RIP: Wacko of UTP Leaves “Nolia Clap” & New Orleans Rap History Legacy

Southern rapper Wacko has reportedly died after carrying New Orleans Hip-Hop from the Magnolia Projects to national audiences through UTP and “Nolia Clap.”

The city continues to mourne as tributes were posted on social media for the rapper born Damon Grison. His cause of death had not been publicly disclosed, but that has not rumors from running rampant. Come accounts had his age as 52, but AllHipHop was unable to verify it independently.

Wacko helped transform neighborhood pride into a booming national anthem. He rose to prominence as one third of UTP with Juvenile and Skip. The group found its greatest commercial success with “Nolia Clap,” a forceful hometown salute that brought New Orleans culture to radio and television audiences across the country.

Wacko shared writing credit on the 2004 single with Juvenile, Skip and producer Donald “XL” Robertson. The track climbed to No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became UTP’s only Top 40 appearance on the chart. 

“Nolia Clap” carried the Magnolia Projects nickname “Nolia” far beyond Louisiana. Its handclap rhythm and commanding performances made the record instantly recognizable. Wacko supplied an agile flow and cutting wordplay that helped define the track during a period when New Orleans performers were widening the city’s reach throughout mainstream Hip-Hop.

Former No Limit Records rapper Mia X honored Wacko with an emotional message on Instagram.

“Wacko was so talented,” she wrote. “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, he loved hard, even when he was going through things and trying to get his point across it was easy to understand that many of his emotions came from his passion and pain. You will truly be missed. You had been working on some very special and awesome music and your talent will never be forgotten. May peace cover your journey as the ancestors receive you. May God cover your family everyone who loved you in strength, love, and peace. Rest easy my brother.”

While the cause of death is not known, that did not stop the streets from specutating. Hot Boy Turk considered some theories online.

Juvenile formed UTP after leaving Cash Money Records in 2001. Young Buck, Soulja Slim and Corey Cee were among the collective’s early members before Juvenile, Wacko and Skip became its best known lineup.

UTP released “The Compilation” in 2002 and “The Beginning of the End…” in 2004. The “Nolia Clap” EP followed later that year before “Back Like We Left Something” arrived in 2007.

Rest In Peace, Wacko.