Nashawn Breedlove, the actor who received wide recognition for his scene in the Rap to Millions film “8 Mile”, in which he delivers a tenacious freestyle while fighting the character portrayed by rapper Eminem and sets the dark stage with his stormy style masters text and imposing presence, has died. He was 46.
Mr. Breedlove’s mother, Patricia Breedlove, confirmed his death in a statement on Facebook but did not share the date or cause of death.
The 2002 film “8 Mile” starred rapper Eminem in a story loosely based on his life growing up poor in a trailer park on the northern edge of Detroit. The film is known for its gritty portrayal of an artist struggling to make it big in the rap world. He depicts a community that is ruthlessly critical of dull artists, but is nonetheless thrilled when a talent turns lyrics into a clever dissident or invective. It is regularly ranked among the best hip-hop films of all time.
Mr. Breedlove, who played rapper Lotto, a member of a rival rap group, exuded a sense of bravery in his scene with Eminem’s character Jimmy, who raps as B-Rabbit.
Their fight scene takes place in a small, cramped and darkly lit venue and features both characters on stage: Lotto, with muscular arms and gruff voice, visibly more powerful, and Jimmy, clutching his black cap tightly to himself and looking downward and seems relaxed and even a bit disinterested.
After calling Jimmy a “coward,” Lotto first takes the microphone and adds mentions of race and Jimmy’s lack of self-esteem to his rap, while also playfully adding sarcastic pleasantries, such as when he says “I hate doing that” and tells Jimmy to “have a nice day” right after throwing an obscenity at him.
In one verse, Lotto compares Jimmy to the title character in the mid-century sitcom “Leave It to Beaver,” saying, “Call me your leader, I feel bad I had to murder that guy from ‘Leave It to Beaver.’ .”
After finishing his routine, Lotto drops the microphone and receives loud cheers from the audience.
The microphone is then passed to Jimmy, who stares at Lotto before launching into his disparaging verse, in which he describes Lotto as someone who is “paranoid” and needs “another steroid.”
Then Jimmy continues to target Lotto’s muscles: “Looks like you’ve been hit by a cyclone, the tank top screams ‘Lotto, I’m not right for you!'”
Jimmy is crowned the winner of the fight, but compared to how others fared against Eminem’s character – including his final opponent in the film, who famously chokes when confronted with Jimmy’s self-deprecating verses – Lotto’s rap stood out for its power and yet a clear presentation.
A full list of Mr. Breedlove’s survivors was not immediately available and relatives could not be reached for comment Wednesday evening.
According to music publication HipHopDX, Mr. Breedlove also appeared on the soundtrack of the 2001 comedy “The Wash,” starring Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre with.
On Monday, Mickey Factz, a rapper, said on Instagram that Mr. Breedlove would be remembered as “one of the few emcees who beat Eminem.”