Introduction

Since its emergence in the late 1970s, hip-hop has evolved from a cultural movement into a global phenomenon, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities while grappling with the violent realities of the environments from which it emerged. Gun violence, a pervasive issue in many of these communities, has tragically claimed the lives of numerous rappers, making it a significant cause of mortality within the genre. This essay examines the scope, causes, and consequences of rappers murdered by gun violence between 1987 and May 2025, drawing on credible sources to quantify the toll and contextualize it within broader social, economic, and cultural frameworks. By analyzing the data, identifying contributing factors, and proposing mitigation strategies, this study underscores the urgency of addressing this crisis while honoring the legacies of the artists lost.