Atlanta rapper and Duct Tape Entertainment co-CEO Alley Boy has passed away following a long battle with kidney failure. The news has sparked an outpouring of tributes across the hip-hop community from artists including Ralo, Rocko, DJ Scream, and Big Bank.
Born Curtis Freeman on March 3, 1981, the East Atlanta native was a respected heavy hitter in the Zone 6 rap scene. Known for acclaimed mixtapes like The Gift of Discernment and major collaborations with artists including Master P, Alley Boy began rapping at just eight or nine years old. His career included working with a wide range of artists, including Meek Mill, Future, and Gucci Mane.
In recent years, Alley Boy had been open about his health struggles. He detailed how codeine addiction and high blood pressure caused his kidneys to fail, requiring him to undergo dialysis. He also spoke about his decision to relocate to Denver to grow cannabis as part of his health journey, and his battle with kidney failure was a topic he addressed in interviews and podcasts.
As co-CEO of Duct Tape Entertainment alongside his brother Big Bank Black, Alley Boy helped build one of Atlanta’s most influential independent movements. The Zone 6 collective became a defining force in the city’s rap scene, with Alley Boy at the helm of the label’s creative direction.
Tributes have flooded social media from artists who respected Alley Boy’s contributions to Atlanta’s rap culture. His influence on the city’s sound and his candidness about his health struggles left a lasting impact on the community.
