It saddens us to announce the passing of X-Mob member Eric "Vicious" Johnson. He was a friend to all of us at 107 Jamz. To one of the rap pioneers of Louisiana, and one of the godfathers of 337 hip-hop, we bid you fairwell and offer our sincerest condolences and prayers to those who loved you most.

We will continue to cherish what you established and achieved as not only a member of X-Mob along with Bundy G and Slice Breezy, but also as a solo artist with memorable hits like "Meet Me at the Circle K" and "Ball Like Kobe"; and X-Mob favorites like "Mob or Die" and "To Da Ballers".

Sadly, the "Bottom of the Boot" rapper had received a 16-year sentence back in 2015 for his role in the 2012 death of an innocent bystander, Ray Ryan, outside of an apartment complex in Duscon, Louisiana. He was charged with inciting a riot, an "unusual charge" stated by the Advocate.

Vicious lost an appeal the following year in 2016. I spoke with him exclusively during an telephone interview shortly after his original sentencing where he detailed the charges he was given. He felt he was wrongfully accused and maintained his innocence until his passing on the evening of February 18, 2019, from what a source described as complications due to Stage 4 cancer. He was 51.

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