Mac Dre, born Andre Louis Hicks on July 5, 1970, was a renowned rapper and influential figure in West Coast hip-hop. He grew up in the Country Club Crest neighborhood of California and attended Hogan High School.
Initially, Mac Dre started his career under the stage name “MC Dre,” but later changed it to “Mac Dre” in 1984, believing “MC Dre” sounded too much like an East Coast rapper.
His career gained momentum in the late 1980s when he signed with Strictly Business Records. His first EP, Young Black Brotha, was released in 1989 and marked the beginning of his rise in the hip-hop scene.
Mac Dre’s career took a significant turn in 1992 when he was sentenced to five years in prison for conspiracy to commit robbery.
He was released after serving four years due to good behavior, and upon his release, he founded his own record label, Rop Records. He continued to release albums, eventually producing 11 albums throughout his career.
Mac Dre became known for his distinct West Coast sound and his contributions to the development of the “hyphy” movement, a subgenre of hip-hop originating from the Bay Area, which emphasized a high-energy, party-driven vibe.
On October 31, 2004, at the age of 34, Mac Dre was tragically murdered in Kansas City. He had just finished performing at a show when his van was shot at by individuals in another vehicle.
The shooting resulted in Mac Dre being fatally wounded, and by the time help arrived, he had already passed away.
The murder remains unsolved to this day, despite suspicion that a local rapper, Anthony “Fat Tone” Watkins, may have been involved.
However, no conclusive evidence was ever found against him, and Fat Tone himself was killed a year later under mysterious circumstances.
As of now, Mac Dre’s murder remains an open case, with the exact motives and individuals responsible still unclear.
Mac Dre’s legacy, however, continues to resonate within hip-hop. He is remembered not only for his music but also for his entrepreneurial spirit and influence on West Coast rap.
Despite his untimely death, Mac Dre’s impact on the culture and sound of Bay Area hip-hop is undeniable. He is often celebrated for his creativity, resilience, and contributions to the genre, ensuring his place as an iconic figure in the history of hip-hop music.
Virgil Abloh, the renowned fashion designer and founder of the Off-White brand, passed away at the age of 41 after a private battle with cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Abloh, who had been diagnosed with the illness in 2019, chose to keep his diagnosis and treatment private while continuing to lead several major fashion institutions, including his role as the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s men’s wear division.
His death was announced by LVMH, the French luxury conglomerate that owns Louis Vuitton, which described him as a “genius” and a “visionary.”
Virgil Abloh (Credit: YouTube)
Abloh was also celebrated for being the first African-American to hold the position of artistic director at Louis Vuitton, a significant milestone in the fashion industry.
Before his work with Louis Vuitton, Abloh gained fame as Kanye West’s creative director, playing a key role in the rapper’s fashion and creative projects.
His influence extended beyond fashion; he was also a DJ, an artist, and had degrees in civil engineering and architecture, showcasing his diverse talents.
Abloh’s work was characterized by his innovative approach to blending streetwear with luxury fashion, and his Off-White brand became a global symbol of this fusion.
Throughout his career, Abloh was admired for his work ethic, optimism, and boundless curiosity, qualities that remained evident even as he faced the challenges of his illness.
Virgil Abloh (Credit: X)
His passing marks the loss of one of the most influential figures in modern fashion. He is survived by his wife, Shannon, and their two children, and was remembered by those who knew him as a fiercely devoted family man and friend.
LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault paid tribute to Abloh’s legacy, praising not only his design genius but also his wisdom and beautiful soul.
