Gangsta Boo, known to the world as Lola Chantrelle Mitchell, was a renowned American rapper who left an indelible mark on the music industry. In this article, we’ll delve into her fascinating journey through the lens of her impressive career. Discover her rise to fame, her significant collaborations, and the tragic loss that rocked the world in 2023.
Early Life:
Lola Chantrelle Mitchell, born in Memphis, Tennessee on August 7, 1979, had a childhood marked by change. Her family transitioned from a middle-class setting to the urban environment of Memphis after her parents’ divorce. It was in this dynamic city that her passion for rap was ignited, beginning at the tender age of 14.
Music Career:
Gangsta Boo’s ascent in the music world began with her discovery by DJ Paul, an introduction that catapulted her into the spotlight as the sole female member of the legendary Three 6 Mafia. Her inaugural appearance was on DJ Paul’s mixtape, “Volume 16: 4 Da Summer Of ’94,” released in 1994. She played a vital role in the group’s debut album “Mystic Stylez” in 1995 and continued to contribute her talents to four more albums. However, in 2001, she decided to venture into her solo career, stepping away from the group to pursue her own musical path.
In 2013, Gangsta Boo joined the ranks of the Three 6 Mafia spin-off group, “Da Mafia 6ix,” where she played a significant role in their debut mixtape, “6ix Commandments,” before eventually parting ways in 2014.
Her debut solo album, “Enquiring Minds,” was released in 1998, achieving notable success by reaching the 15th position on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and the 46th position on the Billboard 200. The album featured the unexpected hit, “Where Dem Dollas At!?”.
Her second album, “Both Worlds *69,” released in 2001, made its mark by reaching the 8th position on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart and the 29th position on the Billboard 200. In 2003, she continued to impress with her third album, “Enquiring Minds II: The Soap Opera,” which landed at the 53rd spot on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart and the 24th position on the Independent Albums chart.
Throughout her career, Gangsta Boo released mixtapes like “The Rumors,” “Miss.Com,” and “4 Da Hood,” collaborating with prominent artists like Yelawolf and Eminem on the track “Throw It Up.”
In 2014, she featured on the Run the Jewels track “Love Again (Akinyele Back)” and made a striking return on the track “Walking in the Snow” from their 2020 album, “RTJ4.” In 2022, she collaborated with GloRilla on the song “FTCU,” alongside rapper Latto. Notably, at the time of her untimely passing, she was actively working on an album slated to be titled “The BooPrint.”
Gangsta Boo’s journey in the music industry was characterized by innovation, determination, and unwavering talent. Her unique contributions to the world of rap and her numerous collaborations with distinguished artists will forever be remembered. The music world lost a legend on January 1, 2023, when Lola Chantrelle Mitchell was found deceased. Her passing was attributed to an accidental overdose, a tragic loss that reverberated across the music industry. While Gangsta Boo may no longer be with us, her music and impact continue to resonate, leaving an indomitable legacy behind
