Fredo Santana

Fredo Santana, born Derrick Coleman on July 4, 1990, in Chicago, Illinois, was a prominent figure in the hip-hop and drill scene known for his gritty lyrics and raw authenticity. He released two studio albums and 8 mixtapes between 2012 and 2017. Fredo Santana died from a fatal seizure on January 19th, 2018 in Los Angeles, California, USA (age 27).

Growing up on the streets of Chicago's South Side near the infamous O-Block, Santana was influenced by the city's rap culture and its harsh realities. He began his music career in the early 2010s, quickly gaining attention with his mixtapes and collaborations with his cousin [a=Chief Keef] and his close friend [a=Lil Reese]. Santana's distinct style, characterized by dark, menacing beats and aggressive delivery, resonated with fans and helped him carve out a niche in the rap landscape.

In 2012, Santana released his debut mixtape “It’s A Scary Site” under the then unofficial record label [l=Glory Boyz Entertainment]. However, in early 2013 after a deal was struck with [l=Interscope Records] to officialize the label, Santana became co-owner (10% share) alongside [a=Chief Keef]. The same year, Santana founded his own independent record label, [l=Savage Squad Records], out of his desire to stay independent.

In 2013, Santana released his debut studio album, "Trappin Ain't Dead," which features guest appearances from [a=Kendrick Lamar], [a=Chief Keef] and [a=G Herbo], among others. It received critical acclaim and further solidified his place in the rap scene.

Throughout his career, he continued to release projects that showcased his evolution as an artist while staying true to his roots. Despite facing personal struggles, including health issues and drug addictions, Santana remained dedicated to his craft and his fans.

Tragically, Fredo Santana passed away on January 19, 2018, at 11PM at his residence in the Reseda neighborhood in Los Angeles, CA from a fatal seizure. Following an autopsy, the Los Angeles County coroner has ruled cardiovascular disease to be the cause of death. The medical examiner’s report also lists idiopathic epilepsy as a contributing cause of death. Leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence and inspire aspiring artists worldwide, his impact on the rap game, coupled with his authenticity and raw talent, ensures that his memory lives on through his music and the countless lives he touched.