Yaki Kadafi

Yaki Kadafi was born as Yafeu Akiyele Fula on October 9, 1977, in Bronx, New York, USA, to parents Sekou Odinga and Yaasmyn Fula who were the members of Black Panther Party along with 2Pac’s mother Afeni Shakur. When Yaki was four, his father was arrested and charged with several counts of murder attempt. Kadafi, along with his seven siblings, was then raised by his mother Yaasmyn whose surname he later adopted. Kadafi and 2Pac shared a strong bond from childhood and grew up together, living in the same household most of the time.

In 1994, Yaki Kadafi, along with his mates Napoleon and 2Pac created the group Dramacydal and appeared on 2Pac's album named ‘Me Against The World’. After this, he, 2Pac and Hussein Fatal formed the rap group named ‘Outlawz’ and recorded the album ‘Still I Rise’ which was eventually released in 1999.

The American rapper made several guest appearances in his music career. He appeared in many albums including 'All Eyez on Me', 'The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory', 'R U Still Down', 'Suge Knight Represents: Chronic 2000', 'Until the End of Time', 'Tupac Resurrection' and Better Dayz, to name a few. Kadafi’s solo album named ‘Son Rize Vol.1’ was released in 2004, eight years after his untimely death.

On November 10, 1996, Yaki Kadafi was found dead in a stairwell of an apartment building in Orange, New Jersey, USA. He left behind a mother and two daughters. He had been accidentally shot once by fellow singer Napoleon's cousin who was later arrested and sentenced to 7-8 years in prison.

Kadafi’s death created a stir in the music industry and was covered in various printed publications and journals including Cathy Scott’s book titled ‘The Killing of Tupac Shakur’. ‘The Washington Times’ placed the late American singer in their catalogue of rappers gunned down.