Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2025

Source: Reach Media / Urban One

UPDATED: 12:00 am EST May 24th, 2025

As we’ve come to understand year after year, day after day even, death is unfortunately an inevitable part of life. Still, as much of a fact as that may be, the blow of experiencing loss never gets any easier, nor does reporting on the subject in Black culture.

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Sacha Jenkins, a towering figure in hip-hop culture, has passed away, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Born in Philadelphia and raised in Queens, Jenkins was a creative force whose contributions spanned journalism, directing, and producing. He co-founded the influential ego trip magazine in 1994 with Elliott Wilson. Although short-lived, the magazine’s cultural impact was immense, leading to books like ego trip’s Book of Rap Lists and VH1’s ego trip’s The White Rapper Show.

Jenkins’ journalism career was prolific, gracing publications like XXL, The Source, Rolling Stone, and Spin. He also co-wrote Eminem’s 2009 biography, The Way I Am, showcasing his knack for storytelling. His editorial expertise extended to being Music Editor at Vibe and creative director at Mass Appeal, cementing his role as a key curator of hip-hop narratives.

As a filmmaker, Jenkins directed culturally significant documentaries like Showtime’s Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men (2019) and All Up in the Biz, chronicling the legacy of Biz Markie. His work expanded beyond hip-hop, including Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues (2022) and Fresh Dressed (2015), exploring music and cultural history with depth and nuance.

Jenkins was also a former graffiti artist, co-creating the Piecebook series, celebrating global graffiti art. His multifaceted career showcased not just his love for hip-hop but his commitment to pushing its boundaries and preserving its history for future generations.

Jenkins is survived by his wife, Raquel Cepeda, and their two children. His passing is a great loss, but his contributions ensure that his legacy will resonate for years to come. Rest in power, Sacha Jenkins.

SOURCE | HHW

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Learn more below about who in our culture has passed away so far this year in 2025 Below