Some of the most gifted rappers we know and love today have been diagnosed with asthma. Although we have a tendency to regard this kind of disease as something of little to no consequence, it is still, in fact, a respiratory condition that is incurable.
It is precisely because asthma can go dormant for years and inflame at any given moment, that makes the illness so chronic. Throughout the 40 years of Hip-Hop, artists like Pharoahe Monch have suffered at the hands of an asthma attack.
Lil’ Scrappy, for example, who’s famous for his “crunk” street-driven anthems, was hospitalized circa 2012 after experiencing a severe asthma seizure. The rapper’s attack was so serious that he felt his life was in danger, and now never goes anywhere without his “breathing machine.”
Most notably, Kenny “KL” Lou of Hip-Hop group Screwball passed away, today, March 28, 2008, when an asthma attack got the best of him. As we give salute on the anniversary of KL’s death, we also want to spotlight a bevy of other MCs who’ve been diagnosed with this chronic illness.
Gander at the gallery to see which rap artists have asthma. You may be surprised…
—
Photos: WENN/Instagram
DMX
DMX reportedly suffered an asthma attack during an arrest in August of 2013, when paramedics were called to the scene to treat him.
Pharoahe Monch
Pharoahe had an asthma attack while recording “Still Standing” with Jill Scott. Ironically, the song touches on his lifelong battle with the disease.
Lil’ Scrappy
Lil’ Scrappy told TMZ he woke up after a long night of drinking, and could barely breathe. He was having an asthma attack. He was hospitalized after his near death experience.
Lil’ Wayne
In a Rolling Stone interview, Weezy talked about taking puffs from his asthma inhaler.
KL
KL died on March 28, 2008 from a severe asthma attack.
Big Daddy Kane
Despite his asthmatic condition, Big Daddy Kane is regarded as one of the pioneering masters of fast rhyming. In a HipHopDX interview, the MC talked about his asthma and how it affected his lyrical delivery.
The Notorious B.I.G.
When doctors once examined Biggie, they found that he had severe respiratory problems that could have been fatal. The problems stemmed from his asthma and smoking “copious amounts” of marijuana.
Tyler, The Creator
Tyler has a severe asthma problem. He routinely takes hits from his Asthma inhaler onstage during shows.
