Photo: Instagram
The DC-based rapper reportedly died of a drug overdose.
By Leah Scher — Written on Jun 28, 2019
Fame Reek was 22-years-old when he died on June 24th, just 34 days before his 23rd birthday. His cause of death has yet to be officially confirmed, but fellow Soundcloud rapper Ayo Potter tweeted that he died from a drug overdose. In response, his manager changed his Twitter handle to “LONG LIVE FAME REEK.” What can we learn about him to honor his memory? How did Fame Reek die?
1. Fame Reek was one of the pioneers of the new DMV rap scene.
He worked with rapper TooEasy Black on an EP titled Life Without Rap in 2015. He also collaborated with Gio & Gstar on a project called What A Time To Come Alive. He has two mixtapes to his name, No Stallin’ the Mixtape and NS Part Two. His last release before his death, in September of 2018, was the mixtape NOstallin’ PT3. Some of his best-known songs include “Savage,” “No Stallin” and “Hold Me Down.”
(By the way, DMV rap is hip-hop music that comes from the District, Maryland, and Virginia).
2. He was cyber-bullied.
Several of Fame Reek’s fans blame bullying as a contributing factor to his depression and drug use. In April of 2016, a Twitter account titled “Fame Reek Exposed” was made to out Reek as gay. That same month, though, the creator apologized publicly: “Hello. My name is Gabe and I am apologizing in front of my mother. I would like to apologize to Mr. Famereek for insulting him and everyone. I am a smart boy raised in a Christian family with Christian values. I would like to apologize to my mother as well. I am sorry twitter.”
Aw. I guess that makes up for it.
3. He was open about his depression, addiction, and jail time.
It’s pretty amazing how he never glorified any of his struggles. When he was sent to jail back in January of 2019, he posted on social media with the caption, “I’m headed to the jail .. nothin to glorify I don’t want none of my youngins thinking this s*** cool… I’ll be back.” Later posts of his indicate that he was released last month.
4. Love is pouring in for him across social media.
His manager, Solo DC, is especially distressed over his death. DC tweeted a heartfelt message with the caption, “Y’all don’t perceive the ache I’m feeling proper now…. @FameReek was like a son to me. it’s was deeper then music he was household… he was a superb dude man, he was strong, he confirmed nothing however like to all people even to those that hated him…”
I’m not crying; you’re crying.
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Fame Reek was up-and-coming when he tragically passed. He poured his heart and soul into his music, and strove every day to be a better person. Definitely give his music a listen today to honor his legacy.
Leah Scher is an ENFP finishing her degree at Brandeis University. She's an alumna of the Kenyon Review Young Writer's Workshop the Iowa Young Writers' Studio. She's passionate about Judaism, poetry, film, satire, astrology, spirituality, and sexual health. She draws inspiration for her writing from writer/director Wes Anderson, and for her lifestyle from her grandmother. Lastly, she's always actively seeking two things: a job having anything at all to do with publishing, and a chance to meet Jesse Eisenberg.