Lichelle Marie Laws, renowned as the rapper Boss, has tragically passed away at the age of 54. Originally hailing from Detroit, Boss made history as the first female signee of Def Jam Records. The news of her death was shared by fellow rapper Bun B on social media, expressing condolences and highlighting her significant impact on the hip-hop scene.
Bun B wrote, “Rest in peace to my big sis Lichelle Laws AKA Boss. One of the best female MCs and a dear friend.”
The cause of her death remains unknown, but in 2011, Boss was diagnosed with a kidney illness. Despite facing health challenges, she continued to contribute to the music industry. Born and raised in Detroit, Boss later moved to Los Angeles to pursue education at Oakland University.
Boss’s debut studio album, “Born Gangstaz,” released in 1993, solidified her position as a trailblazing artist. Featuring special guests AMG and Erick Sermon, the album peaked at number three on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
In 1999, Boss experienced renal failure, leading to three and a half years on dialysis. In a 2004 interview, she shared insights into her health struggles, stating, “Every complication that you have with it [bad kidneys] I had it. They told my mama I wouldn’t live past Thursday.”
In 2017, a GoFundMe account was created to support her kidney transplant after suffering a stroke and seizure. A May 2023 update on the page indicated positive progress in her healing journey.
Tributes flooded in from fans and fellow artists, remembering Boss’s impactful contributions to the hip-hop genre. One fan expressed, “Ahhhhhhh damnnnnn. I was a huge fan. Progress Of Elimination is one of my all-time favs.”
Fellow artist DJ Premier shared his tribute on Instagram, saying, “Damn! R.I.P. BO$$. Condolences to your family…SALUTE DETROIT!” The hip-hop community mourns the loss of a pioneering talent as Boss’s legacy continues to resonate.
