Legendary director John Singleton has passed away at the age of 51 after suffering a stroke a few weeks ago on April 17th.
Singleton passed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, Calif. 12 days after he was admitted to the hospital. He was taken off life support which he had been on since being taken into the hospital.
At 24-years-old, Singleton became the youngest and first-ever African-American to be nominated for Best Director at the Oscars for his work on the cult classic, “Boyz N the Hood.” The movie was created and based on his personal experiences growing up in South Central Los Angeles.
Along with “Boyz N the Hood,” he also directed “Baby Boy,” “Rosewood,” “Higher Learning,” the remake of “Shaft” with Samuel L. Jackson, “2 Fast 2 Furious,” and Poetic Justice,” which starred 2-Pac and Janet Jackson.
“John passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and friends,” Singleton’s family told CNN in a statement. “We want to thank the amazing doctors at Cedars-Sinai Hospital for their expert care and kindness and we again want to thank all of John’s fans, friends and colleagues for all of the love and support they showed him during this difficult time.”
The hip-hop community shared their condolences and thoughts on social media. Read some of the reaction out below.
I was discovered by a master filmmaker by the name of John Singleton. He not only made me a movie star but made me a filmmaker. There are no words to express how sad I am to lose my brother, friend & mentor. He loved bring the black experience to the world. ..Us at Cannes ‘90 pic.twitter.com/CaRKjZtjgB
— Ice Cube (@icecube) April 29, 2019
I am so thankful as a kid that my parents took me to the theaters to see your films (Boys n the hood , higher learning , poetic justice , rosewood , baby boy to name a few. You captured our culture so damn well & taught the world about the MANY complex black experiences . 😭🙏🏽🖤
— Janelle Monáe, Cindi (@JanelleMonae) April 29, 2019
R.I.P John Singleton thank you for helpling me if It wasn’t for you I wouldn’t be a Academy award Winner I gonna miss you bro I love you my prayers for your family we will never forget! YOU ARE LEGENDARY 🙏🏿
— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) April 29, 2019
R.I.P. JOHN SINGLETON
TWITTER: @IAMBNYCE
INSTAGRAM: CONTENT.PAPI