Blab Music
New Orleans Rap Icon Damon "Wacko" Grison Dies at 52
On Friday, August 28, 2026, the New Orleans rap community lost a cornerstone of its early‑2000s sound—Damon “Wacko” Grison, a founding member of the UTP collective. The 52‑year‑old died in Louisiana, and no cause of death has yet been disclosed.
Wacko first rose to prominence as part of UTP, a group that emerged after Juvenile departed Cash Money Records in 2001. The original lineup—Juvenile, Wacko, Skip, Corey Cee, Soulja Slim, and Young Buck—released The Compilation on Orpheus Records in October 2002, followed by the 2003 compilation Street Stories. That same year the collective inked a joint deal with Rap‑A‑Lot and Asylum and began work on their debut studio album.
The Beginning of the End, UTP’s first LP, dropped on May 18, 2004. Its lead single, “Nolia Clap,” climbed to No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the group’s sole top‑40 entry. A seven‑track EP of the same name later that year reached No. 65 on the R&B chart. Wacko and Skip also appeared on Juvenile’s 2006 release Reality Check, and the duo returned in 2007 with Back Like We Left Something, which peaked at No. 52 on the Billboard R&B chart.
Wacko’s lyrical reputation was built on sharp wordplay and a distinct cadence that injected vitality into every beat he touched. In an Instagram tribute, former No Limit rapper Mia X wrote: “Wacko was so talented… One of those gifted sons with word plays and a unique cadence that brought life to every beat he was on. He was sweet every time we spoke… You will truly be missed.” A fellow UTP member also posted a heartfelt message on social media, expressing disbelief at the loss and recalling Wacko’s spontaneous calls and camaraderie.
The death has sparked an outpouring of grief across the New Orleans rap scene. While no official statement has come from a record label or Grison’s family, the news has been reported by outlets such as AllHipHop, MSN, and HipHopHero. Those reports note that Wacko had been working on new music prior to his passing.
Circumstances surrounding Grison’s death remain unclear. No public records or statements from medical professionals have confirmed a cause, and the family has not released details. The investigation is ongoing.
Wacko’s legacy is inseparable from the early‑2000s Southern hip‑hop wave that put New Orleans on the national map. His contributions to UTP’s chart‑making single and subsequent releases helped define the city’s rap sound during that era, and the community’s response underscores the lasting impact of artists who shaped regional music cultures.
Industry observers continue to monitor the situation for updates. Fans and fellow artists await further information from Grison’s family and any official statements from the UTP collective or associated record labels. Until additional details emerge, the focus remains on honoring the memory of a rapper who left a distinct mark on New Orleans hip‑hop.
Wacko first rose to prominence as part of UTP, a group that emerged after Juvenile departed Cash Money Records in 2001. The original lineup—Juvenile, Wacko, Skip, Corey Cee, Soulja Slim, and Young Buck—released The Compilation on Orpheus Records in October 2002, followed by the 2003 compilation Street Stories. That same year the collective inked a joint deal with Rap‑A‑Lot and Asylum and began work on their debut studio album.
The Beginning of the End, UTP’s first LP, dropped on May 18, 2004. Its lead single, “Nolia Clap,” climbed to No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the group’s sole top‑40 entry. A seven‑track EP of the same name later that year reached No. 65 on the R&B chart. Wacko and Skip also appeared on Juvenile’s 2006 release Reality Check, and the duo returned in 2007 with Back Like We Left Something, which peaked at No. 52 on the Billboard R&B chart.
Wacko’s lyrical reputation was built on sharp wordplay and a distinct cadence that injected vitality into every beat he touched. In an Instagram tribute, former No Limit rapper Mia X wrote: “Wacko was so talented… One of those gifted sons with word plays and a unique cadence that brought life to every beat he was on. He was sweet every time we spoke… You will truly be missed.” A fellow UTP member also posted a heartfelt message on social media, expressing disbelief at the loss and recalling Wacko’s spontaneous calls and camaraderie.
The death has sparked an outpouring of grief across the New Orleans rap scene. While no official statement has come from a record label or Grison’s family, the news has been reported by outlets such as AllHipHop, MSN, and HipHopHero. Those reports note that Wacko had been working on new music prior to his passing.
Circumstances surrounding Grison’s death remain unclear. No public records or statements from medical professionals have confirmed a cause, and the family has not released details. The investigation is ongoing.
Wacko’s legacy is inseparable from the early‑2000s Southern hip‑hop wave that put New Orleans on the national map. His contributions to UTP’s chart‑making single and subsequent releases helped define the city’s rap sound during that era, and the community’s response underscores the lasting impact of artists who shaped regional music cultures.
Industry observers continue to monitor the situation for updates. Fans and fellow artists await further information from Grison’s family and any official statements from the UTP collective or associated record labels. Until additional details emerge, the focus remains on honoring the memory of a rapper who left a distinct mark on New Orleans hip‑hop.
