It’s been over 25 years since rapper Tupac Shakur was murdered at a stoplight in Las Vegas. Until recently, there were no major developments in the investigation. However, in September of 2023, Las Vegas police arrested and charged Duane “Keefe D” Davis with murder, marking long-awaited progress in this high-profile case.
Tupac’s death was one of the most notorious in the music industry, partially because of Tupac’s rising fame and a botched investigation and the lack of justice brought by the unsolved murder. The investigation may have been prompted by a Netflix documentary titled “Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G.” which examines both murders and the ties between them.
However, Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G. are far from the only murdered musicians in recent history. Their murders were just one of many murders of prominent musicians.
Introduction to Murders in Music
Violent murders can occur in any industry, but the music industry seems particularly prone to these tragedies. Musicians often have a high public profile, making them targets for fans, stalkers, disgruntled acquaintances, or even those seeking attention.
Some of the most notorious murders of musicians in recent history include those who were murdered by family members, opposing gang members, and even the president of their fan club. While the musicians were of various ages and races and produced different types of music, a troubling trend of violence in the music industry has emerged in recent decades.
The Unsettling Relationship Between Music and Violence
Artists pour their hearts and souls into their music. Their passion shines through with every word, which is why fans resonate so deeply with the lyrics and music of their favorite artists. But this same passion can be deeply rooted in all the musicians do, sometimes causing unhealthy behaviors and obsessions with the artists themselves.
Here are just a few of the reasons some musicians may become victims of violence:
Fan Obsession: Celebrity culture can lead to extreme obsession among fans, some of whom might develop unhealthy fixations on artists. This obsession can sometimes escalate into dangerous behavior.
Personal Conflicts: Like anyone else, musicians can have personal conflicts or disputes with others, which may escalate into violence. These conflicts can stem from professional rivalries, disagreements within the industry, personal relationships, or financial issues.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Musicians, like anyone else, can struggle with mental health issues and substance abuse. These factors can contribute to impulsive or irrational behavior, both on the part of the musician and those around them.
Jealousy and Envy: The competitive nature of the music industry can lead to jealousy and envy among artists and their associates. This could potentially result in confrontations, conflicts, or even violence.
Unpredictable Environments: Musicians often travel extensively and perform in various locations, sometimes in unfamiliar or even dangerous environments. This can increase their exposure to potential risks.
Lifestyle and Image: Some artists may adopt controversial or provocative personas as part of their image, which can attract attention and potentially provoke negative reactions from certain individuals.
The Intricacies of Crime in the Music Industry
Even though lifestyle factors can play a role in crime in the music industry, the violent deaths of artists in specific genres have some people wondering if the untimely death of artists can lead to an increase in their popularity – and their album sales.
Tupac died in 1996, but six of his albums were released after his death. Similarly, the Notorious B.I.G. released three albums posthumously. Rapper Juice Wrld and XXXTentacion have similar posthumous releases, leading some to question the morality of releasing posthumous music in the first place.
Some others question if record labels encourage or promote drug use and violence so their artists attain a certain persona, which can often lead to their untimely death. The label will benefit from sales whether the artist lives or dies, and sometimes labels even take out life insurance policies on their artists.
But rap artists aren’t the only musicians who have experienced violence.
Historical Murders in Music
Some of the most famous musicians of all time have been murdered, even those who rarely or never sang about violence of any kind.
The Murder of John Lennon: A Dark Day for All Music Lovers
John Lennon, a member of the iconic rock band The Beatles, was shot and killed by Mark David Chapman on December 8, 1980, in front of his apartment in New York City. Lennon’s death profoundly impacted the music world and his fans. Lennon was just 40 years old.
Chapman was a troubled individual who had a history of mental health issues and had become increasingly fixated on famous figures, including Lennon. Chapman had been a fan of Lennon and The Beatles but later developed a sense of resentment and anger toward Lennon’s fame and perceived hypocrisy. He saw Lennon as a symbol of the fame and success he himself lacked, and he believed that by killing Lennon, he would somehow gain the attention and recognition he sought.
