Trick Daddy is a famous rapper from Miami, Florida, who is best known for his hit songs like “Let’s Go”, “I’m a Thug”, and “Nann N***a”. He is also one of the stars of the reality show Love & Hip Hop: Miami, where he showcases his personal and professional life. But behind his success and fame, there is a tragic story of loss and violence that shaped his life and career. This is the story of his brother Derek “Hollywood” Harris, who was brutally murdered in 1994.
Who was Hollywood?
Derek Hollywood was Trick Daddy’s half-brother, who shared the same father, Charles Young, a local pimp. Hollywood and Trick grew up in the Liberty Square apartment complex in Liberty City, also known as “Pork-N-Beans”, one of the most notorious and dangerous neighborhoods in Miami.
Hollywood was a charismatic and talented young man, who had a passion for music and rap. He was also a ladies’ man, who dated several women, including Trick’s lifelong friend and collaborator, female rapper Trina.
Hollywood was part of a rap group called Boyz Wit da Base, along with Trick and other friends. They performed at local clubs and parties, and dreamed of making it big in the music industry. Hollywood was also involved in the drug trade, as he and Trick sold crack cocaine on the streets to make ends meet.
Trick Daddy Brother Derek Hollywood
| Name | Trick Daddy |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Maurice Samuel Young |
| Born | September 27, 1974 |
| Origin | Liberty City, Miami, Florida, U.S. |
| Step-brother | Derek Hollywood (died) |
| Genres | Gangsta rap, southern hip hop |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper, songwriter |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Labels | Slip-n-Slide, Warlock, Dunk Ryder, Atlantic |
| Website | trickdaddydollar.com |
| Notable songs | “Let’s Go” (featuring Twista and Lil Jon), “I’m a Thug”, “Shut Up” (featuring Trina and Deuce Poppito), “Thug Holiday” (featuring LaTocha Scott) |
How did Derek die?
On the night of June 22, 1994, Derek Hollywood sat in the front seat of a parked Buick on NW 25th Avenue and 152nd Street with his friend Walter Betterson. Some time after midnight, a gunman wielding an AR-15 assault rifle emptied a clip through the windshield, killing both men. Hollywood was 23 years old at the time.
According to the Sun-Sentinel, it was likely Dade County’s “bloodiest night of the year” as five other young people were also murdered that night. All six were shot, between midnight and 2 a.m.
The motive for the shooting was never clear, but some speculated that it was related to a drug deal gone wrong, a gang rivalry, or a personal vendetta. The killer was never identified or caught, and the case remains unsolved to this day.
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How did it affect Trick Daddy?
Trick Daddy was devastated by the death of his brother Derek Hollywood, who was not only his family, but also his mentor, partner, and friend. He was in jail at the time, serving a sentence for drug and firearm possession. He was temporarily released to attend the funeral, before being returned as an inmate.
Trick Daddy later said that his brother’s murder changed his life and perspective, and made him more focused and determined to pursue his rap career and honor his brother’s legacy. He also said that he felt a responsibility to take care of his brother’s children and family, and to give back to his community.
Four years after Hollywood’s death, Trick Daddy asked Trina to sing on his single Nann N***a, which turned out to be a huge success. Trick Daddy went on to release eight albums, including Thug Matrimony: Married to the Streets, which featured a tribute song to his brother called “Ain’t No Santa”.
Trick Daddy also became an advocate for peace and justice, and spoke out against gun violence and police brutality. He participated in several campaigns and events to raise awareness and funds for these causes, such as the Stop the Violence Movement, the Million Man March, and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Trick Daddy’s brother Derek Hollywood Harris was a promising rapper and a beloved brother, who was tragically killed in a senseless shooting in 1994. His death left a deep impact on Trick Daddy, who dedicated his life and career to honoring his memory and making a positive difference in the world. Hollywood’s story is a reminder of the harsh realities and challenges that many young people face in the inner cities, and the need for more opportunities, resources, and support for them to achieve their dreams and potential.
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