West Coast hip-hop is mourning the loss of one of its foundational voices.
Mtulazaji Davis, higher referred to as P.E.A.C.E., the long-lasting MC of Freestyle Fellowshiphas died, the group confirmed through their official Instagram web page. No trigger of demise has been launched.
“Rest well brother P.E.A.C.E,” the group wrote. “You had a great heart and you were authentic. One of West Coast hip-hop’s royal treasures. You will be surely missed, my friend.”
P.E.A.C.E. honed his craft at Los Angeles’ legendary Good Life Cafe within the late Nineteen Eighties, the place he met Myka 9, Aceyalone, and finally Self Jupiter, forming the trailblazing group Freestyle Fellowship. Their lyrically dense, modern, and grounded sound helped outline different hip-hop, leaving an enduring mark on acts like The Pharcyde.
Freestyle Fellowship’s seminal albums, together with 1991’s To Whom It May Concern… and 1993’s Innercity Griotsshowcased P.E.A.C.E.’s unmatched penmanship. He additionally launched solo tasks, Southern Fry’d Chicken (2000) and Megabite (2004), additional cementing his legacy. Beyond information, he contributed to the Project Blowed collective, one of hip-hop’s longest-running open-mic workshops.
Tributes from throughout the hip-hop group poured in. Blu, frequent collaborator with Myka 9, wrote on Instagram“P.E.A.C.E. is the illest emcee from the most infamous Freestyle Fellowship… There will never be another. Peace P.E.A.C.E., rest in power & paradise.” Other artists honoring him included Exile, Open Mike Eagle, Kenny Segal, Saul Williams, and Aesop Rock.