40 Facts About Big Lurch

Early Life and Beginnings

Big Lurch, born Antron Singleton, had a promising start in life. His early years were marked by creativity and ambition.

1. Big Lurch began writing poetry at just seven years old. This early interest in creative writing would eventually evolve into a rap career.
2. By the age of 15, he was already performing professionally. This laid the groundwork for what would become a promising career in hip-hop.

Rise to Fame

Big Lurch's journey to stardom was marked by significant milestones and collaborations.

3. He started his rap career as a member of the hip-hop group Cosmic Slop Shop. The group released their debut album, Da Family, in 1998.
4. The album included a minor hit called “Sinful.” This track reached No. 66 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and No. 18 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart.
5. Big Lurch was considered one of the pioneers of the “horrorcore” subgenre of rap music. His lyrics often explored themes of serial killers, vampires, and cannibalism.

Tragic Turn of Events

A series of unfortunate events led to Big Lurch's downfall, starting with a severe car accident.

6. In September 2000, Big Lurch was involved in a car accident. This left him with chronic pain and trouble walking.
7. He turned to PCP (phencyclidine) to manage his pain. This drug would later play a significant role in his tragic actions.
8. To continue pursuing his music career, Big Lurch moved to Los Angeles. He settled into a house with friends who were gang members.

The Night of the Murder

The events of April 10, 2002, changed Big Lurch's life forever.

9. A party was held at the house where Big Lurch lived with his roommate Tynisha Ysais and her boyfriend. PCP was passed around during the party.
10. Big Lurch consumed PCP in liquid form, which was smoked through cigarettes. He became heavily intoxicated and lost consciousness.
11. When Big Lurch woke up two weeks later, he found himself in jail with a murder charge. The victim, Tynisha Ysais, was found with her chest torn open.

The Gruesome Crime

The details of the crime were horrifying and left a lasting impact on everyone involved.

12. A three-inch blade was broken off in Ysais' scapula. Teeth marks were found on her face and lungs.
13. The autopsy revealed that Big Lurch had human flesh in his stomach. This flesh did not belong to him, confirming the gruesome nature of the crime.

Trial and Conviction

Big Lurch faced a tough legal battle following his arrest.

14. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. However, the court ruled that his intoxication and claimed insanity were not satisfactory reasons for committing the crime.
15. Big Lurch was convicted of first-degree murder, torture, and aggravated mayhem. On November 7, 2003, he was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.

Aftermath and Public Perception

The aftermath of the crime saw various legal actions and public debates.

16. Tynisha Ysais' mother filed a wrongful death lawsuit. The lawsuit was against Big Lurch, his bodyguard, Stress Free Records, Death Row Records, and Ysais' boyfriend.
17. Documentaries like Rhyme and Punishment and The DARK Story of How Rapper Big Lurch Ate His Roommate High featured his story. These documentaries raised questions about his guilt and the circumstances surrounding the crime.

Discography and Legacy

Despite his imprisonment, Big Lurch's music continues to be a topic of interest.

18. Big Lurch released his debut solo album, It's All Bad, in 2004. The album was released by his record label without his permission after he was imprisoned.
19. The lyrics of his song “I Did It To You!” serve as a macabre foreshadowing of his crimes. He rapped about murder and cannibalism.
20. The name Big Lurch was inspired by the character Lurch from The Addams Family. This name fit well with his physical presence, as he stood 6’7” tall.

Medical and Psychological Aspects

Big Lurch's actions were influenced by his physical and mental state.

21. A medical examination found human flesh in his stomach. This evidence further solidified the gruesome nature of the crime.
22. Big Lurch’s addiction to PCP played a significant role in his actions. He had used PCP to manage his chronic pain after the car accident.
23. During the trial, his defense argued that he was in a psychotic state due to his use of PCP. However, the court ruled that this was not a satisfactory reason for committing the crime.

Ongoing Legal Battles

Despite his conviction, Big Lurch continues to seek justice.

