The West Coast rap community is mourning the loss of one of its own, Wytony Dillon, better known by his stage name Big Wy. The Inglewood rapper and CEO of The Relativez passed away on June 2, 2023, after battling an unidentified medical condition for several weeks. He was 49 years old.
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A Pioneer of West Coast Rap
Big Wy was born on December 30, 1973, in Inglewood, California. He started his rap career in the early 1990s, under the alias Red Rag, as part of the rap collective Bloods & Crips. The group gained popularity with their debut album Bangin’ on Wax, which featured songs about gang violence and street life.
Big Wy later joined the Damu Ridas, a subgroup of Blood-affiliated rappers, and collaborated with them on the album How Deep Is Your Hood. He also appeared on the soundtracks for Gang Related and Murder Was The Case, two films produced by Death Row Records.
In the mid-1990s, Big Wy formed the rap group Young Soldierz with Dogg, Lil Stretch, and G-Pops. The group signed with Death Row Records and released their self-titled album in 1994. Their song Eastside-Westside became a hit and a classic anthem for the West Coast rap scene.
The Relativez: Big Wy’s Legacy
Big Wy’s most significant impact came when he and Suga Buga, formerly known as Dogg, created the duo The Relativez in 1998. The duo released several independent albums that featured artists such as B-Brazy, Mitchy Slick, WC, Kokane, and G Malone. The Relativez became an integral part of the West Coast rap scene and influenced many upcoming artists.
Big Wy was also instrumental in launching the careers of Ty Dolla Sign and YG, two of the most successful rappers from the West Coast. He introduced them to each other and helped them get their rap careers started.
Big Wy was also known for his involvement in the community and his efforts to promote peace and unity among rival gangs. He participated in several events and initiatives that aimed to reduce violence and improve the lives of young people in Inglewood and beyond.
Tributes Pour In for Big Wy
Big Wy’s death was met with shock and sadness by his fans, friends, and fellow rappers. Many of them took to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to his legacy.
Some of the notable figures who mourned Big Wy’s passing include Big U, Wack 100, Skipp Townsend, Stro, Glasses Malone, Problem, AD, Slim 400, Compton AV, and many more.
According to AllHipHop, Big U wrote on Instagram: “REST WELL MY BLOOD KING !! INGWOOD FINEST ( BIGY ) DAMN WE JUST TALK THE OTHER DAY… YOU CALL TO GIVE ME CONGRATULATIONS ON MY SON * DAIYAN GOING TO THE LEAGUE!! DIDN’T EXSPECT THIS ONE. I SEND MY CONDOLENCES TO THE ( FAMILY ) & RED TEAM.”
Stro tweeted: “Damn I’m fucked up. Lost one of my mentors today. The person that introduced me to @tydollasign & @YG and got my rap shit poppin. I’m forever grateful for everything you taught me about this industry and these streets. Gonna keep doin this shit for you big homie. RIP @BIGWY”
Skipp Townsend posted: “A very talented brother held on and fought for life and he finally passed away this afternoon. An intelligent and very talented brother. He was a comedian with jokes that could last all day… He changed the culture with his music, and his voice stays with us forever…”
Big Wy Cause of Death: What We Know So Far
According to Medicotopics, Big Wy died as a result of an unidentified medical condition that kept him in the hospital for the previous few weeks. The exact cause of death has not been revealed yet.
However, some sources have speculated that Big Wy may have suffered from complications related to diabetes or kidney failure. These are common health issues that affect many African Americans and people who live in low-income areas.
Big Wy’s family has not issued any official statement regarding his death or funeral arrangements yet. We will update this article as more information becomes available.
Conclusion
Big Wy was a rap legend who left a lasting mark on the West Coast rap scene and the culture at large. He was a pioneer, a mentor, a leader, and a friend to many. He will be dearly missed by his fans, family, and peers.
Rest in peace, Big Wy. Thank you for your music and your legacy.
