On Sunday (September 24), New Jersey native Nashawn Breedlove passed away in his sleep at the age of 46. Breedlove spent most of his career as a rapper under the name Ox. However, his most prominent contribution to entertainment was his role as Lotto in the 2002 blockbuster film 8 Mile, loosely based on the ascent of Detroit icon Eminem.
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In the movie, Breedlove’s character Lotto is an esteemed figure in Detroit’s underground battle rap community. This ultimately led to Lotto facing off against B-Rabbit in a battle rap tournament, which was played by none other than Eminem. The most fierce competition B-Rabbit ever saw during the film, Lotto unleashed potent lyrics in front of the hectic crowd, making for one of the most memorable moments in the whole flick.
I’ll spit a racial slur, honky, sue me
The shit is a horror flick, but the black guy doesn’t die in this movie
Fuckin’ with Lotto? Dawg, you gotta be kiddin’
That makes me believe you really don’t have an interest in livin’
You think these niggas gon’ feel the shit you say?
I got a better chance joinin’ the KKK
Though B-Rabbit would ultimately win over the crowd’s favor, Breedlove still made an immense impact as Lotto in 8 Mile, which would go on to be nominated for Golden Globes, Oscars, BMI Awards, and more. When learning of his passing, fellow MC Mickey Factz honored Breedlove for his “tenacity” via Instagram.
“RIP to one of the few emcee’s to beat Eminem,” Factz wrote. “Lotto from 8 Mile. Who’s friends lovingly called him, OX. You will be missed for your tenacity and aggressiveness.”
[RELATED: Eminem’s Daughter Hailie Jade Got ‘So Hype’ Seeing Her Dad Reunite with 50 Cent Onstage]
Elsewhere in his career, Breedlove was able to land a spot on the soundtrack for the 2001 comedy film The Wash, starring Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. With the accompanying project also including contributions from Dre and Snoop, as well as Eminem’s D12 group and Busta Rhymes, Breedlove was able to perform on the thirteenth song “Don’t Talk Shit” under his Ox moniker.
The cause of Breedlove’s death is currently unclear.
Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for MTV/Paramount Global
