Mike Williams died
Former NFL wide receiver Mike Williams died September 12 at the age of 36. After a construction accident that left him partially paralyzed, Williams was hospitalized in the ICU. Drafter in 2010, he played for the Tampa Buccaneers for four years and the Buffalo Bills for one. ;;;;;;;;
Ron Cephas Jones died
Emmy-winning actor Ron Cephas Jones died on August 19 at the age of 66. He died due to a “long-standing pulmonary issue.” Known for his role in This Is Us, Jones appeared in many other notable shows and movies including Mr. Robot, The Get Down, Luke Cage, Half Nelson, Dog Days, and Dolemite Is My Name. ;;;;;;;;
Chico Del Vec, Junior M.A.F.I.A. died.
One of the founding members of the rap group Junior M.A.F.I.A. reportedly died on August 14. His cause of death has not been shared. The group was known for working closely with legendary rapper Notorious B.I.G., who was also a part of the group. Their 1995 debut album, Conspiracy, produced two successful hits: “Players Anthem” and “Get Money.” ;;;;;;;;
Rapper Magoo died
Magoo Rapper Magoo died on Aug. 13 at the age of 50. No cause of death has been provided. Magoo was a Virginia MC who was a close collaborator with Timbaland. The Virginia duo worked together on many songs and even released an album together in 1997 titled, Welcome to Our World. ;;;;;;;;
Clarence Avant died
Known as the “Black Godfather” of music and entertainment, Clarence Avant, died on August 13 at 92. No cause of death has been shared. Throughout his career as a music executive, helped start the careers of many artists, most notably, Bill Withers. ;;;;;;;;
Ray Lewis III died
Ray Lewis III, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, died from a dangerous combination of drugs. He was 28. He attempted to follow in his father’s footsteps, by playing football at the University of Miami, but eventually transferred and played for Coastal Carolina and Virginia Union. ;;;;;;;;
YNG Cheese was a Philadelphia rapper died
The son of well-known podcaster Gillie Da Kid. He was killed in a triple shooting on July 20. He was only 25 years old. ;;;;;;;;
Mutulu Shakur died
Tupac’s stepfather and renowned activist Mutulu Shakur died on July 7 at the age of 72. He died of cancer just six months after he was freed from prison. ;;;;;;;;
Christine King Farris died
The last living sibling of Dr. Martin Luther, Jr., Christine King Farris, died on June 29 at 95. She was the oldest child of Martin Luther King, Sr., and her life “overflowed with acts of service, love, and education.” Along with Coretta Scott King, she helped create the King Center and the MLK Memorial Library in June 1968. ;;;;;;;;