Today in Hip-Hop: R.I.P. Big Hawk (November 15, 1969

Today, May 1, in hip-hop history...

Big Hawk

2006: On May 1, 2006, the hip-hop world mourned the loss of Houston rapper and original member of DJ Screw's Screwed Up Click, John "Big Hawk" Hawkins.

Big Hawk was the brother of the late rapper, Fat Pat—who was shot and killed in 1998. Throughout his career, Hawk was able to hold down the Screwed Up Click—home to Lil Flip, Z-Ro and Big Pokey at the time— following the death of the DJ Screw, eventually earning the moniker Five Star General of the S.U.C. Well-respected by many in Houston, he released a total of four albums: Under Hawk's Wings (2000), HAWK (2001)—which reached No. 45 on Billboard's Rap & R&B charts, Wreckin' 2004 (2004) with Lil Keke and Endangered Species (2008) posthumously. One of his last hits was alongside Trae the Truth on the fellow H-Town native's 2005 single, "Swang."

"Pop my trunk for Fat Pat's death/I would give my last breath if I could bring you back /Bring Screw back/A matter of fact/Bring the whole crew back!"

Hawk was fatally gunned down in May 2006 while waiting for a friend in Houston's south side area. Though there's been no motive or news on any suspects regarding the tragedy, the rapper's life continues to be celebrated.

Survived by his wife and two children, Hawk's legacy is far from forgotten.

Rest in peace, Big Hawk.