Hussein Fatal was a rapper who rose to fame in the 1990s through his collaborations with late hip-hop icon Tupac Shakur. He was a member of the rap group The Outlawz, which was formed by Shakur in 1995. He also had a prolific solo career, releasing four studio albums and 18 mixtapes. He died in a car accident on July 10, 2015, at the age of 42. Here is what we know about his life and death.
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Early Life and Career
Hussein Fatal was born Bruce Edward Washington Jr. in New Jersey on April 3, 1973. He converted to Islam at a young age and adopted the name Hussein Fatal, inspired by the Iraqi president Saddam Hussein. He met Tupac Shakur in 1994 through his friend Yaki Kadafi, who was Shakur’s godbrother. He joined Shakur’s group The Outlawz, which consisted of rappers who were given the names of enemies of America.
Hussein Fatal first appeared on Shakur’s album All Eyez on Me in February 1996, on the songs All Bout U and When We Ride. He also featured on the infamous diss track Hit ‘Em Up, which targeted Shakur’s rivals such as The Notorious B.I.G., Puff Daddy, and Mobb Deep. He became one of Shakur’s closest allies and friends, and was with him in Las Vegas on the night he was fatally shot in September 1996.
Solo Success and Legal Troubles
After Shakur’s death, Hussein Fatal continued to work with The Outlawz, but also pursued a solo career. He released his debut album In the Line of Fire in 1998, under Relativity Records. However, the label went bankrupt and the album did not receive much promotion or sales. He then signed with Rap-A-Lot Records and began working on his second album Death Before Dishonor, recording over 40 songs.
However, his career was put on hold when he was arrested in December 1999 for an assault that he committed three years earlier. He was sentenced to three years in prison and was released in 2002. Rap-A-Lot Records released his second album Fatal in the same year, which featured guest appearances from Scarface, Young Noble, and Ja Rule.
In 2003, he collaborated with Ja Rule on four songs from his album Blood in My Eye, which was a response to the feud with 50 Cent and G-Unit. He also appeared on the remix of Ashanti’s Rain On Me, and in Ja Rule’s Clap Back music video. He later left Rap-A-Lot Records and started his own label Thugtertainment, under which he released two more albums: Born Legendary in 2009 and The Interview: It’s Not a Gimmick 2 Me in 2013.
Reunion with The Outlawz and Final Years
Hussein Fatal reunited with The Outlawz in 2010, after resolving their differences and honoring Shakur’s legacy. He appeared on their mixtapes Killuminati 2K10 and Killuminati 2K11, and their final album Perfect Timing in 2011. He also collaborated with fellow Outlawz member Young Noble on their joint album Thug in Thug Out in 2007, and on two songs from Young Noble’s solo album Son of God in 2012.
He continued to release mixtapes until his death, such as Ridin’ All Week on ‘Em in 2015 and Legendary Status posthumously in 2018. He also worked on a documentary about his life and career, titled Hussein Fatal: Outlaw to the End, which was released after his death.
Car Accident and Death
Hussein Fatal died in a car accident in Banks County, Georgia on July 10, 2015. His girlfriend Zanetta Yearby was driving and lost control of the vehicle, causing it to flip over several times. Hussein Fatal was ejected from the car and pronounced dead at the scene. His girlfriend was charged with DUI, first-degree vehicular homicide, and reckless driving.
The news of his death shocked the hip-hop community and his fans around the world. His fellow Outlawz members expressed their grief and condolences on social media, as well as other artists who worked with him or were influenced by him. His funeral was held on July 18, 2015, in Montclair, New Jersey.
Hussein Fatal is remembered as one of the most talented and loyal rappers of his generation, who stayed true to his roots and never compromised his integrity. He left behind a legacy of music that will live on forever.
