Nashawn Bredlove, a rapper from the underground who fought Eminem famously in “8 Mile”, has died. He was 46 years old. Patricia Breedlove, his mother, wrote on Facebook Tuesday that she was “heartbroken” to learn of the death of her beloved son Nashawn. “Many of you knew him by his alias ‘Lotto, ox,’ a name that echoed his resilience and determination.”
She continued, “Nashawn was a rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor. His talent was undeniable. I can’t put into words the pain and hurt that I feel.”
A cause of death has yet to be disclosed.
Breedlove was mourned on social media by fans of his music and performance in “8 Mile.” Fellow battle rapper Mickey Factz argued on Instagram that Breedlove was “one of the few mcs who beat Eminem… You will be missed for your tenacity, aggression.”
“The first mc who I can’t put into words the pain and hurt that I feel.”
A cause of death has yet to be disclosed.
Breedlove was mourned on social media by fans of his music and performance in “8 Mile.” Fellow battle rapper Mickey Factz argued on Instagram that Breedlove was “one of the few emcee’s to beat Eminem … You will be missed for your tenacity and aggressiveness.”
“The first mc who was ever robbed of his win in a rap battle!” rapper Daylyt wrote in the comments, while Onyx — the legendary hip-hop group whose song “Last Dayz” was used as the instrumental for that battle — chimed in with three prayer emojis in tribute.
“I’ll spit a racial slur, honkey, sue me,” he rapped in the Academy Award-winning film, “this shit is a horror flick, but the Black guy doesn’t die in this movie … Fuck Lotto? Call me your leader, I feel bad that I gotta murder that dude from ‘Leave It to Beaver.'”
Brittany Murphy (left), who co-starred in the film with Breedlove, died in 2009. She was 32.
Universal/Archive Photos/Getty Images
Breedlove was ultimately defeated when Eminem turned Lotto’s stage name against him: “My motto: Fuck Lotto, I get the seven digits from your mother for a dollar tomorrow.” The film won Eminem an Oscar for Best Original Song and grossed $243 million worldwide.
“He was not just my son; he was a remarkable man whose character and strength inspired all who crossed his path,” his mother wrote in her Facebook post.[s]Breedlove previously contributed music for “The Wash,” a 2001 film starring Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. Latisha Harper, his ex-girlfriend, thanked Factz for the tribute and revealed that Breedlove has a son. “He was so gifted. He was not only an amazing MC, but he also sang better than Luther. He gave me my son @youngzaak… I will be his biggest admirer.”