Hip-hop icon Ermehn from New Zealand passed away. Ermehn, a renowned rapper and hip-hop artist from Auckland, died leaving his loved ones and supporters in complete sorrow.
Rapper Herman Joseph Loto Sakaria, who is from Auckland, went by the name “Ermehn” when he performed and made recordings. Along with being a hip-hop artist, he also coaches athletes and runs his own business.
Since news of his death has spread online since it was first shared on social media, many are interested in the circumstances surrounding his passing. Check out his situation and Rapper Ermehn cause of death below.
How did the NZ hip-hop artist die?
Hip-hop icon Ermehn from New Zealand has passed away. Rapper Herman Joseph Loto Sakaria, from Auckland, used the stage name “Ermehn” when performing and recording.
Ermehn’s songs will serve as a tribute to his artistry and the diversity of New Zealand hip-hop culture, ensuring that his legacy endures.
Fans and other musicians will remember his contributions to the genre and his commitment to his craft. Ermehn’s spirit and talent will definitely be appreciated and honored for years to come as word of his passing spreads around the neighborhood.
Luana Michael Ermehn’s family member confirmed the demise news of Ermehn by posting the following message on her official Facebook page, where she wrote,
On behalf of Merisa, Lukhan, Rhyme, Cash, Aqualei, and our entire family, it is with a broken heart and unbelievable sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our Dear Herman Loto, on Monday 17 July 2023. Please be patient with our family as we navigate through this painful time. Further details will be posted. Lots of love Merisa, Lukhan, Rhyme, Cash, and Aqualei.
Remorse a Musician Rapper & Morse Gang Member wrote,
Still can’t believe it Uso! You were a real G My bro, always mahi-ing hard for your Wife, Kids, and Whanau, always supportive of the brothers and their dreams and aspirations. You will be missed by every single person that was blessed to have met you, brother. Thank you for the memories, laughs, and advice my G. The world has lost a beautiful soul. Sending all our Aroha to your Wifey, Children, and Whanau during this time.
Rapper Ermehn cause of death
Social media immediately spread the news of Ermehn’s passing, inspiring the New Zealand community to share their memories and shock.
People talked about their favorite times and encounters with the adored rapper, bringing attention to the influence he had on the music industry and South Auckland’s hip-hop community.
Ermehn’s efforts were well-recognized, and his talent and originality helped him win the admiration of admirers all around the nation.
The family politely requests prayers instead of individual condolences as well as space to mourn and come to grips with the devastating loss.
As per the family reports, it was confirmed he passed away on Monday 17 July 2023 but Rapper Ermehn cause of death was not determined yet. However, it is essential to await an official announcement.
Neither his family members nor web media have provided any information regarding Rapper Ermehn cause of death. We’ll update this article as soon as additional information becomes available.
Moreover, the family’s privacy must be respected even though attempts are being made to compile pertinent information and promptly deliver the most recent updates.
Who was Rapper Ermehn?
Rapper Herman Joseph Loto Sakaria, who resides in Auckland, goes by the moniker Ermehn when he performs and records.
A who’s who of local hip-hop artists has worked with him over the years, including Submariner, Chong Nee, Mr. Sicc, King Kapisi, Dei Hamo, Pauly and Phil Fuemana, Dam Native, DLT, Ladi6, Anonymouz, and many more.
He began his profession when he was 14 years old
Sakaria, who is from the Auckland neighborhood of Otara, first encountered hip-hop when he was 14 years old. He began rapping a year later and finally rose to fame in the late 1980s as Radio Backstab.
Run DMC, Eric B & Rakim, LL Cool J, Ice T, KRS 1, De La Soul, and A Tribe Called Quest were among the artists who impacted him at the time.
He shared a track with DJ Payback on the groundbreaking Proud: An Urban Pacific Streetsoul Compilation album of New Zealand hip-hop.
The song “Based On A Lost Cause” by Radio Backstab & DJ Payback from that album, which was also produced by Alan Jansson, as well as “We R The OMC” by the nascent OMC (Otara Millionaires Club), of whom Sakaria was also a founding member, both gained a lot of playing on student radio.
