Earlier today, on what would have been the 36th birthday of late rapper Fred The Godson, several people showed up in the snow to celebrate the street’s unveiling after him in the Bronx. On the corner of Leggett Avenue and Kelly Street in Fred’s native borough of The Bronx, it was renamed “Frederick ‘Fred the Godson’ Thomas Way.” Those in attendance were his widow LeAnn Jemmott, Fat Joe, Jim Jones, Sway Calloway, Bronx Borough President Ruban Diaz, and others.
Hot 97 was in attendance and captured both Fat Joe and Jim Jones, who gave speeches reflecting Fred’s character and friendship. Joe said, “It’s a beautiful day, and it’s a sad day too. It’s bittersweet. The thing that’s most special about Fred was that he wants to make you feel special. So even though he is who he is, every time he sees people, he wants to put a smile on their face.” He continued saying how Fred was really his friend and how they would talk for hours in the studio and tell jokes.
Jim also gave a moving speech saying how Fred inspired him to make music again. “It was a time when I really didn’t want to make music, and I would come to the studio with him, and Fred would be there like, “Nah, you gotta go in that booth, you have that s**t people want to hear. I felt like I was back in school with Fred. He gave me the inspiration I needed to come back out here. I just pray he holds me down.” Jim also got emotional during the speech, saying he loved Fred to death.
Fred’s widow LeeAnn shared a picture on her Instagram holding the street sign and captioned the post, “Happy Birthday, Baby!!! Today was your day… Big Bronx Forever!!” If you recall, Fred passed in last April 2020 due to complications with COVID-19. Let’s continue to keep his family and friends in prayer.
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