Bo$$, The First Female Rapper Signed To Def Jam, Dead At 54

Bo$$ will forever be known in the annals of Hip-Hop for being the first female rapper signed to Def Jam. The community learned that the “I Don’t Give A F**k” rapper has passed away this week.

Bun B shared the unfortunate news on Monday (March 11) via Instagram. “Rest in peace to my big sis Lichelle Laws AKA Boss,” he wrote. “One of the best female MCs and a dear friend. Give Rick Royal a hug for me. Long Live The Org!” Several rappers, namely Jermaine Dupri, Jadakiss, 9th Wonder, and Lloyd Banks, flooded Bun’s comments to show love to Bo$$.

DJ Premier made his own post paying homage to the late Detroit rapper. “Damn! R.I.P. BO$$,” he wrote. Condolences to your family… SALUTE DETROIT!” He also mentioned a record that they did together called “Deeper (Remix)” which Def Jam never released, and asked if he could get a copy of it for his memories.

Bo$$ got her start after she moved to Los Angeles after graduating from high school in Detroit. She connected with Russell Simmons, who was working with DJ Quik then, and was eventually signed to Def Jam’s West Coast arm.

In 1993, she released her debut album Born Gangstaz, notably her only studio album. The LP boasted records like “Recipe of a H*e,” “I Don’t Give A F**k,” and “Deeper,” working its way up to No. 22 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart and No. 3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Born Gangstaz featured production from Jam Master Jay, MC Serch, and Erick Sermon plus guest verses from Onxy, Admiral D, and more.

While Bo$$’ cause of death is currently unknown, there was a GoFundMe set up for her in 2021 related to her struggle with renal disease. In 2017, she suffered a stroke and seizure which required a kidney transplant.

VIBE sends its sincerest condolences to all of Bo$$’ family, friends, and loved ones.

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