Gangsta Boo, American Rapper, Died at 43

Lola Chantrelle Mitchell, known widely by her stage name Gangsta Boo, was a highly talented American rapper whose impact on the music industry has left an enduring imprint. Let's delve into her life, her musical journey, and the legacy she leaves behind.

Early Years

Born on August 7, 1979, in the Whitehaven area of Memphis, Tennessee, Lola Chantrelle Mitchell grew up in a middle-class family. However, her life took a significant turn due to her parents' divorce, leading to a relocation to a different neighborhood. It was during her teenage years, around the age of 14, that Gangsta Boo discovered her passion for rapping.

Music Career

Three 6 Mafia

Gangsta Boo's foray into the music scene began with an encounter with DJ Paul, which ultimately led to her becoming the sole female member of the well-known hip-hop group Three 6 Mafia. Her debut was on DJ Paul's mixtape, "Volume 16: 4 Da Summer Of ’94," released in 1994. She made her mark on the group's 1995 debut album, "Mystic Stylez," and went on to contribute to four more albums. However, in 2001, she made the difficult decision to depart from the group and focus on her solo career.

In 2013, Gangsta Boo joined the Three 6 Mafia spin-off group Da Mafia 6ix and played a significant role in their debut mixtape, "6ix Commandments." However, she left the group in 2014.

Solo Endeavors

Gangsta Boo's solo career skyrocketed with the release of her first album, "Enquiring Minds," in 1998. The album performed remarkably, reaching the 15th position on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and the 46th spot on the Billboard 200. Notably, it featured the hit "Where Dem Dollas At!?"

Her second album, "Both Worlds *69," released in 2001, achieved considerable success, reaching the 8th position on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart and the 29th spot on the Billboard 200. In 2003, she released her third album, "Enquiring Minds II: The Soap Opera," which peaked at number 53 on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart and 24 on the Independent Albums chart.

Gangsta Boo continued to make her presence felt with a series of mixtapes and collaborations with various artists. Her collaborations included notable names such as Yelawolf and Eminem on the track "Throw It Up," a collaboration with La Chat on the extended play "Witch," and a mixtape with BeatKing titled "Underground Cassette Tape Music, Vol. 1."

In 2018, a successor mixtape titled "Underground Cassette Tape Music, Vol. 2" was released, further cementing her enduring influence and creative prowess.

Legacy

Gangsta Boo's influence on the music industry extended beyond her solo work. Collaborating with artists like Run the Jewels, Latto, GloRilla, OutKast, Foxy Brown, Tinashe, Lil Jon, and Yelawolf, she showcased her unique style and lyrical prowess, leaving a lasting impact on fans and aspiring artists alike.

Passing

On January 1, 2023, tragedy struck as Lola Chantrelle Mitchell, known as Gangsta Boo, was found deceased on the front porch of her mother's residence in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 43. The cause of her passing, disclosed on June 15, 2023, was attributed to an accidental overdose, with fentanyl, cocaine, and alcohol detected in her system. The police investigation found no evidence of foul play.

Despite her untimely departure, Gangsta Boo's music and influence will remain an integral part of hip-hop history, ensuring that her legacy endures for generations to come.