5ive is a rapper from St. Louis who has gained popularity for his songs like “Me and My Brother” and “Leave Me”. But behind his success lies a heartbreaking story of losing his twin brother, Wylie Draper, who died of leukemia at the age of 24.
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Who was Wylie Draper?
Wylie Draper was born on March 5, 1969, in West Virginia. He was the twin brother of 5ive, whose real name is Andre Draper. Wylie and Andre shared a passion for music and entertainment since they were young. They formed a rap group called The Draper Brothers and performed at local venues.
Wylie was also an actor who landed the role of Michael Jackson in the 1992 miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream. He portrayed the King of Pop from ages 17 to 21, and received praise for his performance. He also appeared in other TV shows and movies, such as In the Heat of the Night, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Class Act.
How did Wylie Draper die?
Tragically, in 1993, Wylie was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia, a cancer that affects the blood cells. He underwent chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant, but his condition did not improve. He died on December 20 in Los Angeles at the age of 24, with little media coverage at the time.
According to The Guardian, Wylie’s death was a devastating blow for his family and friends, especially his twin brother Andre. Andre said that he felt like he lost a part of himself when Wylie passed away. He said that they had a special bond that no one could understand.
How did 5ive cope with his brother’s death?
After Wylie’s death, Andre changed his stage name to 5ive, which was Wylie’s nickname. He said that he wanted to honor his brother’s memory and legacy by continuing their musical journey. He said that he felt Wylie’s presence and guidance in his life.
5ive dedicated his song “Me and My Brother” to Wylie, which has over 19 million views on YouTube. The song is a tribute to their brotherhood and friendship, and expresses 5ive’s love and gratitude for Wylie. The song also features clips of Wylie’s acting career and photos of them together.
5ive has also been involved in raising awareness and funds for leukemia research and treatment. He has participated in events such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk and the St. Louis Children’s Hospital’s Radiothon. He said that he hopes to help other people who are fighting the disease or have lost their loved ones to it.
Conclusion
5ive is a rapper who has overcome a tragic loss in his life. His twin brother, Wylie Draper, died of leukemia at the age of 24, leaving behind a legacy of music and acting. 5ive has honored his brother by continuing their rap career, dedicating songs to him, and supporting leukemia causes. He said that he believes that Wylie is watching over him and cheering him on.
