Music icons, fans, friends remember 5th Ward Weebie
13th January 2020 · 0 Comments
By Emeka Dibia
Contributing Writer
Bounce music lost an icon. Music artist 5th Ward Weebie died on Thursday, January 9. He was 42.
According to his publicist, Jonathan “JT the Publicist” Thomas, he suffered complications after having an emergency heart surgery.
The New Orleans native, born Jerome Cosey, was known in New Orleans and across the region for his signature style, quick catchy lyrics and infectious personality. He also worked hard to push bounce music on a national level, including appearing on the rapper Drake’s song “Nice for What.”
“Every time he was on stage. He would kill it. He was a very likeable dude…Over the last 20+ years, he’s always had material, every couple of years he always comes back with a hit record,” DJ Raj Smoove said. “A lot of people don’t know outside of the music industry that he started out as a dancer. Back when everybody had their little dancing crews and they used to battle and stuff in the high school talent shows.”
Veteran high school choir teacher and local gospel music icon Veronica Downs-Dorsey confirms that he began his career at her school and alma mater in the early 90s.
“He started out at our talent show, McDonogh #35’s talent show, we always gave what we called ‘The Explosion,’ it wasn’t a competitive thing. It would just showcase different talents.”
Downs-Dorsey says he was adamant about being in the show when he first began his career dancing and performing.
“He said ‘Ms. D, Ms. D, Ms. D, you gotta get me in, c’mon you gotta get me in…’ I said, now look, I was always a stickler, I said ‘no cursing Weebie, no cursing,’ he said ‘alright Ms. D, Ms. D I promise you… imma do right. I’m not going to embarrass you,’” Downs-Dorsey said. “From then on we’ve been friends. I always loved him [even though] I’m an older person… I still like the bounce and they taught me a lot about bounce music.”
Many say 5th Ward Weebie’s influence reached beyond the stage, he was actively engaged in the community, mentored young artists and supported anyone he could.
“He promoted concerts, he produced comedy shows, he’s done community stuff for underprivileged kids, he just had his hands in everything and he was highly concerned about the culture of New Orleans with bounce music,” said DJ Raj Smoove.
“5th Ward Weebie, embodied the soul of New Orleans as an artist and cultural icon. I was blessed to call him my dear friend, and I am so sad he is no longer here with us,” said Rep. Cedric Richmond. “Jerome’s energy lit up every stage he performed on and every room he stepped foot in. He was able to lift the spirits of everyone he came across. While he was widely known for his role pioneering Bounce music, he was also well known for bringing people together through his Seafood Trap Festival and used his platform to encourage people to vote. A legend gone far too soon, I’m grateful his legacy will be ingrained in New Orleans culture for years to come. I offer my support and condolences to Jerome’s family during this difficult time.”
Bounce artist “Hasizzle” says he was a local hero.
“Never any bad vibes, just always pushed somebody towards their dream no matter what they was doing. From cooking to rapping to singing…he was always a person to tell you to go for it. He was all around an amazing guy,” Hasizzle said. “He was like a ball of energy, always smiling, joking and laughing.”
New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell also offered condolences on Cosey’s passing, in a statement released last week.
“It broke my heart to learn that Jerome Cosey – our 5th Ward Weebie – has passed. Let me find out you didn’t know who he was. He was an iconic personality, a New Orleans legend, and a beloved friend. He was the Bounce King, who showed us how to move, how to love, and how to bring passion and humanity to everything we do,” said Mayor Cantrell. “New Orleans has lost a cornerstone of our culture. Our City will not be the same without his voice and his spirit. May he rest in God’s perfect peace.”
A driving force in New Orleans’ Bounce music scene, 5th Ward Weebie rose in popularity in the 90s. During his decades-long career, he worked with prominent rap artists such as Mystikal, Master P, Partnerz n’ Crime and Kane & Abel. He produced such hits as “Let Me Find Out” and “Get Out the Way” along with a cathartic single about Hurricane Katrina, and was also featured on such songs like “Shake it Like a Dog,” “I Really Want U,” and “So Attracted.”
Most recently, he performed at Mayor Cantrell’s Black and Gold Pep Rally in the lobby of City Hall in advance of the New Orleans Saints’ game against the Saints’ 33-27 win over the Seattle Seahawks.
A massive Second Line was held in celebration of Weebie’s life and career on the evening of January 9 near the Zulu Club on Broad Street.
According to his family, Weebie’s visitation and public service will be held at Mahalia Jackson Theater in Armstrong Park on January 19. Visitation begins at 8 a.m. The public service will begin at noon. The burial will be private.
This article originally published in the January 13, 2019 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.
