The Atlanta music community is expressing their condolences after unconfirmed reports say that Natina Reed, the spunky spitter of girl group Blaque, has passed away.
The 32-year-old female rapper was said to be involved in a hit-and-run accident late Friday night (Oct. 26) in Atlanta. Songwriter/producer Isaac Hayes III was one of the first to tweet the news, posting "R.I.P. Natina Reed of the Group Blaque. Killed by a Hit & Run last night. So sad."
Reed was a protegee of TLC's Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, whose tragic death was at the hands of a car accident in 2002. Left Eye championed the pop/R&B trio, known for their hits "808" and "Bring It All To Me," even signing them to her production company, Left Eye Productions. Natina is also remembered for her role in the 2000 cheerleader chick flick Bring It On alongside Gabrielle Union, who tweeted, "#RIP #Sad #BringItOn."
Reed has a 10-year-old son Tren Brown from her relationship with rapper Kurupt. No immediate statements have been released from the family or members of Blaque.
UPDATE
Natina Reed, former member of the singing group Blaque, has been killed.
Reed was involved in a hit-and-run early this morning in Atlanta. If alive, Reed would have celebrated her 33rd birthday on tomorrow, Sunday, October 28.
Blaque’s debut hit was “808.”
Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, from the group TLC signed Blaque to her production company, Left Eye Productions.
You may also remember Reed in the movie “Bring It On.” Natina Reed is the cousin of former Destiny’s Child member Farrah Franklin.
In 2001, Reed was engaged to rapper Kurupt. In 2002, she gave birth to their son Tren Brown after the group was dropped from their label. Reed and Kurupt are now separated.
In 2010, Reed was arrested for disorderly conduct and riding around with an open container of alcohol.
Natina Reed was arrested and charged for DUI several times in 2011.
Natina Reed mugshot in 2010
Natina Reed pictured above, far right in “Bring It On”
Natina Reed pictured to far left
Natina Reed pictured to far right
Tweets courtesy of Twitter/Necole Bitchie