Mac Dre, born Andre Louis Hicks on July 5, 1970, was a renowned rapper and influential figure in West Coast hip-hop. He grew up in the Country Club Crest neighborhood of California and attended Hogan High School.
Initially, Mac Dre started his career under the stage name “MC Dre,” but later changed it to “Mac Dre” in 1984, believing “MC Dre” sounded too much like an East Coast rapper.
His career gained momentum in the late 1980s when he signed with Strictly Business Records. His first EP, Young Black Brotha, was released in 1989 and marked the beginning of his rise in the hip-hop scene.
Mac Dre’s career took a significant turn in 1992 when he was sentenced to five years in prison for conspiracy to commit robbery.
He was released after serving four years due to good behavior, and upon his release, he founded his own record label, Rop Records. He continued to release albums, eventually producing 11 albums throughout his career.
Mac Dre became known for his distinct West Coast sound and his contributions to the development of the “hyphy” movement, a subgenre of hip-hop originating from the Bay Area, which emphasized a high-energy, party-driven vibe.
On October 31, 2004, at the age of 34, Mac Dre was tragically murdered in Kansas City. He had just finished performing at a show when his van was shot at by individuals in another vehicle.
The shooting resulted in Mac Dre being fatally wounded, and by the time help arrived, he had already passed away.
The murder remains unsolved to this day, despite suspicion that a local rapper, Anthony “Fat Tone” Watkins, may have been involved.
However, no conclusive evidence was ever found against him, and Fat Tone himself was killed a year later under mysterious circumstances.
As of now, Mac Dre’s murder remains an open case, with the exact motives and individuals responsible still unclear.
Mac Dre’s legacy, however, continues to resonate within hip-hop. He is remembered not only for his music but also for his entrepreneurial spirit and influence on West Coast rap.
Despite his untimely death, Mac Dre’s impact on the culture and sound of Bay Area hip-hop is undeniable. He is often celebrated for his creativity, resilience, and contributions to the genre, ensuring his place as an iconic figure in the history of hip-hop music.
