Senate Resolution No. 3139

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of Fred The Godson, prominent
New York rapper and talented lyricist

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those musical geniuses whose commitment and creative talents
have contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of their
community and the entire State of New York; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved this day to memorialize the
inspired life and career of Fred The Godson, who died on Thursday, April
23, 2020, at the age of 35, due to complications related to the novel
coronavirus; and

WHEREAS, For more than a decade, Fred The Godson was a respected
figure in New York hip-hop, an understated master of wordplay with a
signature flow; and

WHEREAS, Born Frederick Thomas in the Bronx, New York, where hip-hop
began, this man of colossal talent emerged in the New York rap scene in
the 2000s as a potent freestyler, spilling reference-dense lines over
beats from other rappers' songs, a New York tradition; and

WHEREAS, Fred The Godson quickly released a pair of impressive
mixtapes, "Armageddon" in 2010, and "City of God," part of DJ Drama's
Gangsta Grillz series, in 2011; he gained notoriety that same year when
he appeared on the "XXL Freshman" cover alongside fellow artists Mac
Miller, Kendrick Lamar and Meek Mill; and

WHEREAS, Continuing to build on this success, Fred The Godson
remained a forceful presence on mixtapes, filling his rhymes with clever
punch lines and going on to work with such hip-hop heavyweights as Sean
"P. Diddy" Combs, Pusha T, Jadakiss, Cam'ron and many others; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the Bronx musician would often appear on
hip-hop radio in New York City, including Funk Master Flex's Hot 97
radio show; in 2017, he delivered a memorable freestyle, showcasing
himself as a high-finesse wordsmith and earning a position on Complex's
Top 20 Freestyles list; and

WHEREAS, Remaining prolific until his death, this year alone Fred
The Godson dropped two additional mixtapes, a solo project entitled
"Payback," as well as a collaborative release with Jay Pharoah, entitled
"Training Day"; and

WHEREAS, Fred The Godson is survived by his wife, LeeAnn Jemmott,
and their two daughters; and

WHEREAS, Fred The Godson's dedication to his music leaves an
indelible legacy of inspiration which will long endure the passage of
time and will remain as a comforting memory to his family, friends and
countless fans; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Fred The Godson, prominent New York rapper and
talented lyricist; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Fred The Godson.