Introduction
Goonew, born Markelle Morrow, was a rising rap star known for his unique whispery flow and impact on the Maryland hip-hop scene. Though his career was tragically cut short when he was murdered in 2022 at just 24 years old, Goonew left behind a growing fanbase and promising musical legacy.
Hailing from Prince George’s County, Goonew first made waves with underground mixtapes in his late teens before breaking out with projects like The Art of Dying and his Homicide Boyz album. His evocative storytelling and laidback melodic delivery earned him local buzz and collaborations with fellow DMV rappers. Goonew amassed a devoted following across the DMV and beyond, especially through standout music videos and a popular Instagram presence.
While Goonew’s life ended far too soon, his whispery vocals and talent for crafting catchy hooks lives on through his recordings. He played a key role in the rise of Maryland hip-hop, and served as an inspiration for many young artists in his community. Though gone, Goonew won’t be forgotten, and his music will continue impacting rap fans for years to come.
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Goonew was born Markelle Morrow in District Heights, Prince George’s County, Maryland. He grew up in a rough neighborhood which exposed him to violence and crime from a young age. Music became an escape for Goonew, who found solace listening to rappers like Lil Wayne, T.I. and Young Jeezy. Their melodic flows and raw, emotional lyrics resonated with Goonew as he sought to process his own experiences.
Goonew started rapping and writing lyrics as a teenager. Unlike his peers opting for more aggressive rap styles, Goonew developed his own signature "whisper" flow – a soft, raspy vocal delivery that floated over beats. His unique style was molded by rappers like Lil Wayne along with the trials and trauma of life on the streets of Maryland. Goonew channeled the pain and realness of his upbringing into his music, which is what allowed his whisper rap to feel so authentic and connect with listeners.
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Goonew grew up in District Heights, Prince George’s County, Maryland, facing many of the challenges that come with an underprivileged upbringing. He found solace in music at a young age, looking up to melodic rappers like Lil Wayne as his key influences. Goonew started taking his first steps into rap in his teens, developing his signature whispery vocal delivery that would become his trademark style.
He began releasing underground mixtapes as a teenager that started to build some local buzz, though he was still far from mainstream fame. Tracks like "Ambitionz" and "Right Foot Creep" showcased his laidback flow and charismatic presence. While his music was raw and less polished in the beginning, the originality of Goonew’s whisper rap melodies already made him stand out from the crowded DMV scene.
Rise to Fame in the DMV Rap Scene
Goonew first started gaining attention in the DMV rap scene with the release of his mixtape The Goon Motif in 2016. The mixtape showed off his unique whispery flow and melodic style over bass-heavy beats. Tracks like "Drip Drip" and "Stain" stood out for showcasing Goonew’s talent for catchy hooks and choruses.
The mixtape earned Goonew co-signs from established DMV rappers like Fat Trel and Q Da Fool. His profile continued to grow through collaborations with local rappers putting out their own mixtapes. Goonew was featured on songs by Xanman, Rico Nasty, YungManny, and others.
In 2018, Goonew followed up with his debut album Homicide Boyz. The album included the single "Drip Different" and cemented Goonew as one of the DMV’s rising stars. More music videos went viral, including "Goonew" which now has over 2 million YouTube views. His Instagram following grew exponentially as his whisper flow style captivated rap fans.
Major labels took notice of Goonew’s rapid success. By 2019, he had signed a record deal with Interscope Records. With the backing of a major label, Goonew seemed poised to break out to a national audience. Tragically, his career was cut short just a year later. But during his brief run, Goonew made a huge impact on the burgeoning Maryland rap scene.
Tragic Death and Shooting
Goonew’s promising music career and young life were tragically cut short when he was shot and killed in March 2022 in his hometown of District Heights, Maryland. He was just 24 years old at the time of his death.
According to police reports, Goonew was outside an apartment complex when he was approached by unknown assailants and shot multiple times in the upper body. The homicide investigation is still ongoing, but police have indicated it was likely a targeted attack and not a random act of violence. No suspects have been apprehended yet in connection with Goonew’s murder.
The local community and hip-hop world at large were devastated by the news of the young rapper’s sudden passing. Makeshift memorials of balloons, candles, and liquor bottles popped up outside the scene of the shooting as fans paid their respects. Many of Goonew’s musical collaborators, including rappers Q Da Fool and Xanman, posted emotional tributes on social media, expressing disbelief that their friend was gone so soon.
Goonew’s death underscored the epidemic of gun violence that has taken too many young lives in the hip-hop community. But it also unified the DMV rap scene he helped put on the map, with many local artists vowing to honor Goonew’s memory through their music. Though his life was cut short, Goonew’s legacy and influence on his hometown will continue to live on.
Controversial Funeral and Nightclub Incident
The sudden death of Goonew shocked fans and the rap community. But an incident following his funeral sparked controversy across social media. Goonew’s family arranged for his body to be embalmed and displayed upright at a celebration of life event held at Bliss nightclub in Washington D.C. Videos circulated online showing Goonew’s corpse propped up on stage at the club, wearing sunglasses and jewelry while music played in the background.
