Rapper Gangsta Boo, a former member of the hip-hop group Three 6 Mafia, has died at the age of 43.
During her career, she collaborated with artists including Eminem, Gucci 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, Tennessee, on New Year’s Day.
Her cause of death has not been released and no further details about where she was found have been 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 is asking for your continued prayers and privacy as we process the loss of our loved one.”
Gangsta Boo’s career in music began when she was just 14, when she was spotted by DJ Paul, a founding member of Three 6 Mafia. She had joined the rap collective, which also included notable members including Juicy J, Crunchy Black and Lord Infamous, by her 15th birthday.
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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, Enquiring Minds, was released in 1998, while she was still with the group. 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 getting ready to release her fourth solo album, The BooPrint, later in 2023. She also filmed an unreleased video, Imma Mack, with producer Drumma Boy, who has paid tribute, and on New Year’s Eve shared a video of her accomplishments in 2022.
“Gangsta Boo was like a sister to me and told the world about me the way my blood brother did,” Drumma Boy said in a statement.
“We both are Leos and share the same energy towards unity and seeing people happy! This is just such a devastating loss cuz she always wanted to see others win! RIP to the Queen Of Memphis, forever my sister.”
Drake, Missy Elliott, Rah Digga, TyDollaSign and OutKast’s Big Boi are among those who have also paid tribute, along with her former Three 6 Mafia bandmates.
“Rest in heaven Gangsta Boo,” Drake wrote in a story post on Instagram.
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.
