2023 isn't actually a good start for the hip-hop community. Mourning the passing of a music icon isn't exactly what many would anticipate doing in the first few days of January 2023.
According to TMZ, Memphis icon Gangsta Boo, formally known as Lola Chantrelle Mitchell, passed away at the age of 43 last Jan. 1, 2023.
What Happened to Gangsta Boo?
Reports also state that Gangsta Boo's cause of death was linked to drugs. Gangsta's brother said that Gangsta Boo died because of a cardiac arrest and drug overdose.
Apparently, Mitchell was with her brother on New Year's Eve, performing at a local concert in Memphis. In the wee hours of the night, Mitchell's brother said that she was starting to overdose, eventually requiring hospitalization.
The outlet further reported that people close to the scene insisted that Gangsta Boo's cause of death was linked to narcotics found in her body, including a fentanyl-laced substance that was said to have been responsible.
Meanwhile, News Channel 3 reported that loved ones of Mitchell said that Gangsta Boo's cause of death did not involve foul play.
READ ALSO: Gangsta Boo Cause of Unexpected Death: Three 6 Mafia Rapper Dead at 43 on New Year's Day
Since the announcement of her Gangsta Boo's death, fans of the Memphis rapper have taken over social media, remembering her legacy and impact on many underground artists she had collaborated with throughout the years.
"The news about Gangsta Boo really hurts. She gave countless women - within the South & beyond - a blueprint to retool and rework for themselves. Her influence is incalculable and still so present today. A legend in every sense, who was committed to encouraging future innovators," a fan shared on Twitter.
"Gangsta Boo had an added layer of coolness to me in recent years because I saw her actively engaging and giving flowers to underground + alt artists in different scenes. She wanted to pay it forwarded. That's the type of OGs we need around," another user posted.
On the other hand, Boosie Badazz seemed to be taking an indirect jab at Gangsta Boo. Shortly after her death was announced, Boosie posted an "uneducated and uninformed take" about America's opioid epidemic.
He is urging people to revert back to crack, instead of fentanyl. Although he did not namedrop Gangsta, the timing of the out-of-the-blue comment seemed to be very timely after reports say that it was a fentanyl-laced substance that was responsible for Gangsta Boo's death.
Check out Boosie Badazz video below.
FENTANYL TOO DAM STRONG #crackbetter pic.twitter.com/nsy6VmHo3C
— Boosie BadAzz (@BOOSIEOFFICIAL) January 2, 2023
READ ALSO: Gangsta Boo Net Worth Revisited Amid Mysterious Cause of Death: 'Queen of Memphis' Title Justified?
