Rayshawn Lamar Bennett, better known to the world as YFN Lucci, a 33-year-old rapper from Atlanta who rose to fame with his emotive lyrics and raw storytelling, has tragically passed away. His death on September 18, 2024, has left the city of Atlanta and the broader hip-hop community in deep mourning. Known for his breakout hits like “Key to the Streets” and “Everyday We Lit,” YFN Lucci was not only an influential figure in Southern rap but also a man whose life was often marked by controversy, legal struggles, and personal trials.
YFN Lucci’s death came as a shock to fans, friends, and family alike, who are now grappling with the sudden loss of an artist who contributed greatly to Atlanta’s vibrant music scene. He was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital following a medical emergency, the details of which remain unclear. His record label, Think It’s A Game Entertainment, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a public statement: “Pray for us y’all, YFN Lucci, God bless your soul.” The 33-year-old rapper leaves behind three children, a complicated legal history, and a community that is reflecting on his legacy.
From Humble Beginnings to Stardom: The Rise of YFN Lucci
Rayshawn Lamar Bennett was born on February 16, 1991, in Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up in the city’s Summerhill neighborhood, surrounded by the challenges that often accompany life in urban communities. From a young age, Bennett was drawn to the world of rap, finding inspiration in Atlanta legends like T.I., Jeezy, and the storytelling style of Lil Wayne. He discovered his musical talent at 16, and with the encouragement of his friend and fellow rapper Johnny Cinco, he began to pursue a career in hip-hop.
In 2014, YFN Lucci signed with Think It’s A Game Entertainment, an Atlanta-based record label known for developing Southern rap talent. That same year, he released his debut mixtape, Wish Me Well, which quickly gained traction in the local scene. However, it was his second mixtape, Wish Me Well 2 (2016), that propelled him into the national spotlight. The project’s standout single, “Key to the Streets,” featuring Migos and Trouble, became YFN Lucci’s first Billboard Hot 100 hit, cementing his place as one of the South’s most promising young rappers.
YFN Lucci’s music was characterized by its authenticity and vulnerability, with the rapper often reflecting on the struggles of his upbringing, the realities of street life, and his personal aspirations. His debut EP, Long Live Nut (2017), which paid homage to a close friend who had passed away, further showcased his ability to turn pain into art. The EP’s lead single, “Everyday We Lit,” featuring PnB Rock, became his most successful track, peaking at number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100. It became an anthem for resilience and perseverance, resonating with fans who appreciated YFN Lucci’s honest and heartfelt approach to his craft.
By the time YFN Lucci released his debut studio album, Ray Ray from Summerhill (2018), he was a bona fide star. The album, which reached number 14 on the Billboard 200, was a personal and introspective project that detailed his journey from the streets of Atlanta to the top of the rap game. Despite his growing fame, YFN Lucci remained closely connected to his roots, often using his platform to speak about the issues facing his community.
Legal Struggles and a Life of Controversy
While YFN Lucci’s musical career was on an upward trajectory, his personal life was marred by a series of legal issues that would ultimately overshadow much of his success. In 2018, a copyright infringement lawsuit was filed against him by New Jersey-based rapper Anthony Cam, who alleged that YFN Lucci’s hit song “Everything We Lit” had copied elements from Cam’s 2016 track “Everything Be Lit.” The case, which also named PnB Rock and producer June James, resulted in a settlement in 2019. However, a subsequent court ruling in 2021 saw a $1.7 million judgment awarded against PnB Rock and James, a decision that was later vacated and sent back to a lower court for further review.
More serious legal troubles emerged in 2021 when YFN Lucci became embroiled in a high-profile criminal case in Atlanta. On January 12, 2021, the Atlanta Police Department issued warrants for his arrest in connection with a December 2020 shooting that left one man dead and another injured. YFN Lucci was charged with aggravated assault and participation in criminal street gang activity, charges that he denied. He turned himself in to police the following day and was released on house arrest after posting a $500,000 bond.
