Audio clip
Walter Grier
Lee Lee envisioned a legitimate Chattanooga rap community much like those in larger cities, with collaborations, close-knit performers and big gigs.
The 33-year-old member of the rap duo Pinney Woods, known as Brikk in the group, may bring the community together yet, just not the way he imagined.
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Staff Photo by Tim Barber Friends and producer of rapper Robert "Lee Lee" Brown express their feelings about the early demise of the Chattanooga artist. From left, are Bobby Hudson, Walter Grier and Kevin Freeman.
“He saw the big pictures, not only about exposing himself, but in making a viable market for Chattanooga,” said Walter Grier, who produced Lee Lee’s early songs and also some of his later ones. “He was putting us on the map.”
It’s a story line that seems familiar, Lee Lee’s friends say: A star on the brink of big time, his potential cut short by violence.
Lee Lee, whose real name was Robert Henry Brown VI, was shot to death Saturday night in a residence near Highway 58 after having been bound with duct tape, the victim of an apparent home invasion and robbery. Police found him face down in a house plant. He was Chattanooga’s seventh homicide victim of the year.
Another man, 44-year-old Josquin Jackson, of Richmond, Calif., also was shot and taken to Erlanger hospital and was listed in critical condition as of Tuesday. Mr. Jackson owned the label Black Ice Records, which had signed Pinney Woods to a contract, friends said.
Article: Chattanooga: Rapper killed in weekend home invasion
HOMICIDES IN 2009
* Jan. 16 — Franklin Bonner, 68
* Feb. 6 — Cornelius Williams, 31
* Feb. 12 — Allen Verdule, 35
* Feb. 21 — Eric Stiles, 25
* Feb. 27 — Jonah Garner, 22
* March 24 — Andre Minor, 27
* Saturday — Robert Henry Brown IV, 33
Police arrested Dexter Talley, 28, in connection with the shooting, which took place at 3929 Webb Oaks Court. The home at that address is owned by Solail Aslam, according to the Hamilton County Register of Deeds. A number listed for Mr. Aslam was disconnected Wednesday.
Police have not yet established Mr. Aslam’s connection to Mr. Brown, who was in town with Mr. Jackson to promote Pinney Woods, friends said. Mr. Talley knew Mr. Brown, friends said.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and they are looking into additional suspects.
Friends and local rappers are expected to attend a tribute and fundraiser for the rapper on Sunday night at Club Millennium. Proceeds from CD sales and admission will go to his children, organizers say.
The support in the local community is a far cry from the violence and vengeance some people think about when they hear the word “rap,” said local rapper Michael “Mad Dreams” Isbell.
“Everybody’s getting together, showing love, everybody’s connecting,” he said.
Friends hope Mr. Brown’s death will bring together different factions of the local rap community.
“I think it’ll make us stronger,” said friend Kevin Freeman. “It makes us better. It prepares us for different adversities we’ll face.”
Mr. Brown and his rap partner, Travis Moore, known as Mobb, have appeared on stage with nationally known groups including OutKast, 8Ball & MJG and New Beginnings, which featured fellow Chattanooga native Usher Raymond.
“They were just on the verge of blowing up,” Mr. Grier said. “It’s just a shame that this had to happen because he was a real good guy that really went the extra effort.”
Mr. Brown sometimes was homeless as a child, friends said, but worked through his struggles and chronicled them in his songs.
“At this time, he was really having no problems,” said best friend Roy Robinson, known to friends as “Boodie.” “He was just trying to get his dreams out there.”
Before he was Lee Lee, friends knew him as Weezy. When he formed Pinney Woods, he became Brikk. But many also knew him for his dedication to the rap scene in Chattanooga.
About a decade ago, several local rappers formed the Blocklife record label, which disbanded when members parted ways. When Mr. Brown moved to California as part of Pinney Woods to record music, he didn’t forget his friends from Chattanooga. He constantly encouraged and inspired them, when he could have let success go to his head instead, said longtime friend Deangelo Burse, a member of Blocklife.
“Most street guys that you see on TV, you see them and they’re all ‘Rah rah’ and in your face and take what you got,” Mr. Burse said. “That wasn’t (Lee Lee) at all. He was calm; he was laid back; he was cool. He had a sense of morality about him.”
