Big Syke

American rapper known for his work with Thug Life and Outlawz.

Tyruss Gerald Himes (November 22, 1968 – December 5, 2016), better known by his stage names Big Syke and Mussolini, was an American rapper best known for his work with the American hip-hop groups Thug Life and Outlawz. His stage name 'Big Syke' is a revision of his childhood nickname 'Little Psycho'. He died at his home in Hawthorne, California, on December 5, 2016.

Quick Facts

Birth name

Tyruss Gerald Himes

Born

22 November 1968

Birthplace

Inglewood, California, U.S.

Died

5 December 2016

Place of death

Hawthorne, California, U.S.

Occupation

Rapper

Also known as

Syke
Mussolini
Little Psycho

Genre

Hip hop

Lore & Background

Big Syke was born and raised in Inglewood, California. He was a member of the Imperial Village Crips in Inglewood, California. In 1990, Big Syke and fellow rappers Domino and Mental Illness started a hip-hop group named Evil Mind Gangstas. In 1992, he met rapper Tupac '2Pac' Shakur and joined 2Pac's rap group Thug Life. In 1995, he joined 2Pac's second rap group, The Outlaw Immortalz, as Mussolini and recorded songs for 2Pac's 1996 album All Eyez on Me, including 'Picture Me Rollin' and 'Check Out Time'.

Reader's Guide

Big Syke died at his home in Hawthorne, California, on December 5, 2016, at the age of 48 from natural causes, having had a history of heart issues and obesity. He was interred at Inglewood Park Cemetery.

Did You Know?

Big Syke's stage name is a revision of his childhood nickname 'Little Psycho'.
On January 19, 2007, Big Syke brought a defamation lawsuit regarding accusations linking him to the murder of The Notorious B.I.G.