Actor Who Had Famous Rap Battle Against Eminem Dead at 46
Nashawn Breedlove died over the weekend, according to reports.
In 2002, 8 Mile, a movie loosely based on Eminem's life starring the rapper as himself, was an undeniable box office smash. In the movie Eminem stars as Jimmy, also known as B-Rabbit, a white rapper from Detroit trying to make a name for himself in a genre of mostly Black people. Some of the most famous scenes in the movie are the rap-offs between Eminem and other rappers, one played by Nashawn Breedlove. This week it was confirmed that he died. Here is what you need to know about the latest loss in music.
Breedlove, a rapper and actor, died this week at the age of 46 in New Jersey. His mother confirmed the news in a Facebook post.
"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," his mother wrote in a Facebook post.
"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," she added.
A family member told TMZ that Nashawn died in his sleep Sunday at his home in New Jersey, but that his loved ones do not yet know the cause of death.
"RIP to one of the few emcee's to beat Eminem… Lotto from 8 Mile. Who's friends lovingly called him, OX," rapper Mickey Factz wrote in a post on Instagram, referring to his most famous scene in the film. "You will be missed for your tenacity and aggressiveness," he added.
Latisha Harper, Breedlove's former girlfriend and the mother of his son, also commented on the post, adding that "he was so humble" and "didn't even know he had true fans."
"He was so talented," Harper continued. "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 yal only knew his talent 🙌please pray for our strength it is needed. Thank you again @mickey.factz."
His son, Zaak, 22, also shared a post honoring his father. "RIP to my Father," he captioned it. "The Legend of Hip Hop."
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In one of the final rap offs in the movie, Jimmy raps his most famous verses. "I'll spit a racial slur, honky, sue me/This s* is a horror flick, but the Black guy doesn't die in this movie."
Lotto them likens Jimmy to a famous 1950s sit-com character: "I feel bad I gotta murder that dude from 'Leave it to Beaver/I used to like that show, now you got me in fight back mode."
