The Atlanta hip hop community has lost another one of its own. Buddie, from the rap quartet Dem Franchize Boyz, has passed away after a turbulent battle with cancer.
Born Gerald Tiller, Buddie and the group rose to fame in the early 2000s after signing to Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def label in 2005. Releasing hit singles such as “White Tee” and “I Think They Like Me” as well as their massive hit “Lean wit it, Rock wit it,” the group helped propel ATL’s snap music movement to mainstream popularity and took southern rap to another level.
Buddie’s death was confirmed and announced by his fellow group member #Parlae via Instagram. “#demfranchizeboyz LOST our Brother #ayeegamer Today to CANCER #RestEasyBuddie #RipWeeFli,” he wrote. ”The shit we did together was World ? Changing. You was the 1 who got me to go to College & that started us on this Music wave. We became millionaire in 1 year & changed the face if music.”
Parlay continued, “We haven’t been on the same page for a few years, but the LOVE I have for you Never Ended. You don’t have to fight no mo homie #FUCKCANCER #DemFranchizeBoyz #Trendsetters #WorldChangers”
Jermaine Dupri and Da Brat also posted dedications to Buddie via Instagram. Dupri posted, “They call me Doctor Doc. I prescribe what a n**ga need” #ripbuddy may your soul rest easy #demfranchiseboyz #fuckcancer.” Da Brat posted a photo of the late rapper with the caption, “#RIPBuddy #DemFranchizeBoyz ??cancer.”
Our sincere condolences to Buddie’s friends, family, and fans. R.I.P Gerald “Buddie” Tiller ??
