Bad Azz, Snoop Dogg's Friend And Acclaimed West Coast Rapper, Dead At 43
Rest in peace, Bad Azz.
getty You might argue that only hardcore, true "heads" (as devoted hip hop fans are dubbed) are aware of Bad Azz, and his importance to West Coast hip hop, but he deserves to have received his flowers before he died. It's a true shame that he didn't because now, Bad Azz is gone, dead at the young age of 43. How did Bad Azz die?
Jamarr Antonio Stamps, who was better known by his stage name Bad Azz, first came to note hip hop as a member of the Snoop Dogg affiliate group, Tha Dogg Pound Gangsta Crips (sometimes referred to as DPGC, perhaps for obvious reasons). However, his career first took off when he started rapping at house parties as part of the LBC Crew. He then received the opportunity to have a guest verse on the hit Tupac song, "Crazy," which was released in 1996. And that's when his career really took off, although he was mostly known for his work on the West Coast.
Let's look at what we know about Bad Azz, who is gone too soon, to be sure.
RELATED: Get To Know Mr. Papers — Lil' Kim's Baby Daddy And Former Flame
1. He got into a fight with Ray J, who is Snoop Dogg's cousin.
Here's an interesting fact: Snoop Dogg is not only first cousins with Ray J and his sister, Brandy, he's also first cousins with WWE superstar Sasha Banks. Regardless, according to E! Online, Bad Azz made headlines back in 2013 for "sucker-punching" Ray J. This was particularly notable because aside from the familial connection between Ray J and Snoop Dogg, Bad Azz was still very much "cool" with Snoop Dogg (and remained so, until his death). Bad Azz claimed that he was getting even for Suge Knight (founder of Death Row Records, Snoop Dogg's former label) and his crew "jumping him" many years prior. Um, okay. Makes sense.
2. Bad Azz was in jail when he passed away.
According to Blavity, Bad Azz had been arrested on domestic violence charges four days prior to passing away. The outlet reports that he was in jail and not yet posted bail or bond when he passed away.
3. Snoop Dogg confirmed Bad Azz's passing.
Snoop Dogg took to his Instagram page to announce Bad Azz's passing, and saying he was "gone too soon." Check it out below.
4. "No foul play" is suspected in the late rapper's death.
"Cops say guards were conducting a security check when they noticed Bad Azz in need of medical assistance. Medical staff attempted to perform lifesaving measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Law enforcement sources say there are no signs of foul play, and their investigation remains ongoing. The cause of death will be determined by the coroner," reported TMZ.
5. He deliberately kept a low profile in the 2010s.
According to BET.com, Bad Azz kept a low profile in the 2010s, mostly because he wanted to be known for his music and not for his controversies, whether genuine or manufactured. Can't blame him there.
6. Bad Azz's cause of death is not yet known.
As has been previously mentioned, Bad Azz's body now has to go to the Los Angeles County Coroner to obtain an autopsy, which will then determine the cause of death.
Our thoughts are with Bad Azz's family, his affiliates, and his friends during this difficult time. Rest in power, Bad Azz.
Bernadette Giacomazzo is an editor, writer, and photographer whose work has appeared in People, Teen Vogue, Us Weekly, The Source, XXL, HipHopDX, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Post, and more. She is also the author of The Uprising series. For more information about Bernadette Giacomazzo, click here.