I.G.

Kent was an avid sneakerhead and collaborated with several shoe brands including Nike and Adidas.

“God’s Favorite DJ,” DJ Clark Kent was 58.

Learn more below about who in our culture has passed away so far this year in 2024 Below

23. Amir Abdur-Rahim

University of South Florida (USF) basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim has died at the age of 43. The university announced that Abdur-Rahim passed away due to complications during a medical procedure at a Tampa-area hospital.

24. Elizabeth Francis

According to Longeviquest.com, at 115 years old, Francis was the third oldest living person in the world at the time of her passing. Francis was born in Louisiana in 1909 and had a sister who lived to age 106 before her death in 2011, according to LongeviQuest.

25. Thelma Mothershed Wair

Mothershed-Wair is best known as one of the Little Rock Nine, a group of African American students who integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957.

26. Kaseem “KA” Ryan

Kaseem “KA” Ryan was an American rapper, producer, and firefighter from Brooklyn, New York. He was known for his work in the underground rap scene and was celebrated as a legendary wordsmith. In addition to his music career, he served as a captain in the New York Fire Department. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 52.

27. Wanda Smith

The Miami native was well known for her on-air career, co-hosting the Atlanta radio show Frank and Wanda in the Morning. She hosted the morning show from 1998-2012, spent four years with Ryan Cameron from 2014 through early 2018, then joined Frank Ski again for another stint at the station (according to WSBtv.com). Smith earned credits writing for Def Comedy Jam, and for appearing in the films Madea Goes to Jail, Madea’s Witness Protection, and The Drone That Saved Christmas.

28. Cissy Houston

The music world mourns the loss of a true legend, Cissy Houston, who passed away at the age of 91 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease at her New Jersey home.

29. John Amos

30. Dikembe Mutombo

NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo dies at the age of 58 from brain cancer.

31. Philip ‘Daddae’ Harvey

32. Tito Jackson

33. Michaela DePrince

34. Frankie Beverley

The news of his passing was confirmed by his family in a post on his official social media accounts, saying “Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience. During this time, as we are navigating feelings of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance we kindly ask for privacy and understanding, allowing us the space to grieve in our own way. This period for is one of healing, and your respect for our need for solitude is appreciated as we honor the memory of our beloved Howard Stanley Beverly known to the world as Frankie Beverly.

He lived his life with pure soul as one would say, and for us, no one did it better. He lived for his music, family and friends.

Love one another as he would want that for us all.

Howard Stanley Beverly aka Frankie Beverly”

35. James Earl Jones…

An EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner, Jones earned four Tony Award nominations for Best Actor in a Play, winning twice for his performances as Jack Jefferson in The Great White Hope in 1969 and as Troy Maxson in August Wilson’s Fences in 1987. Other famous roles from Jones include the voice of Mufasa in The Lion King and King Jaffe Joffer in Coming to America.

36. Rich Homie Quan

37. Sybil Haydel Morial

Morial was a prominent civil rights activist, educator, and author. She was married to Ernest “Dutch” Morial, the first Black mayor of New Orleans, and was the mother of Marc Morial, a former mayor of New Orleans. Morial was deeply involved in the civil rights movement and contributed significantly to education and community service.

38. Rebecca Cheptegei

Rebecca Cheptegei, an Olympic runner from Uganda, tragically passed away after being attacked by her boyfriend. She was doused in petrol and set on fire, suffering severe burns. This incident occurred in Kenya, and she succumbed to her injuries a few days later.

39. Fatman Scoop

Fatman Scoop has died after suffering a medical emergency at a show in Connecticut, according to his tour manager.

40. Betty A. Bridges

Betty A. Bridges, actress and mother of Diff’rent Strokes star Todd Bridges, passed away at the age of 83 in her son’s Phoenix home, where she was receiving hospice care.

41. Al Attles

NBA Legend Al Attles passed away on Tuesday at his Bay Area home at the age of 87. Over more than six decades, Attles dedicated his talents and passion to the Warriors organization in various roles, including player, general manager, and team ambassador.

42. BeatKing

43. Wally Amos

Wallace “Wally” Amos, the founder of Famous Amos Cookies, passed away at 88.

Two of his children, Shawn and Sarah Amos, confirmed to the New York Times that he died on Aug. 13 at his home in Honolulu, Hawaii, due to complications of dementia.

