In the Bay Area hip hop scene he was known for his song The Ville about his notorious neighborhood, the East Oakland’s 69 Ville housing projects. Later, he became the first West Coast rapper to be signed to Houston-based Rap-A-Lot Records. His lyrics were violent but rather intelligent and vivid depictions of gangsta lifestyle given in explicit detail. Miller released three albums in his lifetime: The hard-edged and violent The Dark Roads and the more typically laid-back west coast style Reality Check. 1997’s Souls On Ice was released after Miller’s murder in late 1996 and captures Miller in top form before his untimely death. The one incident that stood out most for many involved within the Bay Area hip hop scene occurred when he and Houston rapper Mike G bum rushed a show at SF’s DNA Lounge. They weren’t scheduled to appear, but Miller showed up with a DAT in his hand and made it clear that he wanted to do a five minute set. His request was granted as he and Mike G hit the stage to do what wound up being the best performance of the night. The circumstances surrounding Seagram’s death aren’t too clear. Apparently Seagram was in an area known as The Twomps, Oakland, California in the early hours of the morning when an unknown gunman emerged from the darkness and shot at Seagram’s partner Gangsta P. Seagram tried to shield Gangsta P and thus took the bullets that mortally wounded him. Gangsta P was taken to the hospital in serious condition. At Miller’s funeral, thousands showed up to pay their respects. |
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