Actor and rapper Nashawn Breedlove, best known for his role in the film 8 Mile alongside rapper Eminem, has sadly passed away. His family shared the heartbreaking news while speaking exclusively with TMZ.
Family members told the news outlet that the actor passed away in his sleep on Monday at his home in New Jersey. As of right now, his loved ones do not know the cause of death. Rapper Mickey Factz was also the first to publicly share the news of Nashawn’s death. In an Instagram post he said, “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.” He was just 46 years old.
Nashawn played Lotto in the 2002 blockbuster. He’s known for the memorable scene where his character takes on Eminem’s character B-Rabbit in an intense rap battle. Although he delivered some good bars, he ultimately lost. Now, before he started acting, Nashawn was also rapping under his stage name OX. He even had a feature on the soundtrack for the 2001 movie “The Wash” with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg.
Reacting to the news online, fans have been pouring in tributes while re-sharing the clip of his movie rap battle. One fan said, “Damn RIP. (He lowkey won that round)” Another said, “Rest up G. I always thought he won this movie battle… Em had the rebuttal tho… But still LOTTO.” A third added, “Dam long live Lotto, his freestyle really was the hardest in 8mile 🙏🏾.”
The news of his passing comes two months after it was reported that fellow actor Angus Cloud died. “It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today,” their statement read. “As an artist, a friend, a brother, and a son, Angus was special to all of us in so many ways,” a statement by his family read at the time.
Cloud, who starred as Fezco on the hit HBO series, died of acute intoxication following an accidental overdose. The actor reportedly had cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and benzodiazepines (depressant drugs often used to treat conditions such as anxiety disorders, insomnia, and seizures) in his system at the time of his death.
Other celebrities who have passed away this year are Lisa Marie Presley, actor Lance Reddick, legendary singer Tina Turner, Harry Belafonte, Jazz icon Tony Bennett, Steve Harrell, Paul “Pee-wee Herman” Rebuens, and unfortunately more.