'8 Mile' Actor Nashawn Breedlove's Cause Of Death Remains A Mystery

Nashawn Breedlove, who is famous for battle rapping alongside Eminem in the movie "8 Mile", has passed away at age 46.

According to a family member died in his sleep Sunday at his home in New Jersey. The cause of death is yet to be determined.

Bronx rapper Mickey Factz broke the news on his social media channels on Monday, September 25, that Breedlove, had passed away.

“RIP to one of the few emcees to beat Eminem… Lotto from 8 Mile. Who’s friends lovingly called him, OX,” he wrote. “You will be missed for your tenacity and aggressiveness.”

Breedlove began his rap career off camera, appearing on the soundtrack to the 2001 Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and DJ Pooh film "The Wash" under his rap name Ox, per HipHopDX. One year later, the musician then went to the big screen when he appeared alongside Eminem in the movie "8 Mile", which is loosely based on Eminem's life. The actor played the role of Lotto in the 2002 movie and is best known for the scene where his character takes on Eminem's B-Rabbit in a rap battle.

"I feel bad I gotta murder that dude from 'Leave it to Beaver.'" Lotto rapped in part, though he ultimately lost the battle.

The film grossed over $242 million at the box office with a budget of only $41 million. Plus, the movie won several awards including an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Lose Yourself," two MTV Movie Awards, two Teen Choice Awards, two BMI awards, two Grammy Awards, and a Broadcast Film Critics Association Award, and others.

Fans immediately took to social media to share their condolences. "RIP LEGEND 🙏🏾😢 ‘8 Mile’ Actor, Nashawn Breedlove, Known for Battle-Rapping Eminem, Died at 46, in His Sleep 💔🕊️," one fan wrote, as another chimed in, "Nashawn Breedlove, famous for battle-rapping Eminem in the movie "8 Mile," is http://dead.at 46. My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Breedlove family. Please keep him and his family in your prayers during this difficult time."

Another expressed on social media, "R.I.P Nashawn 'OX' Breedlove... Not a bad little rapper, talented for sure.. And let's not forget his part in our Stan life as Lotto (the only one who came close to beating B Rabbit imo) Damn man. Peace."

And another fan Tweeted, "I'm sorry to hear about Nashawn Breedlove's passing.😢 He was known for his role in "8 Mile."

In January, 50 Cent announced plans to create a television series based on "8 Mile", which he says he wants to be a “modern version” of the film, further saying that it would be “for [Eminem’s] legacy”.

“I’m going to bring [Eminem’s] 8 Mile to television,” he told Big Boy TV.

“It should be there for his legacy,” 50 Cent said, further explaining that people needed that story to “understand” the music. “It’s really the culture losing its color, for everyone to feel like they enjoy it and appreciate [Black music]. They see someone who’s accepted and respected, it makes them feel part of it too.”