P.E.A.C.E. of the Freestyle Fellowship has Passed Away

Sad news has echoed throughout the Hip-Hop world. P.E.A.C.E. of the Freestyle Fellowship unfortunately passed away on Saturday, October 25th. Born Mtulazaji Davis, P.E.A.C.E. made waves on the West Coast with his group in the early 90s. Freestyle Fellowship was one of the standout acts at The Good Life Café’s open mic nights, which were monumental for the development of an underground Hip-Hop movement on the West Coast. They influenced groups such as The Pharcyde, Souls of Mischief, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.

Freestyle Fellowship has released four albums in total. Their debut “To Whom It May Concern…” was released in 1991 to critical acclaim. Its 30th anniversary edition was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Historical Album. “Innercity Griots,” their sophomore effort, was released in 1993, with “Temptations” and “The Promise” following up in 2001 and 2011, respectively. They’ve also released “Shockadoom” EP in 2002. P.E.A.C.E.’s discography also contains two solo albums, “Southern Fry’d Chicken” from 2000, and “Megabite” from 2004.

P.E.A.C.E. was prominently featured in the award-winning documentary “This Is the Life,” chronicling the movement that emerged at The Good Life Cafe. He also spent a significant part of his life living in Dallas, Texas, with the Southern style of Hip-Hop evident in his solo projects. P.E.A.C.E. was also well-versed with several instruments. He played the accordion, the double bass, and the saxophone throughout his life. He collaborated with acts such as Blackalicious, Diplo, Daddy Kev, and many more.

P.E.A.C.E. will be remembered as a monumental part of West Coast’s Hip-Hop story.

May he rest in peace.