Introduction
In the world of drill rap, where raw emotion, youthful ambition, and street realities collide, few stories are as brief yet as impactful as that of Notti Osama. Born Ethan Reyes in Yonkers, New York, his rise seemed sudden, fueled by a talent for unfiltered lyricism and a presence that resonated with listeners far beyond his years. Yet before he could fully realize his potential, tragedy struck—his life was cut short at just 14 years old. Despite the brevity of his career, Notti Osama left a mark on the New York rap scene through tracks like Dead Opps, collaborations with his brother DD Osama and Sugarhill Ddot, and a legacy that continues to be discussed. This article explores his life—where he came from, what he achieved, the circumstances of his death—and how he is remembered today.
Early Life and Beginnings in Music
Ethan Reyes, who grew up in Yonkers before moving to Harlem, came from a large family as the youngest of six siblings. He was born January 17, 2008, and his formative years were shaped by street culture, family influences, and the emerging drill rap movement in New York. Wikipedia His older brother, known professionally as DD Osama, played a significant role in Ethan’s musical path. Together with friends from their neighborhood, they immersed themselves in rap, writing lyrics, recording, and performing—small steps that hinted at a larger potential. By 2022, Notti Osama’s name had begun to spread, particularly after his appearance alongside Sugarhill Ddot on the track Too Tact which introduced him to a wider audience. Wikipedia
Musical Style, Collaborations, and Key Releases
Though his time in music was short, Notti Osama’s style stood out for its youthful vigor and raw expression. His genre was drill, a sub-genre of rap characterized by stark, often violent imagery, fast hi-hats, menacing lyrics, and a gritty realism. The vocals and production echoed what many young artists in New York’s drill scene were doing, but Notti brought an authenticity: he spoke from experience, from youthful ambitions and street dynamics. He collaborated frequently with his brother DD Osama, featured on hits like Too Tact, and after his passing, several tracks were released posthumously—Dead Opps, What You Wanna Do, On Hots, among others. Wikipedia These releases have helped to preserve his voice in the rap world and to show what he might have become had his life not ended so early.
The Tragic End
On July 9, 2022, Ethan Reyes (Notti Osama) was fatally stabbed following a confrontation with a 15-year-old rival gang member. The altercation took place on the streets, and later escalated into the subway station near 137th Street/City College in Manhattan. Reports indicate that in the heat of the confrontation, Notti chased or pursued the other teenager, and in turn was stabbed in the abdomen. EMS transported him to Mount Sinai St. Luke’s, where he died. Wikipedia The case was complex—legal authorities ultimately categorized the attack as self-defense, and charges related to the case were dropped. Wikipedia His death was mourned across the hip-hop community and among fans, particularly because of how much promise he showed and how young he was.
Legacy and Influence
Despite having a short career, Notti Osama’s impact has persisted in multiple ways. His brother DD Osama continues to honor him through music, often dedicating songs, altering lyrics, and keeping Notti’s name alive in the drill rap narrative. Tracks released after Notti’s death have drawn listeners who want to understand his style, his lyrics, his voice. In a genre where authenticity is often tied to experience, Notti’s story resonates: a young voice speaking truth, ambition, hardship, and potential stifled by violence. Moreover, his rise and death also highlight broader issues affecting young people in urban settings: gang tensions, youth violence, challenges in community safety, and how music both reflects and sometimes amplifies those conditions. His fans often discuss how he might have evolved musically, what directions he could have explored, and how his influence might have grown had he lived longer.
Conclusion
The story of Notti Osama is one of both talent and tragedy, of youthful promise and premature loss. Though he was just fourteen years old when he passed, the music he created, the collaborations he engaged in, and the audience he touched ensure he is not forgotten. His legacy remains in the beats, the posthumous tracks, the conversations among fans and fellow artists, and in the sobering reminder that sometimes the brightest signals are those cut short too soon. In remembering Notti Osama, we celebrate not just what he accomplished, but what he represented: potential, voice, and the reality that in certain environments, creative promise comes with risk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What was Notti Osama’s real name?
His birth name was Ethan Reyes. Wikipedia
Q2: How old was Notti Osama when he died?
He was 14 years old. Wikipedia
Q3: What are some of Notti Osama’s most popular songs?
Some of his widely known tracks include Too Tact (with Sugarhill Ddot), Dead Opps (with DD Osama), What You Wanna Do, On Hots, among others. Wikipedia
Q4: What happened in the incident that led to his death?
He was involved in a confrontation with a 15-year-old rival. The situation escalated into a subway station where Notti was stabbed in the abdomen, transported to hospital, and pronounced dead. Authorities classified the incident as self-defense and charges were dropped. Wikipedia
Q5: How is Notti Osama remembered today?
Notti is remembered through his family (especially his brother DD Osama), posthumous releases of his music, his influence on fans, and the discussions his story continues to spark about youth, talent, violence, and the fragility of life in the drill rap scene. Wikipedia+1