Sakaria’s solo career
Sakaria started his solo career after Pauly Fuemana and Alan Jansson adopted the OMC moniker for their recordings. Sakaria joined Deep Grooves in 1995, and Samoans Pt II, his debut album, was released by the label three years later.
The Andy Morton-produced CD, which also included Manuel Bundy, received high praise from critics. In his book Soundtrack, Grant Smithies said that “His street soldier stories are bleak but skilfully told, and give insight into the hard life many rappers invent for themselves but this man seems to have lived.”
The first recordings for his second album, Path Of Blood, were finished at Otara Music & Arts Centre (OMAC), and it was published through Sony BMG in 2005. Sakaria was compelled to finish the album somewhere else since the council was concerned about the material.
Rap Career
He released the mixtape album Drug House Raps in 2006, which was made available only on iTunes. His fourth album, Trained To Kill, was released in 2012 on the Anonymouz Workz label, run by his producer.
Sakaria participated in the Proud national tour in 1994. Since then, he has supported, opened for, or toured with artists including Public Enemy and the late Phil Fuemana.
He recorded with the infamous Los Angeles-based Samoan hip-hop group The Boo-Ya Tribe as a result of his involvement in the 2001 tour that brought them to New Zealand.
Sakaria spent four years as a patched member of the well-known Auckland gang The King Cobras in the early to mid-2000s.
During this time, he established himself as the public face of gangster rap in New Zealand through associations with drugs, gangsterism, violence, and extortion.
Sakaria abandoned the gang lifestyle in the middle of the 2000s and started his security firm, Pride Security, which is situated on the Hibiscus Coast and provides security for clubs and music events like Coromandel Gold, The Big Day Out, and Music Mountain.
He is an MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) practitioner who also manages the Hibiscus Coast MMA Gym, the Aotearoa Mixed Marital Arts Expo, and assists in promoting MMA fight events in Australia and New Zealand.
Many people took to social media to share memories of Ermehn and express shock over his death
Lole Usoalii Award Winning Singer/songwriter wrote,
Today I lost one of my brothers in music. E le galo oe Ermehn will catch up in heaven, Love to Merissa and the kids, God bless you and give you peace gonna miss you, my southside brother.
DJ Sirvere penned,
I don’t really know what to say Otara OG glad we got to document your journey on the podcast and RnV won’t be the same without seeing your face on the barrier. Rest easy.
Philip Bell wrote,
This is the last time we saw each other in person – with my wife at the barrier at RnV. We spoke on calls and then via Zoom for hours – it was so awesome to see how happy you were. I loved the amazing father you are – so proud of your kids, just like they are of you. Rest in love brother. Ermehn Otara OG
The Storm School posted,
Back in 2015, we ran the second BJJ Maori Nationals in Tairawhiti – we started getting a bunch of racists online making dumb comments, they ceased immediately when this O.G. started messaging them their addresses and inviting them to meet with his machete. Much love brother, rest in peace Ermehn.
Ermehn’s Obituary
Saying goodbye is often difficult, and it can be hard to find the words to express how you feel about a loved one who has passed. I write this obituary with a heavy heart to inform you of the demise of Rapper Ermehn.
He was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest. The warmth and light that Rapper Ermehn exuded always reached you when you needed it the most.
A true Friend, a Positive Spirit, and a Force of Nature. Also, a NZ MMA Pioneer and coach to many champions. His family needs you to be strong now. It’s not a time to mourn.
It’s time to look back and remember all the good things in life he did for you. His family will make further announcements regarding funeral services and preparations. And as soon as we receive official reports, we will update the information.
During this difficult time, our thoughts and sympathies go out to Ermehn’s family, friends, and loved ones. May they find comfort and strength as they mourn his loss. Feel free to drop your condolences below in the comment section.
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Lavanya (Senior Editor) is a full-time content writer with almost 5 years of experience and a part-time teacher. She joined Medico Topics on the Breaking News trainee scheme in 2022 and now works on MedicoTopics.com. As a lifelong learner, She is constantly curious about learning new things and passionate about sharing knowledge with people through her writing and teaching.