44. Winsome Sinclair

The Casting Director died in hospice care on Long Island after a long battle with colon cancer

45. Shaun Martin

After nearly a year and a half of being closely monitored by doctors as he recovered from a “massive stroke” in April 2023, Dallas musician Shaun Martin died on Saturday, August 3, according to his wife, who revealed the news on social media Sunday.

He was 45 years old.

46. Erica Ash

Ash starred as Kevin Hart‘s love interest in “Real Husbands of Hollywood.” Ash also starred in the critically acclaimed series “Survivor’s Remorse,” where she played “Mary Charles “M-Chuck” Calloway”, the outspoken sister of a professional basketball player. She was also a cast member on the sketch comedy programs MADtv, The Big Gay Sketch Show, and the legal drama “In Contempt.

47. Mrs. Colin L. Powell

Born on October 27, 1937, in Birmingham, Alabama, Alma Johnson was raised in a family that valued education and service. She attended Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1957. Alma Johnson met Colin Powell in 1961 on a blind date in Massachusetts. The couple married on August 25, 1962, and had three children together—Michael, Linda, and Annemarie. Their partnership spanned over five decades until Colin Powell’s passing in 2021.

48. Gail Lumet Buckley

Gail Lumet Buckley is an accomplished author, journalist, and counselor. She is also the daughter of legendary entertainer, Lena Horne.

49. DJ Polo

50. Mia Bennett aka PettyLevels

51. Joe Cool

Snoop Dogg and Daz Dillinger both paid tribute to their cousin who created the iconic Doggystyle cover. 

52. Abdul Duke Fakir

According to a family spokesperson, Fakir died of heart failure with his wife and family by his side.

53. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Tex.)

Jackson-Lee announced last month she had been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and has battled Breast Cancer in the past.

54. Dr. Robert L. Allen

Author of the “Port of Chicago Mutiny“

55. 4. Joe “Jellybean” Bryant

Joe Bryant, the father of the late NBA Icon Kobe Bryant has died. Bryant, reportedly has been dealing with health issues, including a massive stroke.

56. Jacoby Jones

57. Khyree Jackson

Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson died on Saturday (July 6th). According to a report from TMZ, Jackson along with two others was killed in a car accident with two other vehicles in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, his hometown.

58. Reality star KeKe Jabbar from ‘Love & Marriage: Huntsville’

Social media personality Marcella Speaks announced Jabbar’s death on Tuesday after she was given a statement from Jabbar’s family.

Marcella read the family’s statement during a YouTube live stream and shared that Jabbar died “peacefully at home surrounded in love.” The cause of death was not revealed.

Full Story: https://hot1009.com/playlist/keke-jabbar-from-love-marriage-huntsville-dead-at-42/

59. Bill Cobbs

According to his publicist, Cobbs passed away in his home. Cobbs just turned 90 on June 16th.

60. Julio Foolio

The Rapper was shot and killed outside a Florida hotel. 

61. Willie Mays

Michael Mays, Willie’s son said in a statement released by the Giants, saying ““My father has passed away peacefully and among loved ones,” said Michael Mays. “I want to thank you all from the bottom of my broken heart for the unwavering love you have shown him over the years. You have been his life’s blood.”

62. Angela Bofill

63. Enchanting

It was reported that she was in critical condition from a suspected overdose that led to her untimely passing.

64. Chet Walker

In 1969, Walker was traded to the Chicago Bulls, where he was a key player, leading the team in scoring and helping them reach the playoffs multiple times. Walker was a 7× NBA All-Star. Walker was named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Induction in 2012.

65. Chuck Roberts

Known as the “Voice of House,” House Music Legend Chuck Roberts reportedly of Cancer. He was 66 years old

66. Mark Ross a.k.a. Brother Marquis

Hip-Hop is mourning the loss of another OG in the game, as iconic rap group 2 Live Crew confirmed the passing of member Mark Ross a.k.a. Brother Marquis.

The rapper passed away on Monday, June 3, according to a post on the group’s official social media account. The caption simply states that Ross “has went to the upper room.”

Although not an original member of the crew, Brother Marquis helped cement the group’s place in hip-hop infamy, along with DJ Mr. Mixx, the late Fresh Kid Ice, and Luke “Skyywalker” Campbell.

