Dem Franchize Boyz Rapper Buddie Dies from Cancer, Hip-Hop Community Mourns His Death

The hip-hop community is mourning the death of one of their own, Gerald “Buddie” Tiller who was a founding member of the now-defunct rap group Dem Franchize Boyz.

The rap group, in an Instagram post on Sunday, August 25, confirmed that they lost the rapper. “R.I.P Buddie you Will be Missed,” they wrote, alongside several pictures of the group together.

DFB also shared a throwback video in honor of its late band member, and more recently, it paid tribute with an emotional message:

"'This is not a goodbye, this is a thank you. Thank you for coming into Our life and giving us all your Energy & Thank you for the memories we will cherish forever.' Rip buddie."

Even more touching was the eulogy penned by Maurice “Parlae” Gleaton, Buddie’s DFB bandmate. Alongside several images from their time as a group, Parlae took a trip down memory lane.

Still To Come: Dupri, who signed the group to his So So Def music label in 2005, paid tribute to Buddie

“You was the 1 who got me to go to College & that started us on this Music wave,” he wrote of the late Buddie. “We became a millionaire in 1 year & changed the face if music (sic).”

Parlae further revealed that he and Buddie had not been on friendly terms in recent years:

“We haven't been on the same page for a few years but the LOVE I have for you Never Ended. You don't have to fight no mo homie.”

Dem Franchize Boyz did not indicate Buddie’s cause of death, but in an Instagram post of his own, Jermaine Dupri revealed that the late rapper passed from cancer. The type of cancer is, however not known at this time.

Dupri, who signed the group to his So So Def music label in 2005, paid tribute to Buddie with one of his verses from their mid-2000 hit “Lean wit It, Rock wit It.” Rapper Da Brat, a former label-mate with the group, also offered her condolences in an Instagram post.

Besides the late Buddie, Dem Franchize Boyz consisted of Maurice “Parlae” Gleaton, Jamal “Pimpin’” Willingham, and Bernard “Jizzal Man” Leverette.

Per The Grio, the hip-hop group is best known for its two hits “Lean wit It, Rock Wit It” and “I Think They Like Me,” which featured on their debut album, “On Top of Our Game.”

DFB’s third and final album “Our World, Our Way,” was released in 2008 via Koch Records.

Rest in Peace, Buddie.