Rapper Gangsta Boo, a former member of hip-hop group Three 6 Mafia, has died aged 43.
During her career, she has collaborated with artists including EminemGucci 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 was not revealed and no further details of where she was found were given.
Her mother, Veronica Mitchell, confirmed the news, saying in a statement on behalf of the family, “The Mitchell family would like to thank everyone for their condolences regarding the untimely death of Lola ‘Gangsta Boo’ Mitchell.
“The family asks for your continued prayers and privacy as we process the loss of our loved one.”
Gangsta Boo’s music career began when she was just 14 years old, when she was spotted by Three 6 Mafia founding member DJ Paul. She had joined the rap collective, which also included notable members such as Juicy J, Crunchy Black and Lord Infamous, on her 15th birthday.
She performed on the band’s 1995 debut album Mystic Stylez and went on to appear on other albums, including the platinum-selling When The Smoke Clears: Sixty 6, Sixty 1.
Her first solo album, Inquiring Minds, was released in 1998, while she was still with the band. However, they later broke up and she released her second solo album, Both Worlds *69, in 2001.
Just weeks before her death, she said she was set to release her fourth solo album, The BooPrint, later in 2023. She also filmed an unreleased video, Imma Mack, with producer Drumma Boy, which paid homage to him, and on New Year’s Day. Eve shared a video of her accomplishments in 2022.
“Gangsta Boo was like a sister to me and told the world about me like my blood brother did,” Drumma Boy said in a statement.
“We are both Leos and share the same energy for unity and making people happy! This is such a devastating loss because she always wanted to see others win! RIP to the Queen of Memphis, my sister for always.”
DuckOutKast’s Missy Elliott, Rah Digga, TyDollaSign and Big Boi were also among those who also paid tribute, along with her former Three 6 Mafia bandmates.
“Rest in Heaven Gangsta Boo,” Drake wrote in an Instagram post.
Juicy J shared a photo of the pair together, captioned with a broken heart emoji, and DJ Paul also shared a photo of the star.
