Matthew Odumuyiwa, also known as "Pretty Black," was a 25-year-old aspiring rapper who was killed on May 30, 2008, in an apartment near Castlemont High School in Oakland, California. Odumuyiwa, originally from Chicago, had moved to the Bay Area and was involved in the local rap scene. He co-founded the Money Over Everything entertainment company in 2003 and recorded numerous tracks, including "Heaven for Gs," which reflected both his dreams and the hardships he faced.
He was a member of the Regime Dragon Gang, a group founded by well-known Oakland rapper Yukmouth. On the day of his death, Odumuyiwa was shot multiple times in an East Oakland apartment complex, and his murder sparked significant online reactions, both from fans and those who may have had conflicts with him (East Bay Express, Find a Grave).
There was speculation that the motive for Odumuyiwa's killing might have been gang-related. Shortly after the news of his death, various online posts suggested he may have "robbed the wrong people in East Oakland," indicating that his murder might have been in retaliation. Despite his involvement in the local rap scene and affiliations with prominent figures, Matthew faced multiple threats leading up to his death, which many believed were tied to his gang connections and activities in the area. His lyrics often highlighted a gritty lifestyle, mentioning guns and the dangerous environment that ultimately contributed to his fate (East Bay Express).
The loss of Matthew Odumuyiwa highlighted the dangers faced by those navigating Oakland's rap scene and its connections to street violence. He was remembered not just as an artist but also as someone deeply enmeshed in the community's struggles, whose story mirrored the harsh realities many young men faced in Oakland during that time. The police and local Crime Stoppers offered a reward for information related to the case, but his death became yet another tragic addition to Oakland's growing homicide numbers in 2008.