24. Big Lurch continues to seek legal avenues for a retrial. His case remains a subject of debate, with some questioning whether justice was truly served.
25. In a 2016 interview with VLAD TV, Big Lurch disputed the facts of the case. He accused his lawyer of fabricating the story due to opposing gang ties.

Impact on Hip-Hop and Public Perception

Big Lurch's story has had a lasting impact on the hip-hop community and public perception.

26. Despite the controversy surrounding his music, some of Big Lurch’s songs are considered decent by horrorcore standards. Tracks like “Gimme Ya Love,” “Da Riddler,” and “Tribal Wars” showcase his ability to create music that is both scary and listenable.
27. Big Lurch worked with notable artists such as Mac Dre, E-40, and Too $hort. These collaborations helped him gain exposure in the hip-hop scene.
28. Standing at 6’7”, Big Lurch’s physical presence was as imposing as his stage name. This height, combined with his dark and violent lyrics, made him a formidable figure in the horrorcore genre.

Cannibalistic Behavior and Legal Representation

The most shocking aspect of Big Lurch’s crime was his cannibalistic behavior.

29. He ripped open Ysais’ chest, pulled out her right lung, and ate it. The autopsy revealed teeth marks on her face and lungs.
30. Big Lurch was represented by Milton Grimes, a lawyer known for defending Rodney King. However, Big Lurch accused Grimes of fabricating the story due to opposing gang ties.

Psychological State and Impact on Hip-Hop

Big Lurch’s psychological state played a crucial role in his actions.

31. During the trial, it was argued that Big Lurch was in a psychotic state due to his PCP use. However, the court ruled that this was not a satisfactory reason for committing such a heinous crime.
32. Big Lurch’s story has had a significant impact on the hip-hop world. His case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of drug addiction and the consequences of violent behavior.

Current Status and Legal Battles

Big Lurch remains incarcerated, but his case continues to be a subject of public interest.

33. Big Lurch is currently incarcerated at California State Prison, Los Angeles County. He is serving two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.
34. The wrongful death lawsuit filed by Tynisha Ysais’ mother highlighted the darker side of the music industry. This lawsuit had significant implications for how record labels handle their artists.

Documentary Analysis and Public Perception

Documentaries and public perception play a significant role in Big Lurch’s story.

35. Documentaries like Rhyme and Punishment and The DARK Story of How Rapper Big Lurch Ate His Roommate High provide a detailed analysis of Big Lurch’s life. These documentaries raise questions about his guilt and the circumstances surrounding the crime.
36. The public perception of Big Lurch’s guilt is complex. Some believe that he was truly insane and that his actions were a result of his PCP use, while others argue that he was fully aware of his actions.

Music Sales and Interviews

Despite his imprisonment, Big Lurch’s music continues to sell, and he remains vocal about his case.

37. Big Lurch’s debut album It’s All Bad sells online for hundreds of dollars. This indicates that there is still interest in his music.
38. In a 2016 interview, Big Lurch expressed his regret over his actions. He also criticized the music industry for its role in promoting violent behavior.

Legal Avenues and Record Label Controversy

Big Lurch continues to seek justice and navigate the complexities of the music industry.

39. Big Lurch continues to seek legal avenues for a retrial. His case remains a subject of debate, with some questioning whether justice was truly served.
40. The release of his debut album and a documentary without his permission sparked controversy. This move highlighted the power dynamics between artists and record labels in the music industry.

The Dark Legacy of Big Lurch

Big Lurch's story is a chilling reminder of how addiction and violence can destroy lives. His early promise in the hip-hop world was overshadowed by a horrific crime fueled by PCP. Despite his talent and collaborations with big names like Mac Dre and E-40, his life took a tragic turn. The gruesome murder of Tynisha Ysais and the subsequent trial left a permanent mark on his legacy. Serving two life sentences without parole, Big Lurch's tale serves as a cautionary example of the dangers lurking in the music industry and the devastating impact of drug abuse. His case continues to spark debate and interest, highlighting the complex interplay between fame, addiction, and mental health. While his music remains a point of interest for some, the dark events of his life overshadow his contributions to the horrorcore genre.