Many fans found the unusual memorial service disrespectful, critiquing the perceived exploitation of the rapper’s death for publicity. Some felt the spectacle overshadowed sincere tributes to his life and music. Goonew’s mother defended the event, saying her son loved performing and would have wanted his life commemorated in this way. She emphasized that the nightclub was his favorite venue and felt it reflected his vibrant personality.
The incident fueled heated debates around funeral practices and memorial services in hip-hop culture. While unconventional public viewings are not unheard of, the use of a nightclub venue crossed a line for some. Others argued traditions should not be restricted, and Goonew’s family had the right to grieve as they chose. Either way, the event became a viral moment that brought Goonew’s name back into the spotlight after his passing. Though controversial, it demonstrated the resonance of his local celebrity and connection to DMV fans.
Musical Legacy and Impact
Goonew left behind a substantial musical legacy, particularly in the DMV rap scene. His unique vocal style and delivery set him apart from other rappers. Goonew’s signature "whisper flow" rapping created an intimate, conversational vibe overlaid on melodic trap beats. This innovative approach influenced many young rappers in Maryland and DC to experiment with more laidback, tuneful flows rather than traditional shout-rap styles.
Beyond his vocal technique, Goonew carved out a distinctive lane thematically as well. His lyrics authentically detailed the struggles and street life in Prince George’s County in a raw, unfiltered way. He gave the local community a voice and touched on experiences many could relate to. Goonew’s ability to storytell so candidly about his environment left a mark on DMV hip-hop’s evolution.
Though his career was cut short, Goonew made the most of the years he had. He released mixtapes and albums at a prolific clip, cultivating a devoted local fanbase in the process. Goonew’s work ethic and consistent output built his reputation as one of the DMV’s most promising talents. His early success was a testament to his resonant songwriting and how it represented the region.
Many young rappers coming up today in Maryland and Washington, D.C. point to Goonew as a pioneer and inspiration. His come-up story resonated in the local scene, proving that homegrown DMV rappers could gain fame far beyond street corners and clubs. Goonew’s lasting musical impact will be measured in those he influenced and the waves he made that shaped the trajectory of mid-Atlantic hip-hop. Though gone, his legacy lives on through his contemporaries and those carrying the torch forward into the future.
Posthumous Music
Despite his career being cut short, Goonew had recorded a significant amount of unreleased music before his passing. Many of these unfinished songs and verses have been compiled into posthumous releases by his team.
One notable posthumous single was "Steppas" featuring fellow DMV rapper Q Da Fool. The song was recorded shortly before Goonew’s death and released as a tribute. His signature wispy flow glides over the beat as he reflects on his come-up and success.
There are plans to drop even more of Goonew’s unheard music over the coming years. An entire posthumous album is in the works, though details are still scarce. This will surely please his dedicated fanbase eager to hear his final artistic statements.
Goonew’s musical legacy is also being carried on through collaborations with the next generation of DMV rappers he mentored. Artists like WillThaRapper, Lil Dude, and Black Fortune have recorded songs with unreleased Goonew verses to pay homage to their late friend and inspiration.
These new school artists add their own flavor while staying true to Goonew’s original style and sound. His whispery vocals live on through these proteges, ensuring his unique artistry continues to reverberate through Maryland.
Though his life was cut short, Goonew’s unreleased music and posthumous collaborations allow his iconic voice to echo on. His spirit and talents will continue impacting the DMV rap scene for years to come through these unfinished songs.
Conclusion
Goonew’s untimely death at just 24 years old was a tragic loss for Maryland hip-hop. Despite his career being cut short, Goonew managed to leave behind an influential musical legacy in a short span of time. His unique whispery flow and authentic storytelling resonated strongly with his local DMV community. For those who knew him and grew up listening to his music, Goonew gave a voice to their shared experiences growing up in Prince George’s County and the surrounding areas.
While the controversial nature of his public funeral sparked debate, there is no denying the outpouring of grief from fans and collaborators alike after his passing. Goonew helped put the Maryland and greater DMV hip-hop scene on the map, paving the way for many of the rappers who came after him. His music served as the definitive time capsule of life in Maryland at a certain place and time. Even with his career unfinished, Goonew cemented his place as a local legend in the DMV area.
Though his life was senselessly cut short by gun violence, Goonew’s legacy persists through his recorded music and lasting impact on the culture. His unique sound and style of melodic rap continues to inspire both established and up-and-coming artists. As long as his music lives on, so too will the memory of Goonew as an influential voice within Maryland hip-hop history. For fans old and new, his recordings stand as a testament to the power of authentic artistic expression.
Related Keywords
- Goonew music
- Goonew Instagram
- Maryland hip-hop scene
- DMV rappers
- Rapper Goonew death
- Markelle Morrow rapper
- Goonew funeral controversy
- Goonew albums
- Prince George’s County rapper shooting
- Goonew homicide investigation
- Goonew Big 64
- Homicide Boyz album
- Goonew viral nightclub incident
- DC rapper Goonew
- Goonew shooting death
- Bliss nightclub Goonew
- Goonew legacy
- Goonew whisper flow style
- Goonew tribute
- Goonew music videos