Marvin Gaye’s Shocking Death: A Family Affair
Marvin Gaye, a celebrated soul and R&B artist, was shot and killed by his father, Marvin Gay Sr., on April 1, 1984, a day before his 45th birthday. The incident occurred after a heated argument between father and son.
Gaye (who added the “e” to his stage name) had given his father the revolver he used to kill him. The conflict between the two of them was long-standing but came to a head on that fateful day.
Selena Quintanilla: Revolutionizing Music in Death
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, often referred to as simply Selena, was a beloved Tejano music artist. She was shot and killed by her former fan club president, Yolanda Saldívar, on March 31, 1995, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Selena’s murder shocked her fans and the music industry, and she remains a significant figure in Latin music.
Almost three decades later, artists are still inspired by Selena’s music. Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez both say Selena heavily influenced their music, and even Cardi B drew inspiration from Selena’s unique style.
The Influence of Murders on Music and Lyrics
Lyrics in rap music have often been a subject of discussion and debate, particularly in relation to themes of violence, explicit content, and their potential effects on listeners and society.
However, many people believe that the lyrics in question are simply a reflection of society itself. They only paint a picture of the systemic racism and the dysfunction that many artists experienced in their own lives, and the lyrics only tell the truth of what many in certain cultures experience regularly.
Crime Inspired Songs: Art Imitating Life?
Rappers aren’t the only artists with violent lyrics, though. “Delilah” by Tom Jones tells the story of a man who catches his lover with another man and then murders her with a knife. “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson is about a woman being attacked in her apartment. “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster the People wraps the description of a school shooting in catchy, upbeat lyrics, almost making light of an otherwise macabre subject.
These are just a few of the many examples of music inspired by crime.
Whether artists produce music with violent music or not, the death of any artist has a major influence on their fans.
The Impact on Fans and Followers
The impact of musician deaths on their fans can be profound and varied, as the relationship between artists and their audience is deeply personal and often filled with emotional connections.
Just like losing a friend or family member, fans can experience grief and sadness when an artist they admire passes away. The loss of someone who has played a significant role in their lives through their music can be deeply felt.
Mourning Fan Culture: Societal Reaction to Star Deaths
Fans feel these losses so deeply that mourning musicians can take on a culture of its own. The death of a musician often leads fans to reflect on the artist’s impact on their lives. Many fans celebrate the artist’s legacy by listening to their music, sharing memories, and attending tribute events.
In the days following her death, Selena’s fans chipped off pieces of concrete and shrubbery at the hotel where she was murdered. Fans still memorialize her death every year by celebrating Selena Day.
Over forty years after his death, John Lennon fans still pay tribute to his memory at places like Strawberry Fields in Central Park, as well as other locations around the world.
Each fan mourns in his or her own way, and the deaths of musicians can impact fans’ lives forever.
Advocacy and Activism: Response to Music Industry Violence
An artist’s death often prompts discussions about their impact on music and culture. Fans and critics may reevaluate the artist’s contributions, influence, and significance. This has led some fans and critics alike to call out what they see as blatant support of the violence that led to their beloved musicians’ deaths.
And while some critics suggest the music needs to be changed, others say that the change starts somewhere else. After all, if fans didn’t buy it, no one would make it; and if the musicians themselves hadn’t experienced the violence they sing about, they would write about something different.
Conclusion: Addressing Violence in the Music Industry
It’s important to note that while violent incidents can capture significant media attention, they remain relatively rare within the music industry compared to the number of artists and professionals who work in it. Most musicians and industry professionals thrive without facing such unfortunate circumstances. However, the violence is no less troubling,
Addressing violence in the music industry requires involving people across the industry, including artists, fans, policymakers, and society at large. Added security for artists, mental health support, ethical management, and awareness of potential risks are just a few of the ways artists and their teams can help reduce violence in the industry.
Visit CrimeDoor.com for more in-depth analyses of murder and violence in the music industry, including the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion.
