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Yaki Kadafi

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Yaki Kadafi
Kadafi, circa 1996.
Kadafi, circa 1996.
Background information
Birth nameYafeu Akiyele Fula
Also known asYoung Hollywood, Killer Kadafi, Tha Prince
Born(1977-10-09)October 9, 1977
OriginMontclair, New Jersey, U.S.
Died(1996-11-10)November 10, 1996 (aged 19)
Orange, New Jersey, U.S.
GenresHip hop, gangsta rap
Occupation(s)Rapper, actor
Years active1994–1996
LabelsDeath Row Records/Makaveli Records/Interscope 7dayz Records/Havenotz Entertainment

Yafeu Akiyele Fula (October 9, 1977 – November 10, 1996), better known by his stage name Yaki Kadafi, was an American rapper who was best known as a founder and member of the rap groups Outlawz and Dramacydal. Kadafi's parents, Yaasmyn Fula and Sekou Odinga, were both members of the Black Panther Party.[1] The mothers of Kadafi, Yaasmyn Fula, and Tupac Shakur, Afeni Shakur, shared a close friendship. As a result, Yaki Kadafi and Tupac Shakur were friends until their deaths in 1996. He was not in the public eye until he and the late rapper Tupac Shakur created the rap group Outlawz. The Outlawz went on to have much success and recognition in their field. Even after Fula's death in 1996, his recordings continue to be released in the many posthumous Tupac Shakur albums, or end up being leaked online.

Early life

Yafeu Fula was born to Sekou Odinga and Yaasmyn Fula on October 9, 1977. When Fula was 4 years old, his father was arrested and charged with six counts of attempted murder, nine predicate acts of Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO), assisting in the escape of Assata Shakur from prison, and violent theft of an armored truck. Yafeu and his seven siblings were raised by their mother, whose surname he adopted.[2]

Career

In 1994, Fula ran into his childhood friend Mutah "Napoleon" Beale. Yafeu's mother introduced Napoleon to Tupac Shakur, and all three created Dramacydal. Yafeu, only 16, took on the stage name of Young Hollywood. The group appeared on Tupac Shakur's album Me Against The World.

When 2Pac was in prison in 1995 on sexual assault charges, Kadafi visited him daily. At one of these visits, 2Pac and Kadafi decided to form the rap group "Outlawz" which would bring many members back from Tupac's earlier groups; Dramacydal and Thug Life. Also, Fula teamed up with fellow Outlawz member Hussein Fatal to record material under the name "Fatal-N-Felony." A album was planned but it never materialized, however some songs planned for the album appeared on Son Rize Vol.1. That same year, upon Tupac's release from prison, Kadafi met with Shakur to sign with Death Row Records. He guest starred on Tupac's 10 times platinum album titled "All Eyez On Me" (#1 on the U.S. Billboard 200) and featured on 3 songs. At this point Fula began his entry into the public eye, appearing in Music Videos, going to award shows, and appearing on stage performing. The Outlawz recorded frequently with Tupac all throughout 1996.

On September 13, 1996, Tupac Shakur died after being shot multiple times in a drive-by shooting near the Las Vegas Strip on September 7. Yaki Kadafi was in the car directly behind Shakur, and claimed to have seen the white cadillac pull up alongside Shakur and open fire.[3] Kadafi reportedly said he could identify the driver and had requested to keep it 100% confidential but was exposed by news reporters. The news spread quickly and Yaki Kadafi was never interviewed by police again.[citation needed]

It has been revealed that Tupac was starting his own record label, "Makaveli Records." It is safe to assume he would end up making solo albums on this label. However, after the loss of Tupac, he immediately returned to New Jersey to live with his girlfriend Lavie Johnson. In these final months Fula discussed going to college, and becoming a record producer with his mother.[2]

Death

On November 10, 1996, two months after Shakur's death, Kadafi was found slumped in the third-floor stairwell of an apartment building at 325 Mechanic Street, in Orange NJ. According to the news report in the Las Vegas Sun,[4] Fula was found by New Jersey police at 3:48 a.m. Fula had been accidentally shot once in the head by Napoleon's cousin, who later turned himself into the police and served 10 years in prison. The news report names him a witness in the shooting of Tupac Shakur. It has been reported that he was visiting his girlfriend in New Jersey when he was struck dead by a bullet.

The Washington Times named Fula in their List of Rappers gunned down.[5] His death has been written about in numerous printed publications including the book, The Killing of Tupac Shakur, by Cathy Scott[6] and several others.[7]

Personal life

Fula grew up with his 7 brothers and sisters, and a single mom. Fula was dating Lavie Johnson at the time of his death. Johnson became pregnant with Fula's two daughters, but he died before their birth.[citation needed]

Discography (posthumous)

Solo album

Collaboration album

Compilations

Guest appearances

Westside Riderz Vol.1-Various Artists (1998)-Cali - Daz Dillinger Feat.Kurupt,Big Syke & Outlawz - Jack Move (1998)

References

  1. ^ /nm1435452/bio ""IMDb Biography of Yafeu Fula" IMDb". IMDb. Retrieved 25 May 2012. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  2. ^ a b "Yaasym Fula interview with Kadafi Legacy" (PDF). Kadfilegacy. Retrieved March 21, 2014.
  3. ^ "Witness to Rapper's killing is shot dead". latimes.com. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
  4. ^ Scott, Cathy. "Shakur shooting witness found dead in N.J." Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 22 May 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  5. ^ "List of Rappers gunned down". Washington Times. Retrieved 22 May 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  6. ^ The Killing of Tupac Shakur. Retrieved 5 June 2012.
  7. ^ "Published books about Yaki Kadafi". Retrieved 5 June 2012.
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