GI Joe OMG has died unexpectedly, sources close to the rapper confirmed on Wednesday. The musician, best known for his record label and clothing line, On My Grind, was only 33.
GI Joe OMG’s death sent a shockwave through the South Central rap scene. He was a childhood friend of hip hop legend Nipsey Hussle, who passed away in 2019.
The rapper’s family have not released a cause of death as of yet.
As news of GI Joe OMG’s death spreads, family, friends and fans are paying their respects across social media.
- TRENDING: How serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer was finally caught despite his ‘high IQ’
GI Joe OMG dies unexpectedly, aged 33
A Day In LA Magazine first broke the news of GI Joe OMG’s death Tuesday night on its social media. “Unfortunately, South Central based rap artist GI Joe OMG has reportedly passed away,” the tweet read.
- TRENDING: Clip of Randy Jackson using a cane has fans concerned over his health
Multiple sources close to the rapper then confirmed the tragic news by posting intimate tributes and memories.
The rapper’s ex, musician and entrepreneur Michelea Moore, shared a series of photos together with a heartbreaking message. “You Loved me Unconditionally even after we didn’t work out we always stayed close Friends forever,” she wrote.
Neither his family nor any of GI Joe’s industry peers have released a cause of death at the moment.
Who is GI Joe OMG?
At the time of his death, GI Joe was 33 and his career was on the rise, having just released a summer album under his record label, On My Grind Entertainment. His clothing line of the same name had recently announced new designs, which are available to buy here.
Born Brandon Joseph, the South Central rapper was best known for his collaborations with Nipsey Hussle and J Stone. Joseph had grown up with Nipsey and the two were lifelong friends, even rapping together on Nip’s 2018 album Mailbox Money.
After his former lifestyle landed him a stint in jail, Joseph began writing and performing songs for his fellow inmates. When he was released, he decided to devote himself to music, having seen its transformative effect.
GI Joe OMG’s flows combined jazz, RnB and hip hop with lyrics rich in storytelling influenced by 1990s hip hop greats like Tupac, Biggie Smalls and Jay-Z’s older repertoire.
Heartbreaking tributes pour in after GI Joe OMG’s death
As they learn the tragic news, GI Joe OMG’s family, friends and fans have shared heartbreaking tributes to the rapper’s life and legacy.
Amazon Music head of Hip Hop and R&B Tim Hinshaw shared a series of photos of Joseph growing up, with a moving caption. “We are all heartbroken. Family is in shock. I love you cousin,” it read.
“Thank you for telling me how proud you were of me every time we talked. I know Nip let out the loudest NAYBORHOOD when he saw you hit them gates.”
“You always showed me love and told me that I was always welcome in the LA, may god bless your soul. I will always continue to listen to your music and keep your spirit alive,” read a message from hip hop photographer Tiare, who had collaborated with GI Joe and Nipsey.
The late Nipsey Hussle’s Instagram account paid homage to the two rappers’ friendship, which goes all the way back to childhood.
And fans everywhere are devastated at the sudden loss.