Dashawn Maurice Robertson, known by his stage name Lil Loaded, was born in San Bernardino, California, but his life’s journey led him to Dallas, Texas. His recollections of growing up in Dallas paint a vivid picture of the challenges he faced. He once described it as a place where you “grow up a little bit faster” due to the myriad experiences and exposures within the city.
Lil Loaded was the product of a bustling household, growing up with five siblings. His family included an older brother, two older sisters, a younger sister, and a younger brother. Raised by a single mother while his father was serving time in prison, Lil Loaded’s early life was marked by adversity.
Tragedy struck the Robertson family when Lil Loaded was just 15 years old. His older brother, who was 23 at the time, fell victim to a senseless act of violence. This loss left a profound impact on Lil Loaded, shaping his life and ultimately influencing his music.
Affiliated with the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, Lil Loaded was no stranger to the challenges of urban life. His experiences growing up in Dallas would serve as a well of inspiration for his music career.
Lil Loaded embarked on his journey as a rapper in late 2018. His debut track, “B.O.S.,” was a creative interpretation of YNW Melly’s “Butter Pecan.” With this first step into the world of rap, Lil Loaded’s distinctive style began to emerge, catching the attention of music enthusiasts.
However, it was in 2019 that he would make his mark on the rap scene. YouTuber Tommy Craze featured Lil Loaded’s track, “6locc 6a6y,” in a reaction video that watched YouTube music videos with no views. This exposure sent Lil Loaded’s music into the spotlight, and “6locc 6a6y” rapidly gained popularity. By May 2021, the song had received a gold certification, amassing over 28 million views on YouTube.
With newfound recognition, Lil Loaded continued to release chart-topping tracks. One of his most notable songs, “Gang Unit,” garnered more than 59 million YouTube views by May 2022. His lyrical style, heavily influenced by his personal experiences, resonated with an expanding fan base, solidifying his place as a rising star in the rap industry.
As he made strides in his career, Lil Loaded inked a deal with Epic Records, providing him with a platform to reach an even wider audience. He released mixtapes like “6locc 6a6y,” “A Demon in 6lue,” and “Criptape,” cementing his status as an emerging rap sensation.
Unfortunately, Lil Loaded’s journey was marked by a tragic incident. On October 25, 2020, he was allegedly involved in the shooting death of his friend, 18-year-old Khalil Walker, during the recording of a music video. This incident sent shockwaves through the rap community, and Lil Loaded turned himself in to the police on November 9, 2020, following the issuance of a warrant for his arrest. He was subsequently indicted on a lesser charge of manslaughter in connection with the incident in February 2021. Lil Loaded maintained that the shooting was a tragic accident.
Lil Loaded’s life took a darker and more tragic turn. On May 31, 2021, the world lost this rising star to an unthinkable tragedy. At the tender age of 20, Lil Loaded was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. His mother made the heartbreaking discovery and, in her anguish, called the police.
The circumstances surrounding Lil Loaded’s death revealed a deep personal struggle. His mother disclosed that he had been grappling with the emotional pain of a recent breakup with his girlfriend, a burden that took an immense toll on his mental and emotional well-being.
Lil Loaded’s untimely passing sent shockwaves through the music industry, serving as a stark reminder of the hidden battles that many artists face behind the scenes. While he may be gone, his music and story will continue to inspire and shed light on the issues that artists, particularly young talents, silently grapple with on their path to stardom.
Lil Loaded’s journey was marked by both success and adversity, and his legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address the mental health challenges faced by young artists in the limelight. Though he is no longer with us, his music and the story of his life will live on, inspiring future generations and prompting discussions about the unseen struggles that talented individuals may endure