Lola Chantrelle Mitchell (August 7, 1979 – January 1, 2023), widely recognized by her stage name Gangsta Boo, was a talented American rapper who left an indelible mark on the music industry. Let’s take a closer look at her life, career, and legacy.
Early Life
Lola Chantrelle Mitchell was born on August 7, 1979, in the Whitehaven area of Memphis, Tennessee. Although she hailed from a middle-class family, her life took a turn when her parents divorced, prompting a move to a different neighborhood. It was during her teenage years, at around 14, that Gangsta Boo discovered her passion for rapping.
Music Career
Three 6 Mafia
Gangsta Boo’s journey into the world of music began when she was discovered by DJ Paul, leading to her becoming the sole female member of the renowned hip-hop group Three 6 Mafia. She made her debut on DJ Paul’s mixtape, “Volume 16: 4 Da Summer Of ’94,” released in 1994. Her presence was felt on the group’s 1995 debut album, “Mystic Stylez,” and she continued to contribute to four more albums. However, in 2001, she made the tough decision to leave the group and focus on her solo career.
In 2013, Gangsta Boo joined the Three 6 Mafia spin-off group Da Mafia 6ix and played a significant role in their debut mixtape, “6ix Commandments.” She later departed from the group in 2014.
Solo Work
Gangsta Boo’s solo career soared with her first album, “Enquiring Minds,” which was released in 1998. The album reached the 15th spot on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and the 46th position on the Billboard 200. It featured the surprise hit “Where Dem Dollas At!?”
Her second album, “Both Worlds *69,” released in 2001, achieved considerable success, reaching the 8th spot on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart and the 29th position on the Billboard 200. In 2003, she released her third album, “Enquiring Minds II: The Soap Opera,” which peaked at number 53 on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart and 24 on the Independent Albums chart.
Gangsta Boo continued to make her mark with a series of mixtapes and collaborations with various artists, including Yelawolf and Eminem on the song “Throw It Up.” She also collaborated with La Chat on the extended play “Witch” and teamed up with BeatKing for the mixtape “Underground Cassette Tape Music, Vol. 1.”
In 2018, a successor mixtape titled “Underground Cassette Tape Music, Vol. 2” was released, showcasing her enduring influence and creative prowess.
Legacy
Gangsta Boo’s contributions to the music industry were not limited to her solo work. She left an indelible mark by collaborating with artists such as Run the Jewels, Latto, GloRilla, OutKast, Foxy Brown, Tinashe, Lil Jon, and Yelawolf. Her distinctive style and lyrical talent continue to resonate with fans and aspiring artists alike.
Death
On January 1, 2023, tragedy struck as Lola Chantrelle Mitchell, aka Gangsta Boo, was found dead on the front porch of her mother’s home in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 43. Her cause of death, revealed on June 15, 2023, was determined to be an accidental overdose, with fentanyl, cocaine, and alcohol found in her system. The police investigation found no evidence of foul play.
Despite her untimely passing, Gangsta Boo’s music and influence remain a vital part of hip-hop history, ensuring that her legacy lives on for generations to come.
