Rapper Bo$$ dead: Def Jam's first female rapper Lichelle Marie Laws dies aged 54

Rapper Bo$$, whose real name was Lichelle Marie Laws, has died at the age of 54. She rose to prominence after signing to DefJam by Russell Simmons as the first female rapper and her studio album, Born Gangstaz, reached number three on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in 1993.

Her cause of death is still not known but it is suspected that she died due to complications from renal disease, which she was first diagnosed with in 2011. She had also suffered a stroke and seizure in 2017, where it was reported she needed a new kidney.

Announcing her death on Instagram on Monday (March 11), fellow rapper Bun B said: "Rest in peace to my big sis Lichelle Laws AKA Boss. One of the best female MCs and a dear friend. Give Rick Royal a hug for me. Long Live The Org!"

The singer, whose hit songs include Deeper, was also linked to the labels Sony Music Entertainment, Columbia Records and 8055 Records. Born and raised in Detroit, Bo$$ moved to Los Angeles after high school to pursue her career in music. She also majored in business for two years at Oakland University.

Tributes have since poured in for her, with many artists paying their respects in the comments section including Jermaine Dupri, The D.O.C., DJ Premier, as well as Monica.

Willie D wrote: "She fought a good fight for a long time. May she rest in eternal love and peace." Premier commented: "Damn! Worked with her on the Deeper Remix at D & D. She was Raw even in person."