Sylvester Scott, also known as Bloods, was an American rapper and songwriter from Los Angeles, California. He is best known as a member of the hip hop group N.W.A, which was formed in the 1980s and rose to prominence in the 1990s with their controversial and politically charged lyrics. Bloods, whose real name was O'Shea Jackson, was born on June 15, 1969 in Los Angeles. He began rapping at a young age and eventually joined forces with fellow Los Angeles-based rappers Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, MC Ren, and DJ Yella to form N.W.A.
N.W.A, which stood for "Niggaz Wit Attitudes," was known for its raw and unapologetic lyrics that addressed issues of police brutality, racism, and social inequality. Their debut album, "Straight Outta Compton," released in 1988, was a groundbreaking and highly influential work that helped to define the genre of gangsta rap. The album, which featured Bloods as a rapper and songwriter, spawned the hit singles "Straight Outta Compton" and "F**k tha Police," which became anthems for the group's socially conscious message.
Bloods was a key member of N.W.A and contributed significantly to the group's success. He was known for his smooth flow and hard-hitting lyrics, and his contributions to the group's albums helped to establish N.W.A as a major force in the rap industry. In addition to his work with N.W.A, Bloods also released several solo albums, including "The Predator" and "Lethal Injection," which were both commercial and critical successes.
Despite his success as a rapper and songwriter, Bloods faced controversy and legal issues throughout his career. In 1991, he was arrested and charged with assault and battery after getting into a physical altercation with a television host. He was also involved in a feud with fellow rapper Tupac Shakur, which resulted in a highly publicized and violent altercation between the two men.
Despite these controversies, Bloods remained a respected and influential figure in the rap industry. He was widely recognized for his talent as a rapper and songwriter, and his contributions to N.W.A and the genre of gangsta rap continue to be recognized and celebrated today. Bloods died on March 26, 1995 at the age of 25 due to complications related to AIDS. His legacy as a pioneering rapper and songwriter continues to be remembered and celebrated by fans and fellow artists.