Tame One, the rapper who was part of the influential hip-hop duo Artifacts, died on November 5, 2022, at the age of 52. His mother, Darlene Brown Harris, announced his death on Facebook, revealing that he suffered from heart failure after taking six prescription drugs and smoking weed. His death shocked the rap world, as he was widely respected for his skills and contributions to the underground scene. In this article, we will explore the cause of his death, his legacy, and how to prevent heart failure.
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What is heart failure and what are its risk factors?
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. This can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs and ankles, and reduced ability to exercise. According to World Health Organization (WHO), heart failure affects about 26 million people worldwide and is a major cause of hospitalization and death.
There are many factors that can increase the risk of developing heart failure, such as:
- High blood pressure: This puts extra strain on the heart and damages the blood vessels.
- Coronary artery disease: This is when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by fatty deposits called plaque.
- Diabetes: This can damage the nerves and blood vessels that control the heart function.
- Obesity: This can increase the workload of the heart and lead to high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Smoking: This can damage the lining of the arteries and reduce the oxygen supply to the heart.
- Alcohol and drug abuse: This can weaken the heart muscle and cause irregular heartbeats.
How did Tame One die from heart failure?
According to his mother’s Facebook post, Tame One died from heart failure caused by a combination of six prescription drugs and weed. She did not specify what drugs he was taking, but some common drugs that can affect the heart are:
- Opioids: These are painkillers that can slow down the breathing and lower the blood pressure.
- Benzodiazepines: These are sedatives that can relax the muscles and reduce anxiety, but also depress the central nervous system and lower the blood pressure.
- Antidepressants: These are medications that can improve mood and treat depression, but also have side effects such as irregular heartbeats and low blood pressure.
- Antihistamines: These are drugs that can relieve allergies and cold symptoms, but also cause drowsiness and low blood pressure.
- Steroids: These are drugs that can reduce inflammation and treat various conditions, but also increase the blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Weed, or marijuana, is a plant that contains a psychoactive substance called THC. It can have various effects on the body and mind, such as euphoria, relaxation, altered perception, increased appetite, and impaired memory. Weed can also affect the heart by increasing the heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen demand. This can put more stress on the heart and increase the risk of arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) or myocardial infarction (heart attack).
The interaction between different drugs and weed can be unpredictable and dangerous. Some drugs may enhance or counteract the effects of weed, while others may cause adverse reactions or complications. The combination of drugs and weed may also impair judgment and decision-making, leading to risky behaviors or overdoses.
It is possible that Tame One had an underlying heart condition that was worsened by his drug use. He may have also had other health problems that contributed to his death. However, without an autopsy report or a medical history, it is hard to determine the exact cause of his death.
What is Tame One’s legacy in rap music?
Tame One was born Rahem Brown in Newark, New Jersey. He started rapping in the late 1980s as part of a graffiti crew called The Boom Skwad. He met his partner El Da Sensei (William E. Williams) at a local rap contest and formed Artifacts in 1992. They signed with Big Beat Records and released their debut album Between a Rock and a Hard Place in 1994. The album was acclaimed for its raw lyrics, gritty beats, and homage to graffiti culture. Their first single “Wrong Side of da Tracks” became an underground hit and a classic in hip-hop history.
Artifacts released their second album That’s Them in 1997, which featured guest appearances from Busta Rhymes, Mad Skillz, Lord Finesse, and Lord Jamar. The album was well-received by critics and fans alike but did not sell well commercially. Artifacts disbanded shortly after due to creative differences and label issues.
Tame One pursued a solo career and released several albums independently or through indie labels such as Eastern Conference Records, Sub Verse Music, Demigodz Records, and Fat Beats Records. He also collaborated with other underground rappers such as Cage, Aesop Rock, El-P, Del the Funky Homosapien, and Copywrite. He was a member of the supergroup The Weathermen, which also included Cage, Aesop Rock, El-P, Camu Tao, Yak Ballz, and Breeze Brewin. The group released a mixtape called The Conspiracy in 2003 but never released a full-length album.
Tame One was known for his witty wordplay, complex rhyme schemes, and versatile flow. He was influenced by rappers such as Kool G Rap, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, and KRS-One. He was also a skilled freestyler and battle rapper who could improvise and diss his opponents with ease. He was respected and admired by his peers and fans for his dedication and passion for rap music.
How to prevent heart failure and live a healthy life?
Heart failure is a serious condition that can reduce the quality and length of life. However, it can be prevented or managed by adopting a healthy lifestyle and following medical advice. Some of the ways to prevent heart failure are:
- Eat a balanced diet: A diet that is low in salt, fat, cholesterol, and sugar can help lower the blood pressure and cholesterol levels and prevent obesity and diabetes. A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide essential nutrients and antioxidants that can protect the heart and blood vessels.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity can strengthen the heart muscle and improve blood circulation. It can also help control weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels. It is recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week.
- Quit smoking: Smoking can damage the lining of the arteries and reduce the oxygen supply to the heart. It can also increase the heart rate, blood pressure, and risk of blood clots. Quitting smoking can improve the heart function and lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Limit alcohol and drug use: Alcohol and drugs can affect the heart function and rhythm. They can also interact with medications and cause adverse effects or complications. It is advisable to limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. It is also advisable to avoid or seek help for drug abuse or addiction.
- Manage stress: Stress can trigger the release of hormones that can increase the heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen demand. It can also lead to unhealthy habits such as overeating, smoking, drinking, or using drugs. It is important to find healthy ways to cope with stress such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, hobbies, or social support.
- Check up regularly: Regular check-ups can help detect and treat any health problems that may affect the heart such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or thyroid disorders. They can also help monitor the heart function and adjust medications if needed. It is recommended to have a check-up at least once a year or more often if advised by a doctor.
Tame One’s death was a tragic loss for rap music and his family and friends. His death also serves as a reminder of the dangers of heart failure and the importance of taking care of one’s health. By following these tips, one can reduce the risk of heart failure and live a longer and happier life.
