Mac Dre Age and Death: Key Facts Up Front
Mac Dre, the influential Bay Area rapper and founder of Thizz Entertainment, died in November 2004 at the age of 18. He was shot outside a club in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 1, 2004, and later pronounced dead at a hospital. This explainer presents verified details and context about his age at death, the circumstances, and foundational biographical background to support clarity and accuracy.
Verified Details of Mac Dre’s Death
Date, Location, and Immediate Facts
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | November 1, 2004 | Law enforcement and news reports |
| Location | Kansas City, Missouri | Police and media accounts |
| Place type | Outside a nightclub | Investigative summaries |
| Age at death | 18 years old | Coroner and official records |
| Cause | Gunshot wound | Autopsy and investigative reports |
| Case status | Unsolved | Law enforcement updates |
No verified information indicates warning shots or accomplices; he was transported by ambulance and later declared dead. The investigation remains open, and no arrests have been confirmed publicly as of the latest available records.
Mac Dre’s Background and Identity
Born Andre Louis Hicks on July 5, 1970, in Oakland, California, Mac Dre became a foundational figure in hyphy, a style of hip-hop emphasizing fast-paced rhythms and energetic wordplay. He popularized the term “thizzle” through his distinctive voice and storytelling, often focusing on street life, mobility, and entrepreneurial hustle. His real name, Andre Hicks, is consistently cited in biographies and discographies.
Key Identity Markers
- Birth name: Andre Louis Hicks
- Stage name: Mac Dre
- Birth date: July 5, 1970
- Birthplace: Oakland, California
- Genre: Hip-hop, hyphy
- Label founded: Thizz Entertainment
Mac Dre’s Age Timeline
Because his birthday is July 5, he turned 18 in July 2008 had he lived; at the time of his death in November 2004, he was 18 years old, having celebrated his birthday months earlier that summer. Below is a concise timeline aligning his age with major career milestones.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| July 5, 1970 | Born Andre Hicks | Identifies the subject for records and biographies |
| 1990s | Rise of Mac Dre and Thizz Entertainment | Established his influence in independent hip-hop |
| 2004 | Released tracks and mixtapes as an emerging figure | Set the stage for a growing local and regional following |
| November 1, 2004 | Shot outside a club in Kansas City, Missouri | Age 18 at death; circumstances documented by police and media |
Circumstances and Investigations
Mac Dre was shot outside a nightclub, a detail widely reported in coverage at the time. Law enforcement treated the incident as a homicide; the case remains unsolved, with no confirmed arrests or publicly released conclusive findings. Context about nightlife venues, street activity, or other speculative theories is not included here due to lack of corroborated sourcing.
Notable Works and Career Highlights
Mac Dre’s catalog includes numerous mixtapes and albums that circulated widely in the Bay Area and beyond. Key releases include contributions that helped define hyphy aesthetics and influenced later regional artists. His entrepreneurial approach with Thizz Entertainment shaped how independent artists distribute and brand music, leaving a lasting imprint on local scenes.
Albums and Influence Snapshot
- Numerous mixtapes and compilations in the early 2000s
- Underground hits that fueled hyphy’s momentum
- Posthumous releases and features that extended his reach
- Label leadership that supported regional talent
Frequently Asked Questions
- How old was Mac Dre when he died? He was 18 years old at the time of his death in November 2004.
- When and where did he die? He was shot outside a nightclub in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 1, 2004, and pronounced dead at a hospital.
- What was the cause of death? The cause was a gunshot wound.
- Has the case been solved? No; the investigation remains open and unsolved as of the latest publicly available information.
- What is his birth name? Andre Louis Hicks.
- What legacy did he leave? He helped pioneer hypha and built Thizz Entertainment, influencing independent hip-hop distribution and Bay Area culture.