Notti Osama, born Ethan Reyes, was a 14-year-old drill rapper from Yonkers, New York. He was the youngest of six children and was particularly close with his brother, DD Osama, another rising drill rapper. Notti Osama was known for his talent and aspirations in the music industry, focusing on drill rap, a genre known for its intense lyrics that often address rivalries and street life. Despite his young age, Notti Osama was gaining recognition in the drill rap scene, especially within his local community.
Unfortunately, his promising career was cut short due to a tragic incident that led to his untimely death in July 2022. His passing sent shockwaves through the rap community and left fans mourning the loss of a young artist with a bright future.
What Happened to Notti Osama?
On July 9, 2022, Notti Osama was involved in an altercation at a Manhattan subway station that resulted in his death. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. when Osama got into a fight with a 15-year-old rival, Kelvin Martinez, at the 137th Street/City College subway station. Reports suggest that the teenagers had an ongoing rivalry, likely related to their involvement in drill rap, which often features confrontational and aggressive lyrics targeting other rappers or groups.
According to authorities, Osama and two friends spotted Martinez, and a confrontation ensued. Osama reportedly grabbed a broomstick and, along with his friends, chased Martinez into the subway station. In the altercation that followed, Martinez used a knife to stab Osama in the abdomen. Despite being rushed to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital, Osama tragically succumbed to his injuries. The police found both a broomstick and a knife at the scene, and surveillance footage captured the incident, helping authorities identify Martinez as the suspect.
Who Was Charged in Notti Osama’s Death?
Initially, Kelvin Martinez, the 15-year-old involved in the altercation with Notti Osama, was charged with second-degree murder following the stabbing. However, after further investigation, the charges were downgraded to first-degree manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon. The change in charges was based on evidence, including video footage, which showed that Osama and his friends had cornered Martinez, prompting him to act in self-defense.
Martinez was treated for minor injuries at New York Presbyterian Hospital, and the case sparked intense public interest due to the ages of those involved and the tragic nature of the incident. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office ultimately concluded that Martinez had acted in self-defense, and in October 2022, the charges were dropped altogether.
Why Were the Charges Dropped?
In October 2022, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office announced that all charges against Kelvin Martinez had been dropped. After reviewing video surveillance and witness testimony, prosecutors determined that Martinez had acted in self-defense. According to reports, Osama and his friends had cornered Martinez, and he used the knife in response to being physically threatened.
The decision to drop the charges came after an extensive investigation into the circumstances of the fight. A spokesperson for the District Attorney’s office stated that given the evidence, including the fact that Osama was the aggressor, they could not deny that Martinez was defending himself. This decision was met with mixed reactions, with some expressing relief that justice was served and others lamenting the loss of a young life under such tragic circumstances.
How Did Notti Osama’s Family and Fans React?
The death of Notti Osama devastated his family, friends, and fans. His brother, DD Osama, paid tribute to him on social media, expressing his grief and sorrow over the loss. DD Osama revealed that he often wonders if he could have prevented the tragedy by staying with his brother that day. The close bond between the brothers was well known, and DD Osama’s heartfelt tribute resonated with fans.
In an interview, Osama’s cousin Kelvin Ventura spoke about how Notti Osama had become caught up in the violent side of drill rap, explaining that the genre often leads to real-life violence. Ventura believed that had Osama pursued a different style of music, he might have avoided such a tragic fate. Lily Ortega, another cousin, recalled Osama’s love for entertaining and performing, emphasizing that music had always been a part of his life.
In response to his death, fans organized a candlelight memorial in Manhattan to honor the young rapper’s memory. During the memorial, friends and supporters shared stories about Osama’s talent, charisma, and ambition. Fans also flooded social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter with tributes, sharing their grief and celebrating the potential that Osama had shown in his short life.
What Is Drill Rap and How Did It Impact Notti Osama’s Life?
Drill rap, the genre in which Notti Osama was emerging, is a subgenre of rap music that often involves aggressive lyrics and boasts about violence or rivalry. Originating in Chicago, drill rap has spread to other cities, including New York, where it has become a popular yet controversial form of expression among young artists. The competitive nature of drill rap, where dissing rivals is a common theme, has been linked to real-life violence, and many young rappers have found themselves caught in dangerous situations.
For Notti Osama, drill rap was more than just a genre—it was a reflection of the environment he grew up in. As a teenager from Yonkers, Osama used drill rap to express his experiences and frustrations. However, the confrontational aspect of the genre may have played a role in the altercation that led to his death.
How Did Fans Pay Tribute to Notti Osama?
In the wake of Notti Osama’s death, fans around the world expressed their grief and admiration for the young rapper. Social media platforms were filled with tributes, as fans shared messages of condolence and sadness over the loss of a rising star. Many fans described Osama as having a “million-dollar smile” and praised his work ethic, noting that he was dedicated to achieving his goals as an artist.
The candlelight vigil held in Manhattan was a moving tribute to Osama, where friends, family, and fans gathered to celebrate his life. Attendees remembered him not only as a talented artist but also as a loving family member and friend. The outpouring of love and support from his community underscored the impact he had on those around him, even at such a young age.
Conclusion: The Tragic Loss of a Rising Star
The death of Notti Osama was a heartbreaking incident that cut short the life of a young and talented rapper. As an aspiring drill rapper from Yonkers, New York, Osama was just beginning to make a name for himself in the music industry. His tragic death at the age of 14 shocked his community and left a lasting impact on his family, friends, and fans.
While the circumstances surrounding his death were complex, with self-defense ultimately being cited as the reason for the charges being dropped against his assailant, the loss of Notti Osama is a reminder of the dangers that can come with the lifestyle depicted in drill rap. Despite his short life, Notti Osama’s memory lives on through his music and the tributes from those who loved and admired him.
