Who Was Notti Osama?
Ethan Reyes, known in the music world as Notti Osama, was a budding talent from Yonkers, New York. At just 14 years old, he had already made a name for himself in the highly competitive drill rap scene. As the youngest of six children, Notti Osama’s life was filled with familial support and the complexities of navigating adolescence under the spotlight of a rising music career. Despite his youth, his ambitions were as vast as his talent, promising a flourishing career that tragically ended too soon.
Notti Osama’s music genre, drill rap, is known for its gritty and raw lyrics, often reflecting the harsh realities of urban life. Just before his untimely death, he had released a single titled “Without You,” which showcased his deep, melodic flow and lyrical maturity beyond his years. This track, in collaboration with one of his brothers, marked an important milestone in his short-lived career, highlighting his potential to rise as a significant voice in the drill music scene.

The public and his family knew Notti Osama as a vibrant, happy, and loving child. His brother, DD Osama, took to social media to post a heartfelt tribute that shed light on their close-knit bond and the shared dreams they had in the music industry. Similarly, his cousin Lily Ortega remembered him as a source of joy and love, reflecting the profound impact he had on his family and friends. Following his death, the drill music community came together to honor his memory, and his family initiated a fundraising campaign to manage the unforeseen funeral expenses, showcasing the community’s support during this difficult time.
Aspect | Description |
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Personal Background | Ethan Reyes, known as Notti Osama, was a 14-year-old drill rapper from Yonkers, New York. He was the youngest of six children and was supported by his family. |
Music Career | Notti Osama was known for his deep, melodic flow and lyrical maturity. He had recently released a single titled “Without You” in collaboration with one of his brothers. |
Personality and Relationships | Described as vibrant, happy, and loving by his family and friends. His brother, DD Osama, and cousin, Lily Ortega, publicly expressed their close bonds and shared dreams. |
Community Response | Following his death, the drill music community honored his memory, and his family initiated a fundraising campaign to manage funeral expenses. |
The Incident
The tragic incident that claimed Notti Osama’s life occurred in July, in the bustling environment of the 137th Street/City College subway station in New York. It was here, amidst the everyday rush of city commuters, that a fatal confrontation unfolded, leaving the young artist’s family, friends, and fans in profound grief.
The altercation involved Notti Osama and a 15-year-old rival rapper, another young talent entangled in the competitive tensions that often accompany the drill music scene. This tragic encounter not only highlights the personal conflicts between the two but also the broader implications of rivalry in the music genre they both participated in.

Drill music, characterized by its explicit content and portrayal of real-life conflicts, often includes public insults and challenges among artists. These aspects of the genre have been criticized for potentially inciting violence among its younger adherents. In the case of Notti Osama, the speculated motive behind the deadly altercation was rooted in such musical rivalry. This brings to light significant questions about the influence of lyrical content on the behavior of young individuals and the responsibility of the music industry to guide and protect its emerging talents.
This incident not only ended a promising young life but also sparked a conversation about the impact of drill music on youth behavior, the responsibilities of artists and producers in shaping young minds, and the measures that could be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Aspect | Description |
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Incident Location and Time | The confrontation occurred in July at the 137th Street/City College subway station in New York, during the busy commuter hours. |
Parties Involved | The altercation involved Notti Osama and a 15-year-old rival rapper, both young talents in the drill music scene. |
Genre Characteristics | Drill music, known for explicit content and portrayal of real-life conflicts, often includes public insults and challenges among artists. |
Motive and Implications | The speculated motive behind the altercation was musical rivalry. The incident raises significant concerns about the influence of lyrical content on youth behavior. |
Broader Discussion | The incident sparked discussions about the impact of drill music on youth behavior, artist and producer responsibilities, and preventive measures for future tragedies. |
Legal Proceedings
The tragic stabbing of Notti Osama led to the immediate arrest of his 15-year-old rival, marking a sorrowful pivot from music to the justice system for two young lives. Initially, the authorities charged the young suspect with second-degree murder, highlighting the serious nature of the allegations against him. However, as more details emerged from the investigation, the charges were revised to first-degree manslaughter. This change indicates a shift in the prosecution’s view of the incident, suggesting that the fatal encounter may not have been wholly intentional but rather a tragic outcome of a heated moment.

The core of the prosecution’s case centered around the detailed circumstances leading up to Notti Osama’s death. According to the findings, the incident escalated when Notti Osama and his friends allegedly cornered the accused, creating a situation where the accused felt threatened and trapped. In what has been described by defense lawyers as a desperate bid to escape, the accused reportedly used a knife, resulting in Notti Osama’s fatal injuries. This narrative of self-defense, while contested, played a crucial role in the reduction of charges from murder to manslaughter, underscoring the complexities of juvenile crime and defense.
In addition to manslaughter, the accused was also charged with criminal possession of a weapon. This charge brought additional legal scrutiny, emphasizing the serious consequences of carrying a weapon, especially by minors, in a densely populated setting like a subway station.
Due to the age of the accused, his identity has been withheld from public disclosure. This is consistent with legal protections afforded to minors, especially in cases involving serious crimes, to prevent further harm to their future prospects and rehabilitation. The confidentiality surrounding the case adds a layer of complexity, balancing public interest with the rights of a juvenile facing serious allegations.
Aspect | Description |
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Initial Charges | The 15-year-old rival was initially charged with second-degree murder due to the serious nature of the allegations. |
Charge Revision | Charges were later revised to first-degree manslaughter, suggesting the incident may not have been wholly intentional but a tragic outcome of a heated moment. |
Prosecution’s Case | The case centered on the circumstances leading up to the stabbing, including a narrative where Notti Osama and his friends allegedly cornered the accused, leading to a self-defense claim. |
Additional Charges | The accused was also charged with criminal possession of a weapon, emphasizing the consequences of minors carrying weapons in public spaces. |
Legal Protections for Minors | The identity of the accused has been withheld, consistent with legal protections afforded to minors to safeguard their rehabilitation and future prospects. |
The aftermath of Notti Osama’s untimely death has left a palpable void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the broader drill music community. His death not only robbed a family of a beloved son and brother but also the music world of a promising young talent whose potential will remain unfulfilled. The incident has spurred reflection within the community about the impact of lyrical content and rivalries propagated through music. It raises important questions about the role of artists, producers, and platforms in nurturing a culture that prioritizes artistic expression without compromising the safety and well-being of its contributors.
As legal proceedings continue, the community and the public at large are keenly watching for any developments. Although the initial phase of the trial has concluded with the adjustment of charges, the ongoing investigations may still bring new information to light, potentially influencing public understanding and the legal outcomes. Authorities have not made extensive comments, likely due to the ongoing nature of the proceedings and the sensitivity of involving minors in a high-profile case.
This tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the real-world consequences that can emerge from the confluence of youthful indiscretion, societal pressures, and the often harsh realities depicted in musical lyrics. It underscores the need for a more supportive and vigilant framework that can offer guidance to young individuals navigating the complex intersections of fame, artistic expression, and personal development in the high-stakes environment of popular music.