Notti Osama was a rising star in the drill rap scene, a genre that often involves taunting rivals and boasting about violence. But his life was cut short on July 9, 2022, when he was stabbed to death in a Manhattan subway station after getting into a brawl with a 15-year-old boy. Here is what we know about the tragic incident and the young rapper’s career.
The Fatal Altercation
According to Sportskeeda, Notti Osama, whose real name was Ethan Reyes, was involved in a dispute with another teen at the 137th Street/City College subway station around 3 p.m. on July 9. It is unclear what sparked the conflict, but law enforcement sources said that the two teens had some issues with each other.
The New York Post reported that Reyes cornered the accused and confronted him with a broomstick. The accused then pulled out a knife and stabbed Reyes in the abdomen. The fight spilled into the subway platform, where it was captured on camera by witnesses.
Reyes was rushed to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The accused was also taken to New York Presbyterian Hospital and treated for stab wounds. He was later arrested and charged with first-degree manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon.
The Rising Rapper
Reyes was a 14-year-old drill rapper from New York, who went by the stage name Notti Osama. Drill rap is a subgenre of hip hop that originated in Chicago and later spread to other cities like London and New York. It is known for its aggressive lyrics, dark beats, and violent imagery.
Reyes had released several songs on YouTube and SoundCloud, where he had thousands of followers. He had also collaborated with his brother, DD Osama, who is also a rapper. Just two weeks before his death, Reyes had released visuals for his new single, “Without You”.
Reyes was the youngest of six children and loved spending time with his family, according to his cousin Lily Ortega. She described him as a happy and loving child who had a million-dollar smile. She also said that he was motivated to pursue his rap career and worked hard every day to achieve his dream.
The Tributes and Memorial
Reyes’s death shocked and saddened many people who knew him or followed his music. His brother DD Osama posted a heartfelt tribute on social media, saying “Like why did you leave me? Why you tell me that death is easy?” He also shared photos and videos of them together, expressing his love and grief.
Many fans and friends also paid their respects online, using hashtags like #RIPNottiOsama and #LongLiveNottiOsama. Some of them praised his talent and potential, while others condemned the senseless violence that took his life.
A candlelight memorial was held in Manhattan, where people gathered to honor Reyes’s memory and play his songs. A GoFundMe page was also created by his friends to help cover the cost of his funeral. The page had raised more than $5,700 of its $10,000 goal as of July 11.
Reyes’s death also sparked a discussion about the dangers of drill rap and its influence on youth violence. Some critics argued that drill rap glorifies and incites violence, while others defended it as a form of artistic expression and social commentary.
MTA NYC transit president Richard Davey issued a statement about the incident, saying “We thank NYPD detectives, with whom we cooperated, for the rapid arrest of a suspect. That he and the victim are said to have known each other further underscores this senseless nature of this tragic incident.”
