Nashawn Breedlove, ‘8 Mile’ actor and rapper, dies: report
Actor and rapper Nashawn Breedlove, who faced off against Eminem in a rap battle on the movie “8 Mile,” has died. He was 46 years old.
According to TMZ, who first confirmed the news, he died in his sleep at his home in New Jersey Sunday. The cause of death is currently unknown.
On Tuesday, Breedlove’s mother also confirmed his death on Facebook, writing, “Nashawn’s departure from this world has left an immense void in my life, one that words cannot fully express. I can’t put into words the pain and hurt that I feel. He was not just my son; he was a remarkable man whose character and strength inspired all who crossed his path.”
She thanked the public for their support and prayers.
Rapper Mickey Factz also took to Instagram to pay tribute to Breedlove, posting the battle from “8 Mile” and writing, “RIP to one of the few emcee’s to beat Eminem… Lotto from 8 Mile. Who’s friends lovingly called him, OX. You will be missed for your tenacity and aggressiveness.”
Breedlove was primarily known for playing Lotto in the 2002 movie “8 Mile,” which is loosely based on Eminem’s life. Before starring in the movie, Breedlove rapped under his stage name OX. He was featured on the soundtrack for the 2001 film “The Wash,” alongside Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. source
Nashawn Breedlove, a performer best known for appearing in a rap battle against Eminem in the 2002 movie “8 Mile,” has died at age 46.
His mother, Patricia Breedlove, confirmed his death in a post on Facebook published Tuesday.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of my beloved son Nashawn Breedlove’s passing. Many of you knew him by his alias’ Lotto, ox’, a name that echoed his resilience and determination,” she wrote.
“Nashawn was a rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor. No one could deny his talent,” continues the post.
Breedlove called her son “a remarkable man” whose “departure from this world has left an immense void in my life, one that words cannot fully express.”
It is not clear how Breedlove died, but his death drew tributes from other figures in the music industry.
“RIP to one of the few emcee’s to beat Eminem… Lotto from 8 Mile. Who’s friends lovingly called him, OX,” wrote rapper Mickey Factz in a post on Instagram, referring to the scene in the movie in which he competes in a rap battle against Eminem’s character.
“You will be missed for your tenacity and aggressiveness,” he added. source