Nashawn Breedlove, '8 Mile' actor, rapper, dead at 46

The actor most famous for his appearance alongside Eminem in ‘8 Mile’, died at age 46, his mother has announced.

Image: Patricia A Breedlove / Facebook

It is not clear how Breedlove died. TMZ reports that he “died in his sleep” at his home in New Jersey and that not even his loved ones are sure what happened yet.

In a moving tribute, his mom Patricia said that his death “has left an immense void in my life.” “He was not just my son; he was a remarkable man whose character and strength inspired all who crossed his path,” she wrote.

Image: still from '8 Mile' (2002), Universal Studios

Patricia added that “Nashawn's love and unwavering faith in God were pillars of his life,” and that no one could deny his talent as a rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor.

Image: Patricia A Breedlove / Facebook

Breedlove is most famous for a pivotal scene in the 2002 film ‘8 Mile.’ In the movie, he was a member of the Free World crew, which Eminem (aka Rabbit) faced in a rap battle.

Image: still from '8 Mile' (2002), Universal Studios

While in the film, Eminem technically won the rap battle, some of the fans say that Lotto, played by Breedlove, actually emerged superior with legendary lines and insults.

Image: still from '8 Mile' (2002), Universal Studios

“RIP to one of the few emcees to beat Eminem… Lotto from 8 Mile. Who’s friends lovingly called him, OX,” wrote rapper Mickey Factz in a post on Instagram. “You will be missed for your tenacity and aggressiveness.”

Image: Mickey.factz / Instagram

For a better idea, here are a few of the best lines from Breedlove’s rap:
"I'll spit a racial s l u r, h 0 nky, sue me!
This s * * * is a horror flick,
But the black guy doesn't die in this movie!"

Image: still from '8 Mile' (2002), Universal Studios

"*Eff 'Lotto,' call me your leader
I feel bad I gotta murder that dude from ‘Leave It To Beaver’
I used to like that show, now you got me to "fight back" mode
But oh well, if you gotta go, then you gotta go!"

Image: still from '8 Mile' (2002), Universal Studios

After some moments, Eminem begins his response:
"Ward, I think you were a little hard on the Beaver
So was Eddie Haskell, Wally, and Ms. Cleaver
This guy keeps screamin', he's paranoid!
Quick, someone get his a * * another steroid!"

Image: still from '8 Mile' (2002), Universal Studios

"Is that a tank top, or a new bra?
Look, Snoop Dogg just got an *effin' b0 0b job!"

Image: still from '8 Mile' (2002), Universal Studios

"Lookin' like a cyclone hit you,
Tank top screamin', 'Lotto, I don't fit you!'
You see how far those white jokes get you
Boy's like 'How Vanilla Ice gonna diss you?'"

Image: still from '8 Mile' (2002), Universal Studios

While nothing propelled him to such mainstream fame as the iconic ‘8 Mile’ battle, he did continue releasing music. In his 2017 track ‘Don’t Talk…’ many praised him for sounding like a cross between Busta Rhymes and DMX.

Image: still from '8 Mile' (2002), Universal Studios

Then in 2018, he released three tracks on Soundcloud under the name Nashawn “Ox” Breedlove on Soundcloud.

Image: Patricia A Breedlove / Facebook

Despite many fans asking for more music, nothing else was released from him in the past five years.

Image: still from '8 Mile' (2002), Universal Studios

Breedlove has at least one son who has been helping promote his dad’s music. Following in his father’s footsteps, he is a rapper too, going by the name Young Zaak.

Image: youngzaakofficial / TikTok

Breedlove isn't the only one from '8 Mile' who died at a young age. His co-star Brittany Murphy died in 2009 when she was just 32.