Known for battling Jimmy “B-Rabbit” Smith (played by Eminem) in the film’s final scene, the late actor/rapper reportedly died in his sleep on Sunday at his home in New Jersey, according to TMZ. His exact cause of death has yet to be disclosed. 

Loosely based on the life of rap icon Eminem, 8 Mile chronicles the struggles and triumphs of an aspiring white rapper from the 8 Mile Road area in Detroit. 

Breedlove’s mother, Patricia, shared a poignant Facebook post about her son.

“Nashawn was a rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor. No one could deny his talent. Nashawn’s departure from this world has left an immense void in my life, one that words cannot fully express. I can’t put into words the pain and hurt that I feel. He was not just my son; he was a remarkable man whose character and strength inspired all who crossed his path.”

Multiple rappers took to Instagram to pay tribute to the late rapper.

“RIP to one of the few emcee’s to beat Eminem … Lotto from 8 Mile,” rapper Mickey Factz posted on his Instagram. “Friends lovingly called him OX. You will be missed for your tenacity and aggressiveness.”

Rapper Daylyt added a comment under Mickey Factz’s photo regarding the epic battle.

“The first mc who was ever robbed of his win in a rap battle! Rip Lotto.”

 

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Before his role in 8 Mile, Breedlove was known in the rap community as OX and featured on a soundtrack for The Wash, a 2001 comedy starring Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.