“8 Mile” actor Nashawn Breedlove reportedly died in his sleep in his New Jersey home Sunday at the age of 46.
His family confirmed his death to TMZ on Tuesday. His exact cause of death has not yet been revealed. Breedlove is best known for battle-rapping legendary artist Eminem in the movie “8 Mile.”
Breedlove played the role of Lotto in the 2002 film that also starred Kim Basinger, Mekhi Phifer and the late Brittany Murphy. Lotto’s character was loosely based on Eminem’s life.
The scene between Breedlove’s character and Eminem’s B-Rabbit taunting one another in a rap battle has since become a defining moment in pop culture.
Breedlove rapped the lyrics, “I feel bad I gotta murder that dude from ‘Leave it to Beaver,” in the movie, and the camera panned across the jam-packed room as the audience roared and cheered him on.
Prior to rising to fame in “8 Mile,” Breedlove had amassed a huge fan following under his stage name ‘OX,’ per TMZ.
One of his songs was featured on the soundtrack for the 2001 movie,”The Wash,” with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, according to TMZ. (RELATED: ‘NCIS,’ ‘The Man From ‘U.N.C.L.E.’ Star David McCallum Dead At 90)
Nashawn Breedlove, who battle-rapped against Eminem in the movie “8 Mile” as Lotto, has died. He was 46https://t.co/Tun8pIIN0M
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) September 26, 2023
Famous rapper Mickey Factz is among many big names paying respect to the late artist on social media.
“RIP to one of the few emcee’s to beat Eminem… Lotto from 8 Mile. Who’s friends lovingly called him, OX. You will be missed for your tenacity and aggressiveness,” he wrote on Instagram.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been publicly shared.