Rapobit: Eric OG Woods

In another loss for the Houston rap scene, Eric Woods has suffered a fatal aneurysm.

Originally rapping under the name Prince Ezzy-E in the mid-80s, Woods was influential more than popular. An early signing to Rap-A-Lot Records, he formed The OG with DJ Boss for 1991's I Know How To Play ’Em. The national airplay was enough to establish Woods as a key figure in Houston's rap scene, although a step to a larger stage eluded him.

Boss quit to form another group in 2000 - he died from kidney failure in 2006 - but Woods continued alone, recording right up until his death. His position set his face against the more aggressive faux-gangster rappers:

"Watch how many gangsta rappers start coming out
Sticking out their chests like they're hard
Walking with a gangster limp
talking like you is a pimp"

Woods leaves behind a wife, Shelley, and five children. One of his kids, also an Eric, is following in his father's footsteps by carving a niche for himself as a rapper.