Magnolia Shorty Dies – Today in Hip-Hop

On this Day, Dec. 20, in Hip-Hop history...

2010: Renetta Yemika Lowe-Bridgewater, better known to the rap game as Magnolia Shorty, died eight years ago today.

Thanks to No. 1 hits like Drake’s “Nice for What” and “In My Feelings,” and the mainstream appreciation for a N.O. representative like Big Freedia, bounce music has been litty lately. Long before the 6 God conquered the airwaves and the Queen Diva turned up alongside the likes of Drizzy and Beyoncé, the groundwork for the New Orleans-based sub-genre was laid in part due to Magnolia Shorty, who on this day was killed in her beloved hometown.

Coined the Queen of Bounce, Shorty was product of the notorious Magnolia Projects, where she grew up with another urban Nola legend, the late Soulja Slim. Raised by Birdman, the artist born Renetta Yemika Lowe, became one of the first ladies of Cash Money Records, later collaborating with marquee artists on the historic label’s roster such as Juvenile and Lil Wayne. Her debut album, Monkey On Tha D$ck was released over 20 years ago and has since been considered a cult-classic.

“R.I.P to my big sister Magnolia Shorty… this is a krazy world,” tweeted Tunechi after the news of Magnolia Shorty’s untimely death broke.

Ambushed as she and a passenger pulled up to her apartment complex, the underground queen was shot more than 25 times while she sat in her car. Her funeral was attended by some of New Orleans' finest including Lil Wayne, Birdman, B.G. and others. Long live, Magnolia!

R.I.P., Magnolia Shorty.

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