The hip-hop community is in mourning following the tragic passing of Gangsta Rid, a founding member of the legendary Boo Ya Tribe, who succumbed to complications from COVID-19. The news was shared by fellow rapper Ice-T, who expressed his sorrow on social media, stating, “I just woke up to the terrible news. My very close homie Gangsta Rid of Boo Ya Tribe passed away yesterday from COVID-19. So sad. My love and condolences go well to the family.”
Gangsta Rid, born Paul Devocks in Carson, California, was integral to the formation of Boo Ya Tribe in the late 1980s alongside his brothers Vincent, Donald, Danny, Ted, David, and Roscoe. The group emerged as a powerful force in hip-hop, blending rap with live instrumentation—a groundbreaking approach at the time. Their debut album, “New Funky Nation,” released in 1990, showcased this unique sound and set the stage for their continued success. Over the years, Boo Ya Tribe released a total of eight studio albums, with their last being “Business as Usual” in 2008.
The impact of Gangsta Rid’s music extended beyond his own albums; he and his brothers also played a crucial role in supporting other artists. Notably, they provided security for Eminem during his early career, successfully preventing attempts by local gangs to extort the rapper in the 1990s. This dedication to the hip-hop community and their innovative sound has left a lasting legacy.
Tributes have poured in from across the music industry as fans and fellow artists alike express their condolences and share memories of Gangsta Rid. The loss of such a significant figure has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the ongoing toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on artists and musicians.
As the hip-hop world reflects on Gangsta Rid’s contributions and the friendships he forged, it is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of supporting one another during these challenging times. With nearly 300,000 lives lost to the pandemic in the United States alone, the impact of COVID-19 continues to be felt deeply, underscoring the urgency of public health measures to safeguard communities.
As the tributes continue to pour in, the legacy of Gangsta Rid and Boo Ya Tribe remains a testament to innovation and resilience in the face of adversity. The hip-hop community will remember him not only for his contributions to music but also for his character and the bonds he built throughout his life.