Notti Osama

Ethan Reyes, popular as Notti Osama, was born on January 17, 2008, in Harlem, New York. Despite his young age, Notti already had a promising music career ahead of him.

Tragically, his life was cut short after being stabbed to death at a subway station in July 2022. Notti’s music focused on the harsh realities of growing up in Harlem as a young teenager. His astrological sign is Capricorn.

His lyrics gave a raw perspective into street life, violence, and the dangers he faced daily. Though controversial, Notti’s music resonated with many young hip-hop fans and his popularity was rapidly growing at the time of his death.

Quick Facts About Notti

Biography And Early Life

Notti Osama grew up in the Harlem neighborhood. From a young age, Notti was exposed to the dangers of the streets, including violence, crime, and drugs. Music became an escape for Notti. He was inspired by Harlem rappers like A$AP Rocky and began writing his lyrics at age 12.

By 13, Notti adopted the name Notti Osama and started releasing rap songs on YouTube. His breakout track “Whip Him” caught the attention of the local rap scene and underground hip-hop blogs. Notti’s raw, explicit lyrics about violence and his aggressive drill rap style resonated with young hip-hop fans.

Family

One of six siblings, Notti Osama grew up in a bustling household. The bond he shared with his family profoundly influenced his music, instilling a sense of authenticity and raw emotion in his songs.

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Interesting Facts About Ethan Reyes

Got his rap name “Notti Osama” at age 12. It was a reference to both being a rap villain and the terrorist Osama bin Laden.
Released first YouTube music video “Whip Him” at age 13.
Had face tattoos reading “Osama” and “Demon” by age 14.
Was a member of the “900” crew/collective of young NYC rappers.
Sold out his first live show at SOB’s in NYC at age 14.
The music video for his hit “Subway Shooter” was released posthumously and surpassed 5 million YouTube views.
Would have turned 15 on January 17, 2023, if he was still alive today.

Career And Achievements

Notti began collaborating with other young NYC rappers and steadily gained notoriety. In March 2022, he released his debut mixtape ‘Don’t Start No Stuff’, which included his hit song “Subway Shooter.” The mixtape ranked on the iTunes Hip-Hop chart, proving Notti’s rising commercial appeal.

Songs like “Big Opps” and “Gang Gang” racked up millions of streams. By mid-2022, Notti performed sold-out shows and earned co-signs from rap icons like 50 Cent. Leading up to his death, Notti’s profile was quickly rising.

Musical Style And Influences

Notti Osama’s music is categorized as “drill rap” – an aggressive hip-hop subgenre that originated in Chicago in the early 2010s. Drill rappers often use hard-hitting, trap-influenced beats and lyrics about street violence.

Notti was part of a new wave of young NYC drill rappers. Some of his biggest influences were fellow Harlem artists like A$AP Rocky, Dave East, and the late Pop Smoke. Notti’s lyrics discussed life in Harlem and the dangers he faced, including gang disputes, guns, and drugs.

Tragic Death

On July 9, 2022, 14-year-old Notti was fatally stabbed during an altercation at a subway station in Inwood, NY. He was rushed to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Notti’s murder shed light on the ongoing epidemic of youth violence plaguing New York City. Yet his death also cut short the career of a promising young musical artist on the verge of stardom.

The hip-hop community mourned the loss of Notti and the harsh realities faced by young rappers today. His death was a tragic reminder of how dangerous the path to fame can be for aspiring young musicians.

Legacy

Despite his short career, Notti Osama’s music left a lasting impact. His menacing drill rap style encapsulated the unforgiving nature of street life. Songs like “Gang Gang” amassed over 5 million YouTube views posthumously.

Major artists like 50 Cent and producer London on da Track paid tribute to Notti after his death. His gritty lyrics documenting life as a Harlem youth on the brink of fame will continue inspiring future NYC rappers.

While Notti’s musical legacy lives on, his death remains an immense loss. The hip-hop community can only imagine what he may have accomplished if his life wasn’t cut short so young.