Lola Chantrelle Mitchell, better known by her stage name Gangsta Boo, was a rap legend who rose to fame as a member of the influential group Three 6 Mafia. She was also a successful solo artist who collaborated with many other stars in the hip hop industry. Sadly, she passed away on New Year’s Day 2023 at the age of 43. Her fans and peers have been mourning her loss and wondering how she died. Here is what we know about Lola Chantrelle Mitchell’s cause of death.
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Accidental Overdose of Fentanyl, Cocaine and Alcohol
According to HipHopDX, the Memphis rapper’s death was ruled an accidental overdose per an autopsy report that was released on Wednesday (June 14). The report claimed she overdosed on fentanyl, cocaine and ethanol (alcohol). Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and can be lethal even in small doses. Cocaine is a stimulant that can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and seizure. Ethanol is the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages that can impair judgment, coordination and breathing. The combination of these three substances can have fatal consequences, as they can affect the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system in different and unpredictable ways.
No Signs of Foul Play or Distress
According to Fox 13, the Memphis Police Department said there were no obvious signs of foul play in Gangsta Boo’s death. She was found dead on the front porch of her mother’s home in Memphis, Tennessee, on January 1, 2023. She had been showing no signs of distress in the hours before her death, according to reports. She had celebrated the end of 2022 with her family at a concert and posted videos and photos on her social media accounts. She seemed to be in good spirits and enjoying herself. Her last tweet was a message of gratitude to her fans: “Thank you for all the love and support. I appreciate y’all so much. Happy New Year!”
A Pioneering and Influential Rapper
Gangsta Boo’s death is a huge loss for the hip hop community, as she was a pioneering and influential rapper who blazed trails for other women emcees who came after her. She started rapping at around the age of 14 and was discovered by DJ Paul, who invited her to join Three 6 Mafia, making her the sole female member of the group. She made her first appearance on DJ Paul’s mixtape Volume 16: 4 Da Summer Of ’94, released in 1994. She was on the group’s 1995 debut album Mystic Stylez and on four more albums until she left the group in 2001 due to financial disputes and issues regarding promotion of her second solo album, Both Worlds *69. She subsequently released several solo albums and became known for collaborating with artists such as Eminem, Run the Jewels, La Chat, Latto, GloRilla, Outkast, Foxy Brown, Tinashe, Lil Jon and Yelawolf. She was also part of the Three 6 Mafia spin-off group Da Mafia 6ix, which she joined in 2013 and left in 2014. She was widely respected and admired for her raw and authentic style, her lyrical skills, her charisma and her versatility. She was also a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment and social justice. She was nominated for several awards, including a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for the song “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp” from the movie Hustle & Flow.
A Legacy That Lives On
Gangsta Boo’s death has left a void in the hip hop world, but her legacy lives on through her music, her fans and her peers. Many of her fellow artists have paid tribute to her on social media, expressing their condolences, their admiration and their appreciation for her contributions to the culture. Some of the names who have honored her include Juicy J, DJ Paul, Project Pat, Lil Jon, Da Brat, Missy Elliott, Remy Ma, Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, Rico Nasty, Young M.A, Big Boi, Killer Mike, El-P, Yelawolf, Eminem and many more. Her fans have also been sharing their memories, their favorite songs and their heartfelt messages for the rap legend. Gangsta Boo will always be remembered as one of the greatest female rappers of all time and a trailblazer for the genre. Rest in peace, Gangsta Boo. You will be missed.