Who was Fatboi Gwalla Gwalla? Milwaukee rapper, 42, found dead in burning car as city sees spike in crimes
Lamonn C Young, more popularly known as rapper Fatboi Gwalla Gwalla, was found dead inside a burning car on Tuesday, with Milwaukee’s CBS affiliate reporting that police spotted the 42-year-old rapper's body near Hawley Road and Martin Drive. According to recent reports, police are yet to apprehend any suspect as they issued a notice to the public to come forward with any possible clue regarding the homicide.
Gwalla Gwalla's body was discovered in the early hours of Tuesday, May 18, and the medical examiner's office ruled it a homicide. Heartbroken family members stated that they want the rapper to be remembered as a father, husband, artist, and entrepreneur.
Activist Tracey Dent spoke of the tragic death to CBS 58, mourning the loss of a talented artist, and the sense of fear and urgency it has created over rising crime in the city. The activist said, “A lot of talent is gone, it’s gone way too soon,” and added, “It’s a sense of urgency right now because people are scared, you know, they’re scared to come out of their house, because someone is getting shot or killed every single day.”
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Milwaukee crossing more than 50 homicides
While the police initiate an investigation into the rapper's death, a report points out how Milwaukee has been the center of as many as 59 homicides in 2021, matching the number for 2020 which also stands at 59 for the Month of January to May. To add to the shocking revelation, reports added that the city has witnessed a horrifying spike in the number of non-fatal shootings in 2021, which is averaging more than two, a doubling the average from last year.
January 1 to May 18, 2020 recorded 143 non-fatal shooting while corresponding numbers for 2021 stood at 285.
Speaking more on the numbers and the rising fear across the community, activist Dent noted, “We’re just trying to build unity across the county and everybody start working together, sharing resources and so we can start reducing the violence in our city!” To add more to that, social media users have also talked about the uncertainty that a rapper's life has these days. A user said, "What is the lifespan of a rapper these days? Jesus!" Another user shared, "Rock and roll taught us the dangers of losing great artists...the quality as a whole.. the momentum of the whole craft can be affected ...look at the billions we lost when Big And Pac died .... the potential earning washed down the drain..over and over over."
What is the lifespan of a rapper these days? Jesus
— Alana Janeen(AJ)🎙🎧🎛🎚 (@AlanaJaneen) May 20, 2021
Rock and roll taught us the dangers of losing great artists...the quality as a whole.. the momentum of the whole craft can be affected ...look at the billions we lost when Big And Pac died .... the potential earning washed down the drain..over and over over
— Malcolm Sabazz (@malcolmsabazz) May 21, 2021
Gwalla Gwalla was known for his laid back approach to Gangstar rap inspired by the sounds of icons like Rick Ross, Yo Gotti, and Jay-Z. The artiste began his journey in 2012 with his mixtapes and later started the 4th Coast Music Group label as an outlet for his artistry along with showcasing the work of other Midwestern rappers.
His 2018 project, titled 'Milwauksterdam' contained as many as 18 songs including cameos from Vault, i-Rap, and S1. Prior to that, he released singles like 'Money Problems' and 'Turkey Bag Flippa'. In 2019, Fatboi Gwalla Gwalla released another new single 'Rack Racin',' which featured Vault.