According to FakeShoreDrive and reports that they're receiving, veteran Chicago rapper Payroll has passed away. Details on his passing are unknown at this time, but sources close to the rapper told FSD that he was murdered.
If you’re unfamiliar, Payroll rose to fame in the Chicagoland area in the late 90’s and into the 2000’s, where he and his 40 Gang crew caught notoriety. He had collaborated with many of Chicago’s veterans & legends, including the likes of EC Illa, Bump J, Cap 1, & Triple Darkness to name a few. However, his most documented moment might’ve came from his beef with another Chicago rapper named Kanye West. Apparently, Kanye stole Payroll’s instrumental & hook on his record “Never Change,” and gave it to Jay Z who used it on his Blue Print album. The incident later caused Payroll to make a diss record aimed at Kanye, simply called “Fuck Kanye West.”
“Kanye is a fucking geek, fuck what you sold the beat/ Don’t know the industry nigga, but I know the streets/ Ear to the curb I heard some speculation/ I know the streets been shoppin’ and patiently waiting,” he rapped. “Before beats for Jigga you was a ho nigga, runnin' with go getters” he later added. (Hear the full diss record below)
While details about his death remain a bit scarce at the hour, we’ll be sure to update you with further info once it become available. In the meantime, revisit some of his records (below) as well as some tweets from fellow fans & peers.
Our condolences go out to Payroll’s family & friends during this difficult time. R.I.P.