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68. Marian Robinson

Marian Robinson, the mother of former First Lady, Michelle Obama has passed away. In a social media post announcing the passing, Michelle Obama said “My mom Marian Robinson was my rock, always there for whatever I needed. She was the same steady backstop for our entire family, and we are heartbroken to share she passed away today” which included a statement from the family.

69. Drew Gordon

The former NBA player and brother of Denver Nuggets star Aaron Gordon was killed in a car accident in Portland, Oregon, on Thursday, May 30th. He was 33 years old.

70. Reverend William A. Lawson

The official Instagram Page for Wheeler Church said the following:

“It is with both inexpressible sorrow and overwhelming gratitude that we announce the passing of our Founding Pastor, Reverend William A. Lawson on May 14, 2024. He has completed his time of service here on earth and is now enjoying eternal rest. In his nearly 96 years, Reverend Lawson has served as husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, as well as preacher, professor, and civil rights leader. But whatever title you may have used to describe him, it has been said many times that Reverend Bill Lawson was ‘Houston’s Pastor.’”

71. Archie Cooley

Cooley was known as the “The Gunslinger” and during his time at Mississippi Valley State introduced his innovative “Satellite Express” offense. The offense featured a no-huddle look with five wide receivers and showcased quarterback Willie Totten and Rice. Rice would go on to a stellar career with the San Francisco 49ers, election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and is considered one of the greatest receivers in the history of the NFL.

Cooley was born in Sumrall and raised in Laurel where he attended Oak Park High School.

Cooley played for Jackson State from 1959-61 and was captain of the team. He started at linebacker and center for coach John Merritt. Cooley graduated in 1962.

72. U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr.

U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr., the Congressman from New Jersey who represented the Garden State on Capitol Hill for a dozen years, has died. He was 65.

73. William Strickland

Civil rights activist William Strickland died April 10 at the age of 87, according to AP.

William Strickland was an avid supporter of the Black Power movement and worked with many leaders of the Black community in the 1960s. AP confirmed Stickland’s death through family.

William Strickland found his civil rights calling while in high school in Massachusetts after becoming inspired by the writings of James Baldwin and Richard Wright.

In the early 1960s, Strickland joined the Boston chapter of the Northern Student Movement and participated in protests throughout the South. In 1963, he was promoted to director of the organization and began working alongside prominent leaders like Malcolm X and others in New York, focusing on civil rights issues such as strikes, school boycotts, police brutality as well as rent increases.

“He made incredible contributions to the Black freedom movement that haven’t really been appreciated,” Peter Blackmer, an assistant professor of Africology and African American Studies at Eastern Michigan University, told AP. “His contention was that civil rights wasn’t a sufficient framework for challenging the systems that were behind the oppression of Black communities throughout the diaspora.”

In 1969, after MLK was assassinated, Strickland co-founded the Institute of the Black World. The organization was a think tank for Black intellectuals.

He would spend his later years teaching political science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

74. Chance Perdomo

Actor Chance Perdomo who was known for his role in the new Amazon show “Gen V” has died following a motorcycle crash, according to AP. The young actor was 27 years old.

“On behalf of the family and his representatives, it is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Chance Perdomo’s untimely passing as a result of a motorcycle accident,” a publicist said to AP in a statement Saturday evening.

According to the family publicist, no one else was injured in the motorcycle crash but no details about the incident have yet been released.

Chance Perdomo was also widely known for his role in the Netflix series “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,” where he played the role of Ambrose Spellman. Perdomo starred in 36 episodes, which spanned over 4 seasons.

In 2023, Perdomo starred in his most popular role as Andre Anderson in The Boys spinoff series Gen V. The show follows a group of young superheroes who must navigate their college experience while being controlled by an evil corporation called Vought. The show was a hit success for Amazon Prime.

Following Chance Perdomo his representatives also released a heartfelt statement offering condolences to the family and asking for fans to respect the family’s privacy during these difficult times.

“His passion for the arts and insatiable appetite for life was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth will carry on in those who he loved dearest,” the statement read. “We ask to please respect the family’s wish for privacy as they mourn the loss of their beloved son and brother.”

The producers of the show shared their love for Perdomo’s family on social.

“We can’t quite wrap our heads around this,” the statement said. “For those of us knew him and worked with him, Chance was always charming and smiling, an enthusiastic force of nature, an incredibly talented performer, and more than anything else, just a very kind, loving person. Even writing about him in the past tense doesn’t make sense. We are so sorry for Chance’s family, and we are grieving the lost of our friend and colleague. Hug your loved ones tonight.”

