RIP Buddie.
Gerald “Buddie” Tiller, a pioneer member of Dem Franchize Boyz, has died after a battle with cancer.
It was Sunday that the group confirmed Tiller’s death, uploading photos to an Instagram page with the words, “R.I.P Buddie, You Will Be Missed #demfranchizeboyz.”
In addition, Jermaine Dupri, who first signed the group to the So So Def label in 2005, paid homage, citing the line of his former artist from the group’s principal “Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It” track.
“They call me Doctor Doc I prescribe what a ni–a need,” he penned on Instagram “#ripbuddy may your soul rest easy #demfranchiseboyz. #fuckcancer.
Dem Franchize Boyz first became famous at the height of the wave of southern anthems that emerged from the South in the mid-2000s. In particular, they are responsible for songs that include “White Tee,” “I Think They Like Me,” and “Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It.” Their discography includes albums such as their self-titled debut in 2004, On Top Of Our Game 2006 and Our World, Our Way 2008. The latest release is the 2011 Voltron mixtape.
While they were scheduled to come together for JD So So Def’s 25th Anniversary Cultural Tour, the trip was canceled.
Rest in Peace, friend.