This article summarizes the events, album releases, and album release dates in hip hop music for the year 2015.
Events
January
On January 5, TMZ reported Chicago-based rap group Hotstylz, were suing Detroit-based rapper Eminem and Shady Records, for the amount of $8 million, for using a 25-second sample of their 2008 single "Lookin' Boy", on his 2013 hit single "Rap God", without crediting them or having their permission. On January 18, ASAP Mob's founder ASAP Yams, was found dead at the age of 26. On January 28, Lil Wayne filed a $51 million lawsuit against Birdman and Cash Money Records over the delay of Tha Carter V. On January 30, Suge Knight was arrested for murder after a fatal hit and run in Compton, California.
February
On February 2, The Jacka died from gunshot wounds sustained in Oakland, California. On February 19, Charles Hamilton signed a record deal with Republic Records. On February 28, Lil Boosie was hospitalized for severe dehydration, resulting in cancellation of a show in Charlotte, North Carolina.
March
On March 9, South African rapper Flabba was stabbed to death by his girlfriend in his home. He was 37. On March 10, Cannibal Ox released "The Blade of the Ronin," their first full-length album since "The Cold Vein" On March 26, Immortal Technique, along with his manager, were arrested in Santa Ana, California for suspicion of assault and robbery. On March 27, Lil Durk's manager, OTF Chino, was shot and killed in Chicago, Illinois.
April
On April 11, Nelly was arrested on felony drug charges with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in Putnam County, Tennessee. On April 18, Offset and Quavo of Migos were arrested on felony drug charges with possession of cocaine, oxycontin, and codeine as well as a felony charge of carrying a loaded gun onto school property during a concert at Georgia Southern University. It was then announced that Offset will be facing additional charges for reportedly fighting in jail. On April 21, Vic Mensa was signed to Roc Nation. On April 26, two of Lil Wayne's tour buses were shot at multiple times in Atlanta, Georgia.
May
On May 10, Bow Wow announced he has left Cash Money Records. On May 17, Chinx and another passenger were shot in Queens while sitting in Chinx's Porsche. They were both rushed to a nearby hospital, where Chinx was pronounced dead. On May 24, Juicy J was hospitalized for exhaustion, resulting in cancellation of a show in San Francisco, California. On May 29, Chicago drill rapper Young Pappy was fatally shot in the back. This was the third attempt at Young Pappy's life, as the two prior shooting attempts left bystanders dead.
June
On June 9, Brooklyn rapper Pumpkinhead died. On June 10, Rick Ross was arrested for marijuana possession, after his Bentley was pulled over in Atlanta, Georgia. On June 12, YG was shot three times in the hip in Los Angeles, California. On June 22, Puff Daddy was arrested for assaulting a football coach at University of California, Los Angeles. On June 24, Rick Ross was arrested for kidnapping, aggravated assault, and aggravated battery charges on a construction worker in Fayette County, Georgia. The same day that Nipsey Hussle was arrested in Los Angeles for possession of codeine. On June 25, Young Ready was killed in a shooting in Bogalusa, Louisiana. On June 26, DMX was arrested in New York stemming from a robbery complaint in Newark, New Jersey, and outstanding child support charges. On June 30, Kidd Kidd was arrested in New York upon arriving for a concert held at the Best Buy Theater. The same day that Scarface was hospitalized in Houston, Texas for an undisclosed reason.