Amazon MGM Studios also shared statements remembering Perdomo.

“The entire GEN V family is devastated by the sudden passing of Chance Perdomo,” Amazon said. “Amazon MGM Studios and Song Picture Television extend our heartfelt thoughts and support to Chance’s family and all who love him at this difficult time.”

75. Mandisa

Former American Idol alum and Christian singer Mandisa has died. She was 47 years old.

Known for her powerhouse voice, Mandisa began her singing career at an early age as a member of the Fisk Jubilee Singers while she attended Fisk University. After competing in season 5 of American Idol where she finished in the Top 10, Mandisa went on to release her first album, True Beauty, in 2007. As a Grammy winner and two-time K-LOVE Fan Award winner, some of her most notable music collaborations have included songs with Kirk Franklin, TobyMac and Matthew West. 

At this time, Mandisa cause of death is unknown. 

76. Rico Wade

Rapper Killer Mike spoke on the passing of Wade on social media, saying “I don’t have the words to express my deep and profound sense of loss. I am Praying for your wife and Children. I am praying for the Wade family. I am praying for us all.

I deeply appreciate your acceptance into The Dungeon Family, mentorship, Friendship and Brotherhood. Idk where I would be without ya’ll.

This is a part of the journey. You told me “It ain’t been hard throughout the journey, it’s been a Journey.”  The journey ain’t gonna be the Same Journey with U. Like U say tho Umma “Stay Down on it”……we all are.”

77. Faith Ringgold

Award-winning author and artist Faith Ringgold died on April 12 at the age of 93. Her death was confirmed by her assistant Grace Matthews, who said Ringgold died at her home in Englewood, New Jersey .

Ringgold was a true pioneer for Black women in the art world. In 1971 she founded the ‘Where We At’ artists collective for Black women. She also turned to social activism, protesting American museums for the lack of representation of Black female artists.

78. O.J. Simpson

O.J. Simpson passed away from cancer at the age of 76

79. DJ Mister Cee

Born in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, in the late 80’s Mister Cee came to fame as Big Daddy Kane’s DJ, who he met while in high school. As part of the Juice Crew, Cee was there on Kane’s seminal debut album Long Live The Kane, featuring on a song called “Mister Cee’s Master Plan” with his expert cutting and scratching throughout the album.

But perhaps even more notable is that Cee is credited with discovering late, great rapper the Notorious B.I.G. Cee was among the first to co-sign the then local rap phenom before appearing in The Source magazine’s Unsigned Hype section.

80. Vontae Davis

Former NFL star cornerback Vontae Davis has been found dead in a Florida home at the age of 35.

A death investigation is underway.

According to property records, the home is owned by Adaline Davis, who is Davis’ grandmother.

Police said that a male was found deceased at the home and that no foul play was involved.

81. Saxophonist Casey Benjamin

Casey Benjamin, the renowned saxophonist and founding member of the Robert Glasper Experiment, has passed away at the age of 46. There are currently no details regarding the cause of his death.

Casey Benjamin was born in 1978. He grew up in the vibrant neighborhood of South Jamaica in Queens, New York. Introduced to the saxophone at the age of eight, he honed his skills at the esteemed Harlem School of the Arts. Later, he continued his musical education at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art, the alma mater of notable artists such as Jennifer Aniston, Al Pacino, and Nicki Minaj.

82. Sarah-Ann Shaw, advocate-journalist who broke barriers at WBZ, dies at 90

Sarah-Ann Shaw, a pioneering journalist who made history as the first Black woman TV report in Boston, died on March 21. She was 90.

CBS News, the parent company of its affiliate WBZ-TV network in Boston for which Shaw worked for more than three decades, confirmed her death in a news article.

83. Louis Gossett, Jr

Gossett, Jr became the first Black actor to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor Oscar.

84. Dorie Ladner

85. Gylan Kain

Gylan Kain, a founding member of the famed spoken word group The Last Poets, died in February. The death was only made public in March after Kain’s family did not initially release details.

The New York Times reported that Kain died in the city of Lelystad in the Netherlands while at a nursing home. According to Kain’s son, Rufus Kain, his father passed away from heart disease.

