New Orleans legendary rapper, 5th Ward Weebie has died. The rapper, whose real name is Jerome Cosey, had reportedly “undergone surgery for a ruptured artery and died of related complications while still hospitalized,” according to NOLA.com. He was 42.
Well wishes began circling social media days before the rapper’s death. “Y’all keep my lil bro @5thwardweebie in your prayers and a speedy recovery. God speed,” Partners-N-Crime rapper, Mr. Meana, wrote in a caption on Instagram. Mr. Meana posted a photo of himself, along with his rapping half, Kango Slim, and Weebie talking backstage of what looks like the Howlin’ Wolf. Wishes and requests for prayers soon spread across multiple social networks.
On Wednesday, an administrator of the JFK Cougar Alumni Network Facebook page announced that a prayer vigil would be held for the rapper later that night. On Thursday (Jan. 9), my social media timelines were filled with “RIP” posts.
Since the 90s, Weebie has had us catching the wall to hits like “Shake It Like a Dog,” “So Attracted,” myy forever favorite, “I Really Want U”, which is one of his more popular songs (if you’re from New Orleans), and in my opinion, the song that made most of us fans.
I met Weebie back in the early 2000s when I worked at NewOrleansBlack.com. At the time, he and fellow bounce artist, Big Choo ran a video production company called Game Ova TV. A lot of people don’t know this, but it was Game Ova TV that filmed many of our First Fridays events. Check out one of Weebie’s masterpieces, featuring me, above.
Wee Wee, as I affectionally called him, always lit up a room. There was never a dull moment when he was around and he was on you can count on to make you laugh. Not only am I a fan of his music, but I’m happy to say that I knew him well enough to be a fan of his personality and character. A good man is gone too soon, but his music and legacy will move on. Rest well, my friend.