Our brother Stricklin of eMC has passed away

The Hip-Hop community has lost a cherished member. Stricklin has sadly passed away at the age of 56. Considered as one of the best rappers from Milwaukee, Stricklin started building his reputation locally in the mid 90s. He was a part of the Official Top Flor Fam, with whom he released a compilation titled “The Birth,” in 1998. He signed to Tommy Boy Records in 1999. During this period, he collaborated with Royce da 5’9″ on “It’s Over” for the Hip Hop 101 compilation on Tommy Boy’s Black Label imprint. Even though his deal fell through, Stricklin remained active in underground circles.

One of the defining moments of his career was appearing on Masta Ace’s classic album, “Disposable Arts,” in 2001.  He would go on to work closely with Masta Ace, becoming a part of his touring crew, and appearing on future projects. That collaboration led to the founding of eMC, a group consisting of Stricklin, Masta Ace, Wordsworth, and Punchline. eMC released three projects in total. Two full-length albums, “The Show” (2008), and “The Tonite Show” (2015), as well as an EP, “The Turning Point” (2014). Stricklin collaborated with Croatian producer Koolade on numerous occasions, both in solo work and on eMC tracks. Some of the tracks they worked on include “Hate Me Too,” “Something’s Wrong,” and ” Who We Be.”

He stayed musically active throughout the years, and was touring with Masta Ace until his passing. Stricklin was also an active member of the Milwaukee Fire Department. He will continue to live through his music, and in treasured memories of friends and fans.

May he rest in peace. 

Stricklin, Masta Ace, and Marco Polo in Croatia (June, 2024).