Lex Coups: 6 Things You Didn't Know About Freaky Tah

On March 28, 1999, Raymond Rogers, known to the Hip-Hop community as “Freaky Tah” of Lost Boyz, was infamously gunned down in his native Queens, New York City. Today marks 15 years since his untimely passing, and like each year, we tip our hats to an often unsung person in Hip-Hop history.

Tah wasn’t a rapper, as he instead backed group member Mr. Cheeks, who was charged with the task of emceeing, as a hypeman. DJ Spigg Nice and Pretty Lou made the proverbial cypher complete, and the quartet would feed the streets three full-length LPs. The journey began with Legal Drug Money in 1996, followed by a consecutive certified gold album Love, Peace & Nappiness in 1997. Unfortunately, Lost Boyz’s run came to a screeching halt with 1999’s LB IV Life, which released six months following Tah’s passing.

Losing Tah left the group in a state of bewilderment. Developments were also slow to roll in, but police eventually arrested three men in connection with the murder, including shooter Kelvin Jones of Richmond Hill, Queens.

On the fifteenth anniversary of Freaky Tah’s death, Hip-Hop Wired acknowledges the fallen soldier by providing a little clarity on the night he died and more. Get the info after the jump.

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Freaky Tah Met Mr. Cheeks Randomly

The two most recognizable faces from Lost Boyz met each other by chance at roughly eight-years-old, while Tah’s father, who did contract work, fixed Cheek’s grandmother’s kitchen. The “Lights, Camera, Action” rapper says he and his future partner in rhyme immediately became friends.

Used His Platform To Speak To Greater Things

Freaky Tah’s formal title what “hypeman,” but he far from a whimsical figure or someone who could be easily dismissed. Well respected in his South Jamaica, Queens neighborhood, the rapper had big dreams of ownership, self-empowerment, and the like.

Many Described Him Tah As A “Local Hero”

During his lifetime, Tah went over and beyond for those that he loved. But he also did the same for folks in his neighborhood who may or may not have been strangers. According to his father, Lindon, the rap star was “a local hero who kept ties with the kids in the neighborhood. He checked their report cards. He bought them sneakers and jackets. He always told them, ‘You do the right thing, and I’ll do the right thing.

Freaky Tah’s Murder Stemmed From A Previous Robbery, He Was Not The Victim

According to MTV, a source said the reasoning for Tah’s murder stemmed from a robbery that dates back to the previous November. An unnamed Lost Boyz member, who was affirmed not to be the Tah, was robbed. An affiliate of the rap clique’s camp later retaliated by shooting a man named Michael Saunders, a member of the Hellraisers rap camp. It was later proven that Saunders had nothing to do with the robbery, but his killing sparked an even deadlier beef, resulting in Tah’s death.

There’s An Annual “Freaky Tah Day” Celebration

YouTube suggests that the fallen Lost Boyz member’s South Jamaica, Queens neighborhood commemorates his legacy each year during annual celebration.