Rapper Gangsta Boo, former member of Three 6 Mafia, has died at 43 years old
(Picture: Getty Images for Republic Record)North American rapper Gangsta Boo has died at the age of 43 prompting an outpouring of tributes from shocked fans.
Lola Mitchell, best known by her stage name Gangsta Boo, was found dead in her hometown Memphis, Tennessee, on Sunday.
Her cause of death has not been stated, but her family described her passing as “untimely” and said in a statement they are processing their sudden loss.
The rapper was a former member of Memphis-based hip-hop group Three 6 Mafia.
Her mother Veronica Mitchell said in a statement issued on Monday: “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.”
On social media, fans described her as “an icon” and “one of the pioneers of female rap”, adding that her death had come “far too soon”.
The rapper launched her career at the age of just 14 when she was noticed by DJ Paul, a founding member of Three 6 Mafia.
By 15, she joined the rap collective, which included notable members DJ Paul, Juicy J, Crunchy Black and Lord Infamous.
Gangsta Boo gained instant notoriety with her shoot-from-the-hip, rapid-fire rap flow on Three 6 Mafia’s 1995 debut album Mystic Stylez, which became a cult classic.
You already know what it is. We FOREVER! Broke my whole heart today sis. I love you ❤️#memphis R.I.P Gangsta Boo pic.twitter.com/fGV6simLyt
— K. Michelle (@kmichelle) January 1, 2023
She appeared on five more of the group’s albums, including Chapter 2: World Domination, and the platinum-selling When The Smoke Clears: Sixty 6, Sixty 1.
In 1998, she branched out with her debut solo album Enquiring Minds. The album was highlighted by Where Dem Dollas At, featuring Juicy J and DJ Paul.
After Three 6 Mafia released Choices: The Album in 2001, she left the group to focus on her solo career.
During her career, Gangsta Boo collaborated with popular artists including OutKast, Eminem, Gucci Mane, Lil Jon, E-40 and T.I.
Last month, Gangsta Boo said she was on the verge of releasing her fourth studio album The BooPrint, this year. Last week, she filmed an unreleased video, Imma Mack, with producer Drumma Boy.
I tweeted this a while ago and she saw it and hit me up. If you are from the south and child of the 80s, 90s you understand the pain. I really am shocked by her passing. I was so happy to see her back in the limelight. Rest in power Gangsta Boo. You were a pioneer for real. 🙏🏾❤️ https://t.co/i23UzYzAdi pic.twitter.com/du0WnrVche
— C.J. Lawrence (@CJLawrenceEsq) January 1, 2023
“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.”