86. Jessica Pettway

Long-time beauty and hair influencer Jessica Pettway. According to Jessica’s family, the social media starlet has died.

The devastating news comes after a surprising cervical cancer diagnosis and public battle with the disease. According to the YouTuber, after being misdiagnosed with fibroids, a doctor told her she had stage 3 cervical cancer.  Jessica leaves behind a husband and two beautiful daughters.

“Being told I have cancer didn’t devastate me,” she said in an Instagram post at the time. “It was the reaction of those close to me. I knew that God is my healer and that no weapon formed against me, not even cancer, would prosper. I knew that I am more than a conqueror and that I will get through this.” influencer jessica pettway,jessica pettway

87. Sandra Crouch

Sandra Crouch, Grammy-winning gospel artist, preacher, and the twin sister of late gospel great Andraé Crouch, has passed away at the age of 81.

As reported by the Journal of Gospel Music, Crouch transitioned on March 17, 2024. Her death was confirmed on the Facebook page of New Christ Memorial Church in California, where she served as Senior Pastor.

88. Anthony “Baby Gap” Walker

Anthony “Baby Gap” Walker, a member of R&B/funk group The Gap Band, has passed away at the age of 60.

The musician and dancer died in an Ohio hospital on March 4 of complications from a recent neck surgery, according to his brother, Dr. Eric Walker.  A memorial service will take place later this week in his hometown of Chicago.

89. Bo$$

Boss, stylized Bo$$, was the very first female rap act signed to Def Jam, with her debut album, Born Gangstaz, released in 1993. The lead single—the Def Jef produced “Deeper”—was a no. 1 hit on the rap charts. Her gruff style and hardcore delivery, along with beats provided by Erick Sermon, T-Ray, MC Serch, and the late Jam Master Jay, amongst others, quickly made her a fan favorite, but a proper follow-up album never materialized.

Although tabbed as a West Coast rapper, she was born in Detroit. Moving to Los Angeles after high school, she was discovered by DJ Quik, who put her on a track with AMG. Word is it got the attention of Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons, who inked her to the label’s fledgling Def Jam West imprint—but those in the know say Tracy Waples (an executive producer on the album) is who pushed for her signing.

90. Naomi Ruth Barber King

The sister-in-law of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who was considered the matriarch of the family and was also a civil rights activist.

91. Janice Burgess

The creator of ‘The Backyardigans’ Children’s Show

92. Wrestler Michael Jones

Best known to Wrestling Fans as Virgil, the handler of the Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase, Vincent, & Soul Train Jones

93. Eric Mays

The beloved and outspoken councilman was best known unwavering passion for politics and viral quotes and court moments (i.e. “Point of Order!”). His contributions, impact, and energy will be missed by many.

94. Robert Reid

Robert Reid, the former NBA star who played 10 seasons with the Houston Rockets and helped take the franchise to its first two NBA Finals, passed away on Monday following a battle with cancer. He was 68 years old.

The news was confirmed online on Tuesday by Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta.

“It is with great sorrow that my family and I received the news of the passing of Rockets legend, Robert Reid,” Fertitta wrote in a Twitter post. “I have had the privilege of knowing Robert for over 40 years, and his presence always brought joy and positivity to any room he entered. I will never forget watching the Rockets teams he was a part of in the ’80s compete in the Finals and the love he had for the game. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Diana, and all those who held him dear. Robert’s absence will be deeply felt, and he will be fondly remembered.”

95. Herbert Wigwe

96. Hydeia Broadbent

HIV/Aids Activist

97. Snoop Dogg’s Brother, Bing Worthington

98. Henry Fambrough

From the Associated Press:

Henry Fambrough, the last surviving original member of the iconic R&B group The Spinners, whose hits included “It’s a Shame,” “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love” and “The Rubberband Man,” died Wednesday, a spokesperson for the group said. He was 85.

Fambrough died peacefully of natural causes in his northern Virginia home, spokesperson Tanisha Jackson said in a statement.

Fambrough died on Feb. 7

99. Richard Caster

Richard Caster, a former HBCU football star who went on to play more than a dozen years as a professional football player in the NFL, died on Feb. 2 at 75.

100. Earl Cureton

Earl Cureton, a basketball star who won two NBA championships, died on Feb. 4.

