Atlanta hip-hop is mourning the loss of Alley Boy, the respected Zone 6 rapper and co-founder of Duct Tape Entertainment. According to reports, Alley Boy, born Curt Freeman, has died at the age of 42 after a long battle with kidney failure.
News of his passing began circulating over the weekend, leading to an outpouring of tributes from fans, friends, and fellow artists across social media. At the time the news surfaced, an official statement from Alley Boy’s family or representatives had not yet been released.
Alley Boy had been open about his health struggles in recent years. The rapper publicly discussed his battle with kidney failure and shared that he had been hoping to receive a kidney transplant. In past interviews, he explained that his kidney damage was connected to years of drinking lean, along with complications from high blood pressure.
During an appearance on the A Humble Soul podcast, Alley Boy spoke honestly about the choices that affected his health. He also used his story as a warning to others, reflecting on his past use and sale of codeine. By 2024, he had reportedly been receiving dialysis three times a week for more than a year while waiting for a transplant.
Beyond his health battle, Alley Boy leaves behind an important legacy in Atlanta rap. He became known for his raw voice, street-driven lyrics, and authentic perspective, helping shape the underground trap sound that came out of the city. His music connected with listeners because it felt unfiltered, direct, and rooted in real-life experience.
As a co-founder of Duct Tape Entertainment, Alley Boy helped build a movement that later earned a distribution deal through Asylum and Atlantic Records. His influence reached far beyond his own catalog, as he became a respected figure among artists who valued his honesty, toughness, and independent grind.
Throughout his career, Alley Boy worked with several major names in hip-hop, including Gucci Mane, Young Jeezy, Future, Freddie Gibbs, Pusha T, Yo Gotti, Meek Mill, Master P, and others. Songs like Fish Fry helped showcase his gritty delivery and strong presence, while his mixtapes and collaborations kept him connected to Atlanta’s street rap foundation.
Following his death, figures including Big Bank, DJ Scream, Rocko, and Hot Boy Turk were among those who paid tribute to him. Their messages reflected the respect Alley Boy earned as both an artist and a person who stayed true to his roots.
Alley Boy’s passing is a major loss for Atlanta’s hip-hop community. He will be remembered as a voice from Zone 6 who helped carry the sound, spirit, and reality of the streets into the music. His impact on trap culture and his influence on Atlanta rap will continue to live on through his records and the artists he inspired.