Rap and movie fans are grieving the loss of a star after Nashawn Breedlove was found dead at home.
The movie star, who appeared in 8 Mile alongside Eminem, tragically died in his sleep suddenly, his family have said. The music hitmaker passed away at his home in New Jersey. As fans mourn Nashawn Breedlove being sadly found dead, we take a look at his famous moment for battle-rapping Slim Shady.
Nashawn Breedlove found dead at home
A family member told TMZ Nashawn died in his sleep suddenly at home on Sunday, (September 24).
The outlet reports loved ones do not yet know his cause of death.
He was only 46 years old.
His mother, Patricia, penned a moving tribute for her son on Facebook.
She wrote: “Nashawn was a rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor. No one could deny his talent. Nashawn’s departure from this world has left an immense void in my life, one that words cannot fully express.
“I can’t put into words the pain and hurt that I feel. He was not just my son; he was a remarkable man whose character and strength inspired all who crossed his path.”
Rapper Mickey Factz shared a video of Breedlove rapping in 8 Mile on Instagram.
He added to the post: “RIP to one of the few emcee’s to beat Eminem… Lotto from 8 Mile. Who’s friends lovingly called him, OX. You will be missed for your tenacity and aggressiveness.”
Before the Hollywood movie, Breedlove was also by the stage name OX. He featured on the soundtrack for 2001’s The Wash, which starred Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg.
Nashawn in 8 Mile
Nashawn, who played Lotto in the flick, which was loosely based on Eminem’s life, is seen at one of the best moments of the film. He’s known from the scene where Lotto takes on B-Rabbit (Eminem) in the rap battle. Ultimately, he loses.
Reports also say that he was one of the few rappers in the movie to write their own rap.
Fans who were there for the scene also said he was a “cool dude” and made his part his own. Others felt he had actually “won” the rap battle with Rabbit. Although in the flick, Rabbit is crowned winner of the showdown.
You can watch the clip here.
Breedlove’s former girlfriend, Latisha Harper, who shared a son with the star also commented on his death. She said he was “so humble” and “didn’t even know he had true fans”.
She added: “He was so talented. Not only Wa (sic) he an amazing MC he sang better than Luther. He blessed me with my son @youngzaak and I swear that is Nashawn to the 10th power. I will always be his biggest fan. If y’all only knew his talent 🙌 please pray for our strength, it is needed.”
His son, Zaak, 22, shared a photo from his dad in the movie in a tribute.
Tributes pour in
Fans, friends and family members paid tributes to the star.
One wrote: “My best friend and brother since 15 years old. We been thru it all Rest Easy my bro luv u and the family and my nephew OX FOREVER.”
A second added: “Only rapper from the movie that wrote his part RIP Lotto aka OX.”
A third echoed: “NOOOOOO! 💔 I met Ox when we were Teens. He was in a group called The Now. Illest group of emcees I’ve ever met in my friggin life.
“They SMOKED my group in a showcase competition but they was humble and cool. Ox stood out. Super good dude. I lost touch with him before 8 Mile. I had high hopes for that man. Sad to hear this news. May he RIP.”
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