How 21 Rappers Responded To Near-Death Experiences

We can see the light!

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Image via Complex Original
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One week after TMZ reported he was on his deathbed following an alleged overdose of cough syrup, Lil Wayne shot a vlog where he promised he was “more than good,” thanked his fans for their love and support, and announced that he would be going on tour with T.I. in July.

It was a big relief to see Tunechi in good spirits after his recent health scare. Whatever actually caused his seizures—whether sizzurp, as TMZ reported, or hard work, as Birdman and Mack Maine maintained—Lil Wayne's faithful followers heaved a big sigh of relief. But Weezy's not the only rapper to have his fans worried sick in recent months. Rick Ross has also suffered multiple seizures (not to mention a drive-by shooting) in the past two years. But hey—shit happens. And it's not what happens to you that counts, it's how you repond to it.

As happy as we are to see Wayne feeling better, we certainly hope he’s going to be making some lifestyle changes, and staying the fuck away from lean. Rappers always seem to be having these brushes with death—whether from gun violence, car accidents, or overdoses—so we thought it would be a good idea to take a look back at how 21 Rappers Responded To Near-Death Experiences. Tunechi, take notes!  

 

The D.O.C.

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Ghostface Killah

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Timbaland

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Bushwick Bill

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Lil Wayne

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Date: November 1994

What Happened? When Dwayne Carter was 12 years old, he left school early (it was report card day) and went home to find a loaded blue-steel Taurus 9 mm handgun on his bed. He accidentally shot himself in the chest, missing every vital organ but sustaining serious injuries.

How He Responded: Lil Wayne’s life was saved by an off-duty police officer named Robert Hoobler, who arrived at the scene of the shooting and drove Wayne to the hospital. Hoobler did not realize he had saved the life of <em>the</em> Lil Wayne but years later, while eating at a restaurant, someone tapped him on the shoulder and told him, “Lil Wayne would like to see you.” When he went over, Wayne told his crew, “I almost died, and this man saved my life. I’ll never forget him.” Weezy even picked up the officer's tab.

 

2Pac

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Young Dro

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Date: 1995

What Happened? At age 16, D'Juan Hart aka Young Dro was shot in the stomach and back. It took him a year to recover, and he had to wear a colostomy bag for a short time.

How He Responded: Like many others on this list, Dro took the shooting as a sign he needed to get out of the ghetto and step up his rap game. He ended up signing a deal in the early 2000s and releasing <em>I Got That Dro</em>. After that he linked with his old friend T.I., signed to Grand Hustle, and dropped "Shoulder Lean," making a major impact. 

The Notorious B.I.G.

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DMX

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50 Cent

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The Game

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Lloyd Banks

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Kanye West

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French Montana

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Dizzee Rascal

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Alchemist

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Obie Trice

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Cassidy

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Eminem

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OJ Da Juiceman

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Rick Ross

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