The Hip-Hop world is reeling after the sudden passing of Derrick “Aesop” McElroy, best known as Aesop of the Living Legends crew, who died unexpectedly over the weekend. Aesop, also known as Aesop the Black Wolf, was a founding member of the iconic West Coast underground collective that helped redefine independent hip-hop in the 1990s and beyond.
The devastating news was confirmed on Monday, August 18, when longtime collaborator and fellow Living Legend Sunspot Jonz shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. “What an amazing ride we had. I just can’t believe you’re gone. I am completely crushed—when I heard this morning I burst into tears cursing God because it just ain’t fair. Too soon to go. … Your charisma, smile, the talent, the love you brought to our hearts will never be forgotten. Love you forever my brother Derrick.”
Tributes from His Crew
Aesop’s passing has shaken his bandmates, many of whom have performed, lived, and created alongside him for nearly three decades. Eligh, another Living Legends founding member, reflected on their long friendship and creative bond, remembering their early days making music in Los Angeles:
“No one made me laugh till I cried more times in my life than you. We shared couches, we were young, broke, making music with a shared affinity for the supernatural. … Almost 30 years since we recorded ‘It Was a Mission’ in Grouch’s basement, in 1996. You said some of the most outlandish one-liners that will forever echo in the collective crew’s memory of you. I will miss you greatly my brother, but you are with your pops now. … I will honor your memory by living my life with a childlike vigor, which you always embodied. I love you man.”
These tributes highlight not just Aesop’s artistry, but also his humor, generosity, and loyalty. He was remembered as emotional, strong-willed, deeply loving, and always true to himself—a friend who brought both laughter and honesty to every room.
A Pioneer in Independent Hip-Hop
As one of the founding members of Living Legends, Aesop played a critical role in shaping the West Coast underground rap scene. Formed in Los Angeles in the mid-1990s, the group—which included Murs, Luckyiam, Eligh, The Grouch, Sunspot Jonz, Bicasso, and Scarub—embodied the do-it-yourself ethos of indie rap. Recording, distributing, and promoting their own music, the Legends built a massive grassroots following long before social media made independent music easier to share.
Together, they released groundbreaking projects such as Angelz Wit Dirty Faces (2000), Almost Famous (2001), and Creative Differences (2004). Each project was praised for its originality, lyrical depth, and collaborative spirit, cementing Living Legends as one of the most influential underground rap collectives of their era.
Aesop’s sharp wit, memorable presence, and distinctive lyrical style made him a cornerstone of the crew’s identity. His contributions, both on stage and off, helped define the group’s voice and inspired countless young artists who looked up to the Living Legends as proof that independent artistry could thrive outside of the mainstream industry.
A Lasting Legacy
Living Legends continued to tour and record over the years, maintaining a loyal fan base across the globe. Their 2023 release, The Return, was celebrated by longtime fans as proof that the crew’s creativity and brotherhood remained as strong as ever. Aesop’s passing now casts a shadow over what was to be an exciting new chapter, including The Grouch’s annual How The Grouch Stole Christmas Tour, which was set to feature Living Legends alongside groups like Souls of Mischief and CunninLynguists.
While Aesop’s cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, the grief felt across the Hip-Hop community speaks volumes about his impact. Fans and fellow artists alike have flooded social media with tributes, remembering not just his music but his humanity.
Remembering Derrick “Aesop” McElroy
For nearly three decades, Aesop stood as a symbol of independence, resilience, and authenticity in music. He was more than just a rapper—he was a brother, a friend, a pioneer, and a voice that resonated with listeners around the world.
The underground Hip-Hop community, and indeed the entire music world, has lost a true original. His music and memory will live on through the stories told by his crew, the laughter he shared with friends, and the songs that continue to inspire new generations.
