Fredo Santana, born Derrick Coleman, has passed away at the age of 27 inside his home in Los Angeles, California.
The rapper was the older cousin of fellow rapper and record producer Chief Keef.
Santana was one of the pioneers of the drill movement in Chicago. His hit singles include "Dope Game," "Go To War," and "Riot," a song that featured hip-hop star Childish Gambino. His debut album, Trappin Ain't Dead, was released in 2013. Since then, he has been coming out with mixtapes, including Fredo Kruger 2, which was released last year. The rapper was expected to release a collaborative mixtape with Chief Keef called Turbo Bandanna and a solo record called Walking Legend 2, named after his son, Legend.
Gone Too Soon
"Everyone at Glory Boyz Entertainment is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Fredo," said the record label in a statement to Billboard. "He was not only a talented rapper but family to everyone and a true star who was taken too soon. We are all proud of everything he was able to accomplish in his life and he will truly be missed. At this time we ask for privacy and prayers for his family and friends."
Santana died on Friday night, Jan. 19, because of a seizure, reports said. The rapper was found dead by his girlfriend when she went to visit him in his home. Santana has been enduring serious health problems for the past few months, and in October, he was hospitalized for liver and kidney failure.
"I'm getting back to normal sorry to all my fans turbo bandana will not be dropping tomorrow due to my health issues," he wrote then. "Thanks for everyone who prayed for a n— I wouldn't wish this on my worse enemy."
It was not immediately known whether his death was related to his illness. An autopsy report from the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office is still pending as of this writing.
Sending Love
Houston-based rapper Maxo Kream was first to confirm Santana's death. On a post on Instagram, he shared a photo of the Chicago-born rapper.
"Damn man I'm lost for words right now I'm cryin my a** off Fredo I love yu B****," he said. "RIP a real Savage."
Canadian rapper Drake also remembered his fellow artist this week. Santana appeared on one of Drake's music video "Hold On, We're Going Home" in 2013.
Santana is survived by his son, who was born in June 2017, and his girlfriend.
