Freestyle Fellowship Co-Founder P.E.A.C.E. Dies, Leaving Legacy in Underground Hip-Hop

Mtulazaji “P.E.A.C.E.” Davis, a founding member of the seminal Los Angeles hip-hop group Freestyle Fellowship, has died. The group announced his passing on its official social media channels. A cause of death was not immediately provided.

The news has sent waves of grief through the music community. Freestyle Fellowship was a cornerstone of the 1990s underground rap scene.

Pioneering West Coast Alternative Rap Sound

Freestyle Fellowship helped define the West Coast’s take on complex, jazz-influenced hip-hop. They were known for their frantic, back-and-forth freestyling. According to Rolling Stone, their style served as a California counterpart to New York’s Native Tongues collective.

The quartet, founded by P.E.A.C.E., Aceyalone, Myka 9, and Self Jupiter, pushed lyrical boundaries. P.E.A.C.E. was recognized for his sharp enunciation and rapid-fire delivery. His contributions were often subtle but vital to the group’s dense sound.

A Lasting Impact on Hip-Hop Culture

The group’s influence extends far beyond their record sales. They were regulars at the legendary Good Life Café open mic nights in South Central Los Angeles. This venue was a crucial incubator for the city’s alternative rap movement.

Their debut album, 1991’s “To Whom It May Concern…,” established them as a conscientious force in hip-hop. They offered an alternative to the gangster rap dominating airwaves at the time. A 30th-anniversary reissue of the album later earned a Grammy nomination for Best Historical Album in 2023.

Their legacy is cemented in the artists they inspired. The Fellowship’s commitment to artistic purity and lyrical craftsmanship continues to resonate with new generations of musicians.

The underground hip-hop world mourns the loss of P.E.A.C.E., a true architect of the West Coast’s alternative sound. His work with Freestyle Fellowship remains a touchstone for artistic integrity and innovation. His voice will be profoundly missed.

Thought you’d like to know-

What was P.E.A.C.E.’s real name?

He was born Mtulazaji Davis. He performed under the stage name P.E.A.C.E.

What was Freestyle Fellowship’s most acclaimed album?

Their 1991 debut, “To Whom It May Concern…,” is widely considered a classic. A reissue of the album was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2023.

Where did Freestyle Fellowship get their start?

The group formed in Los Angeles. They were central figures in the Good Life Café open mic scene that nurtured the city’s underground hip-hop community.

How did P.E.A.C.E. die?

A cause of death has not been publicly released. The announcement from his group did not provide those details.

Are the other Freestyle Fellowship members still active?

Yes, fellow co-founders Aceyalone, Myka 9, and Self Jupiter remain active in music. The group had reunited for performances and recordings in past years.

Trusted Sources

Rolling Stone, Associated Press, Grammy Awards.