Hello: I'm the father of Robert H. Brown IV who was recently slain in a home invasion here in Chattanooga. I was reading your article today on my son and I noticed some discrepancies: First of all, my son has never been homeless. He lived with his mother and myself as a baby and toddler, and after I divorced his mother in 1976, he continued to live with his mother. When he was about 14 years old, he went to live with an aunt because of problems with his mother and he resided with his aunt until he was 18 and decided to strike out on his own. My son and I have always had a close relationship; in fact, he always visited myself and his stepmother when he was in town. Also, besides Black Ice Records, my wife and I are the only ones he felt comfortable in coming to for assistance when he needed it. Just the fact that he is called the VI when he is, in fact, Robert IV shows that some of these friends don't know what they are talking about. Also, he was nicknamed Lee Lee when he was a baby. I surmise that no one told the media that Robert has a father and stepmother right here in Chattanooga. If you want the facts, you need to talk to me. Thank you!
My thoughts & sorrow go out to Robert's family, friends & the town of Chattanooga. Travis, a man of strength & courage with the heart of an angel....you will prevail. This poem is for you.
"Taken Way Too Soon" There are no words to comfort you in your time of need, his life was taken from him by someone filled with hate and greed. You search for answers that weigh heavy on your mind, how could this have happened? If only we could turn back time. Don't let the guilt consume you by asking "why" or "why not me?" For it's time to show the world "What's meant to be, will be". You didn't get to say goodbye, it never crossed your mind, perhaps it left you feeling angry & feeling left behind. Your work here isn't done, there still more for you to do. The journey you and & "BRIKK" began is now left up to you. You started off a "duo", don't think your standing there by yourself, "BRIKK" is there beside you with every step you take. Don't let him be forgotten, don't let him go in vein, let his memory live through your music..."Pinney Woods" is your name.
In loving memory of our friend & brother. "Robert Henry Brown IV"
THIS WHOLE SITUATION WAS SO AWFUL, THIS MAN PUT CHATTANOOGA ON THE MAP AND THEN I NOTICED HOW MR TALLY WAS NOTED IN ALOT OF THE ARTICLES IN THE PAPER AS " MR BROWNS FRIEND" HOW COULD A REAL, TRUE, 100 FRIEND DO THIS TO THIS MAN, NO HE WASNT A FRIEND AT ALL, IF THATS FRIENDSHIP THEN I AM CERTAINLY GONNA BE CAREFUL HOW I CHOOSE MY FRIENDS FROM HERE ON OUT, THIS MAN HAD IT GOING AND WAS ABOUT TO MAKE IT BIG AND BE SOMEONE, HE COULD HAVE SHOWED YOUNG PEOPLE THAT ARE OUT HERE COMMITTING CRIMES AND ROBBERIES THAT THEY TO CAN MAKE SOMETHING OF THERE SELFS, THIS IS SO SAD THAT HIS LIFE HAD TO BE TAKEN IN THIS WAY AND MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS WHOLE FAMILY, MOSTLY HIS CHILDREN, I PRAY THAT JUSTICE IS DONE IN THIS WHOLE CASE, AND IF CHATTANOOGA WILL PULL TOGETHER THEN THIS COULD MAKE A BIG CHANGE IN THIS TOWN
I find it hard to digest what was written by Mr. Brown in his post. It seems that he is more concerned with saving face than about the passing of his son. Every person in this world has a different relationship with various people. Lee Lee HAD many friends. Friends who knew him well and friends that listened to what he had to say. Also friends who shared his love for his music - what he loved. You did not appreciate it. We all know this. If he said that he was this or that, than that is what "we" his friends believe. He had a relationship with you but many times he also acknowledged that you were not there for him. He also said that at 15 he did not have a place to stay (or go)for a short while. Dosn't that make you homeless? And you said he lived with his aunt, why was this? You are his father. No other man (or woman)should be raising your child. Most people become closer to girlfriends and friends than parents. I believe you should think about that sir. I knew him and I also know his friends, girlfriend, and children. If you knew him like you say you do then you would not have put this on the internet to prove that you are the father. I do not want to bash you like you have done many others that were part of his life but I would like to encourge you to let go of the selfishness that you are holding on to. Let us remember him in love and let all of the evil deeds that has come about in the mist of his passing pass. Please remember that his legacy does live on through his children ALL OF THEM! Since you are a christian I PRAY that you have a relationship with them and honor all those he loved.
Peace and Blessings to you.
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