101. Michael Watford

Michael Watford, a church-trained club singer whose baritone boomed over the world’s dance floors for much of the early 1990s, and in the process helped birth a subgenre of club music known as gospel house, died on Jan. 26 in Newark. He was 64.

His cousin Lorie Watford said the cause of his death, in a hospital, was dementia.

Mr. Watford’s signature hit was “So Into You,” a jubilant ditty that paired his romantic, yearning vocal, inspired by Luther Vandross, with insistent strings, a lush piano line, and frequent handclaps and drum rolls. It hit No. 1 on the Billboard dance chart in April 1994, only to be replaced a week later by Barbara Tucker’s “Beautiful People” — on which Mr. Watford provided backing vocals.

102. Clyde Taylor

Clyde Taylor, a “leading figure in the field of Black studies in the 1970s” who “identified work by Black filmmakers as worthy of serious intellectual attention,” died on Jan. 24 at 92, the New York Times reported.

103. Hage Geingob

Hage Geingob, the president of the African nation Namibia, died on Feb 5. He was 82.

104. Aston “Family Man” Barrett

Aston “Family Man” Barrett, the former bassist for legendary reggae group Bob Marley & The Wailers, died on Feb. 3. He was 77.

105. Carl Weathers

The Family said in a statement that Weathers “died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. … Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.”

106. Radio Host Joe Madison

Madison was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009. It went into remission following treatment. But he announced in December that the cancer had returned last year.

107. Hinton Battle

Broadway star Hinton Battle died Tuesday morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, according to Hollywood Reporter.

The Tony-winning performer died at 67 after battling an undisclosed illness, which the family intends to keep private.

108. Dexter King

Dexter Scott King.  The youngest son of the late great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and equally missed Coretta Scott King, Dexter reportedly succumbed to an extensive battle with prostate cancer today (January 22). He was 62 years old.

109. Marlena Shaw

110. Reggie Wells

via PEOPLE:

“On Jan. 9, the local publication revealed that Wells — who worked with Oprah Winfrey for 30 years, among other A-list stars such as Beyoncé, Aretha Franklin, Michelle Obama, Diahann Carroll and Halle Berry — died in Baltimore, his hometown, “after [battling] a long illness.” He was 76. Before becoming the makeup artist he was known to be, Wells graduated from Baltimore City College and Maryland Institute College of Art and became a city art teacher, according to the Banner.”

111. Jerry Wade aka “The Ultimate Loverman”

Indianapolis disc jockey Jerry Wade, host of WTLC’s The Quiet Storm with The Loverman Jerry Wade for over 40 years, died at the age 61. his death was confirmed by family on Monday, January 8, 2024. 

via WTLC:

“While on the air, Jerry was ‘Mr. Loverman,’ a charismatic, deep voiced, radio disc-jockey, gracing the airwaves Sunday through Thursday with ‘sexiest show in the city.’ But off-air, Jerry made everyone else feel like they were the super star. ‘The Loverman’ was the personality, but if there he had an alter-ego it was just ‘Jerry.’ An ego-less man who loved Indianapolis and wanted to see people smile. What most listeners didn’t know, was Jerry’s giving heart. Jerry was also the Executive Director of ‘Quality of Life,’ an Adult Day Center on the east side of Indianapolis. If that wasn’t enough Jerry was also a entrepreneur, as the owner of several salons known as ‘Hot Cuts’ and of course ‘Jerry Wade Live’ his mobile DJ service. And a real life ‘Hitch’ as through his date coach services he connected and reconnected countless relationship.”

112. Josephine Wright

The The 94-year-old Hilton Head Island woman gained viral appeal in her legal battle to keep hold of her family’s ancestral land. She passed away on January 7 “surrounded by family, loved ones, and prayers” as per CNN.

More via CNN:

“Wright remained committed to protecting her property, filing multiple counterclaims, accusing the developer of harassing her and trashing her property.

‘I want to be left alone,’ Wright told CNN in July. ‘I want to live on my property like I have always in peace and quiet.’

Media mogul Tyler Perry, who had been a fierce champion of Wright in her fight against developers, said he was ‘heartbroken’ to learn of her death in a tribute on Instagram.

‘Ms. Josephine Wright, even though we spoke by phone, I was so looking forward to meeting you in person next month to hand you the keys to your new house, but God had other plans,’ Perry said.”

113. Former NFL Player Ronald Powell

No cause of death reported at this time