However, the legal issues didn’t end there. In May 2021, YFN Lucci was indicted alongside 11 others in a sweeping 105-count RICO case brought by the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office. The charges included racketeering, gang activity, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. According to prosecutors, YFN Lucci was allegedly involved in a faction of the Bloods gang, though his attorneys vehemently denied the claims, maintaining that he was innocent.
Despite the serious nature of the charges, YFN Lucci continued to fight his case, insisting that he had no involvement in gang-related activities. In January 2024, after years of legal wrangling, YFN Lucci agreed to a plea deal. He pleaded guilty to one count of violating Georgia’s Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, and in exchange, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with 10 years of probation to follow. His time spent under house arrest and in jail prior to the plea was credited toward his sentence, meaning that he was not expected to serve additional prison time.
The legal battles took a toll on YFN Lucci’s career, with much of his time and energy diverted away from music. Nonetheless, he remained a beloved figure in Atlanta, with many in the community rallying behind him despite his troubles with the law.
A Tragic End
On the morning of September 18, 2024, news broke that YFN Lucci had been rushed to the hospital following a medical emergency. Details of the incident remain sparse, but shortly after being admitted, the rapper was pronounced dead. His death has been met with an outpouring of grief from fans, fellow artists, and those who knew him personally. In a statement, his record label Think It’s A Game Entertainment expressed their sorrow: “YFN Lucci was more than just an artist to us; he was family. We are devastated by his loss and ask that you keep his family in your prayers.”
While the cause of YFN Lucci’s death has not been officially confirmed, speculation has circulated that the 33-year-old rapper had been dealing with health issues in the months leading up to his passing. Friends and family members have asked for privacy as they mourn his loss and prepare to lay him to rest.
In the days following his death, tributes poured in from across the music industry. Fellow Atlanta rappers like Lil Baby, 2 Chainz, and T.I. took to social media to honor YFN Lucci’s memory, praising his contributions to the city’s hip-hop culture and his determination to succeed in the face of adversity. “Atlanta lost one of its own today,” wrote Lil Baby in a heartfelt Instagram post. “Rest in peace, Lucci. You’ll never be forgotten.”
A Complicated Legacy
YFN Lucci’s death has left many in the hip-hop community reflecting on his complicated legacy. On one hand, he was a talented and passionate artist who rose from humble beginnings to achieve national fame. His music, which often addressed the struggles of poverty, violence, and loss, resonated with fans who appreciated his honesty and vulnerability. He was a proud father of three, and despite his legal troubles, those close to him describe him as a loving and devoted parent.
On the other hand, YFN Lucci’s career was frequently overshadowed by his involvement in legal disputes and his alleged ties to gang activity. His lengthy criminal record, which included charges of aggravated assault and racketeering, made him a controversial figure, and some critics argue that his legal issues detracted from his potential as an artist.
Regardless of these controversies, YFN Lucci’s impact on the Atlanta rap scene is undeniable. He was part of a generation of Southern rappers who helped shape the sound of modern hip-hop, and his music will continue to inspire new artists for years to come.
Looking Ahead
As fans and the music industry mourn the loss of YFN Lucci, attention is now turning to the future of his musical legacy. While his passing marks the end of his career, there are reports that unreleased material from the rapper could be released posthumously. His team has not yet confirmed any plans, but fans are hopeful that they will get to hear more music from the artist who touched so many lives.
In the meantime, Rayshawn Lamar Bennett’s family is preparing to say their final goodbyes. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made public, but it is expected that the Atlanta community will come together to honor one of its own. YFN Lucci’s story, like those of many young men who rise from adversity to achieve success, is one of both triumph and tragedy. His music will serve as a lasting reminder of his talent, his struggles, and his enduring influence on the world of hip-hop.
Rest in peace, YFN Lucci. You will be missed.
