Alley Boy, the rapper and CEO of Duct Tape Entertainment whose real name was Curt Freeman, has died at the age of 42 following a prolonged battle with kidney failure. While an official cause of death has not yet been released, the artist had been candid about his health struggles, attributing his kidney failure to a long-term addiction to "lean," a recreational drug mixture containing prescription-strength cough syrup with codeine and an antihistamine.
Health Struggles and Kidney Failure
In previous interviews, Alley Boy detailed how his addiction to lean led to severe health complications. He stated, "I had been drinking lean for so long...to the point where I could say I was addicted to it. And this...f****d up my kidney...I got kidney failure from drinking codeine. I was allergic to codeine. I'm allergic to opiates. So it was like I was drinking poison the whole time and didn't know." He first noticed symptoms when his "feet...were itchy and swelling sometimes," as he recounted on the A Humble Soul YouTube channel.
For the past two years, the rapper had been undergoing dialysis three times a week and was on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. His openness about his health issues had drawn attention to the dangers of codeine misuse in the hip-hop community.
Career and Legacy
Alley Boy began rapping at the age of eight and rose to prominence in the Southern hip-hop scene. He collaborated with major artists including Future, Meek Mill, Gucci Mane, Yo Gotti, and Young Jeezy, helping to shape the genre's sound. As CEO of Duct Tape Entertainment, he also nurtured other talent.
News of his death prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow musicians. The mother of rapper Trouble, who was killed in a home invasion in 2022, posted on Instagram: "@alleyboy_don I never thought our last conversation would be our last conversation. RIP Nephew!" Another fan wrote: "Omg daaaang most definitely had some good memories with Alley Boy...Rest well friend." A third added: "Rest in peace to Alley Boy. Sending prayers to his loved ones during this difficult time." Others expressed shock and sadness, with one comment reading: "RIP Alley Boy. S**t crazy out here with this health s**t. We're leaving here way too early, smh."
Impact and Awareness
Alley Boy's death highlights the ongoing crisis of opioid misuse, particularly the dangers of lean, which has claimed many lives in the music industry. His candid discussions about his addiction and its consequences may serve as a cautionary tale for others. He is survived by his family and a legacy of music that influenced a generation of Southern hip-hop artists.
