"Gangsta Bitch" Maker, Rapper Apache Dies
UPDATE: Additional details regarding Apache's health concerns come from archival interviews with The Original Flavor Unit.
Onetime Flavor Unit emcee Apache (born Anthony Teaks) has been pronounced dead, according to AllHipHop.com. The rapper died of a protracted illness, although information is limited at this time. Known largely for his 1992 hit "Gangsta Bitch," Apache was a hardcore act within Queen Latifah and 45 King's Flavor Unit roster. He worked with both hit-makers, as well as fellow Tommy Boy stars Naughty By Nature and Flavor Unit original emcee Lakim Shabazz.
Like Just Ice and Freddie Foxxx before him, Apache carried a hard delivery and an outspoken style. Many believe his hit single was a companion to MC Lyte's "Ruffneck," another assertion for hardcore imagery amidst the R&B/G Funk climate dominating Hip Hop by the early '90s.
A Newark, New Jersey native, Apache followed his 1992 album with 1993's Apache Ain't Shit. Lacking success halted further development of Apache, although he would continue to appear alongside artists such as Fat Joe and A Tribe Called Quest.
Author and Hip Hop scholar Adisa Banjoko, who says he had the pleasure of meeting Apache at a Bay area Gavin Convention, told HipHopDX.com upon hearing the news, "I think its hard for the youngsters of today generation of Hip Hop to understand the impact an artist like Apache had on their ability to exist. He knew how to be lyriclly hard and still have fun on the mic. He defined himself as a rapper, but was not defined by title."
Kid Capri also confirmed the news via his Twitter page.
Apache's age was unknown, but visit AllHipHop to get a reaction statement from Flavor Unit.
This happens less than a week after fellow Rap veteran Queens' Killa Sha died.
UPDATE: Unkut.com, a site instrumental to the preservation of '80s, '90s and present day east coast Hip Hop through interviews and media has been able to reveal some information on what may have caused Apache's death. In a late 2007 interview with Lord Ali Ba-Ski, another Flavor Unit originator, the Jersey emcee revealed that Apache was living with a bruised heart.
The interview, which also suggests that while Apache's solo career was short-lived, he was privy to financial success in the early '90s, says that the rapper used his wealth to exceded 300 pounds, despite a shorter frame. Medical reports have yet to release, but this could have been a contributor to the rapper's death this week. He was on permanent disability at the time of his death, and reportedly very involved with his church. Read the full interview and exclusive quotes on Apache's career at UnKut.com.
HipHopDX will keep you updated.
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Comments 52 posts
tangie:
Damn! I was just listening to Gangsta bitch a few mins ago as i work. Then I started wondering what happen to Apache? Damn, I just googled him and found all ya'll's comments about his death. I am turely surprise and deeply sadden, it does not matter how he passed on he is gone and his music is a part of my youth that takes me back to a time when i was young and carefree. Wow, I am so so sorry and my prayers go out to his family and friends. R.I.P. Apache.
BRINDLESQUAD:
HE WAS IN MY GYM CLASS BACK IN THE DAY...HE WAS BIG, PHYSICAL, & PLAYED BASKETBALL LIKE AN NBA DUDE - THE BROTHA HAD GAME!
BRINDLESQUAD:
HE WAS IN MY GYM CLASS BACK IN THE DAY...HE WAS BIG, PHYSICAL, & PLAYED BASKETBALL LIKE AN NBA DUDE - THE BROTHA HAD GAME!
BRINDLESQUAD:
HE WAS IN MY GYM CLASS BACK IN THE DAY...HE WAS BIG, PHYSICAL, & PLAYED BASKETBALL LIKE AN NBA DUDE - THE BROTHA HAD GAME!
BRINDLESQUAD:
HE WAS IN MY GYM CLASS BACK IN THE DAY...HE WAS BIG, PHYSICAL, & PLAYED BASKETBALL LIKE AN NBA DUDE - THE BROTHA HAD GAME!
BRINDLESQUAD:
HE WAS IN MY GYM CLASS BACK IN THE DAY...HE WAS BIG, PHYSICAL, & PLAYED BASKETBALL LIKE AN NBA DUDE - THE BROTHA HAD GAME!
BeanTown Breezy:
One of the illest verses I heard back in the day on Naught By Nature's "1,2,3"..."If I was deaf,dumb,blind,stupid,lame,handicapped and crippled and pussy was my middle name."...haha.His gangsta bitch defines 1992 when I was in 9th grade in the fall and he was the glue in Flavor Unit...R.I.P. Apache
YSG-Timothy:
Life is short. Get it right with the LORD by letting GOD get you right with HIM. RIP Apache and the other fallen.
1ne
lb fam:
oh shit RIP apache freeky tah mc breed stack bundels pun pac big big l left eye aailya stretch soulja slim camo n mr magic
roc 1:
RIP Apache.
theoneoneoneone:
Apache was on 2Pac's "Strictly 4 My Niggaz" album as a guest appearance on the song "5 Deadly Venoms" with Treach of Naughy by Nature and the Live Squad. Too bad he didn't have a bigger career. He was a good rapper. RIP.
judy2012:
{PlusFlirt____CooM^^^^}}}}}..nice and free place for BBWs & BHM videos and dating or making friends
{PlusFlirt____CooM^^^^}}}}}..nice and free place for BBWs & BHM videos and dating or making friends
jubaby30:
damn dats sad r.i.p homie
Shwn Penn:
damn, i was just listening 2 gangsta bitch the other day.
that track was ill as fuck.
R.I.P. homie!
soundbombin:
What people also don't know is he ghostwrote a GANG of rhymes for Latifah.
The-Influence:
Ahhhh.. The man who was also famous for saying "Kill D'White People"................................................
All Goode:
You mean "Kill D'White People..........BUT buy my record first!!!!!!!" I loved that album. RIP Apache
Drucifer1983:
R,I,P
M Brown:
Another Legend has left us Rest In Peace Brother your spirit lives on.
gasface:
BE HONEST, WE ALL KNOW HE DIED FROM AIDS.....
MalcolmLittle:
@ Gasface
Disrespectful muthafucka...kill yourself...
PR DEAN:
R.I.P BROTHER
JAM AVE:
R.I.P. MY BROTHER. YOUR MUSIC AND LEGACY WILL LIVE ON IN HIP HOP MUSIC...REPPIN JAMAICA QUEENS FROM 1990.
won1:
dapluva if u comment one more time "off with your head!!!" r.i.p. apache
won1:
dapluva if u comment one more time "off with your head!!!" r.i.p. apache
Roger Cotman:
I met Apache back in 1984 hanging at the 45King's Basement every day when I was coming home from work. Apache had a great sense of humor and was a tremendous writing talent. As Shakim said, "he was the string that help create and build the Flavor Unit" My life was blessed to get to know him as the creative juices were flowing on Stuyvesant Blvd. Do I mourn his death (YES) or am I happy I got to meet such a great Brother and enjoyed him in my life (Yes). God Bless to you my friend........
zilla:
was in the 5th grade when this came out.My older sis used to play this..good ol days.RIP Homey