Rahem had a harsh entry into this world, delivered at Newark’s University Hospital with forceps, he was paralyzed on his left side. His mother, Darlene Harris, was strongly advised that the paralysis might gradually subside if she constantly made him work those muscles, interact and talk only to his left side, and slowly the little fighter starting responding to her with no issues any more from birth. Seeing that, Rahem’s grandparents (Raymond and Dorothy Brown) gave him his first pseudo “Tiger”.

Early on Rahem was a latch-key kid, his mom commuted and worked long hours in New York, so instead of passing time watching black and white television, he was more interested in reading, and when he became curious about the Encyclopedia Britannia I had stored above the breakfast nook, on his own he opened the first book “A to AR” and wasn’t satisfied until he completed to Z. As he would say, those books “put a battery in his back” and he named himself “Encyclopedia Brown” (not adding “the boy detective” from the cartoon character).

This is not a traditional Obituary, not going deep into his music background, as that has been re-hashed so many times over that not too much is out there that isn’t already known (and, if you don’t know, Google him). As Rahem evolved and became Tame One, he held tight and trusted his childhood friends early on, their interaction was invaluable as they all matured, branched out and understood and tapped into their God Given artistic and musical skills.

Tame had met Rick Ward (Rhino) and dived into the vinyl records which he was well familiar with listening to his mother playing her collection through the years. Somewhere in there a black and white composition book became one of the “must haves” to write lyrics to develop and establish his unique spin on words which remained with him to the very end. El da Sensai came along later but bouncing off their word play – they clicked – hence, ARTIFACTS was created. Later, Tame One, Anthony Miles (ACool), and Jere Oxendine (JayBurnzJaya) formed BOOM SKWAD together. When he met Maliq Griffin (DJ Porno) the excitement of their late night trips to NYC underground subways to paint, connect and vibe with other GRAFITTI artists. Backpacks and Spray Paint Cans and tagging with a wide assortment of colorful markers “Some Wack Crook stole my Black Book, I know who took it” kept him and his friends busy intensely, each seriously drawing and developing their individuality.

His Uncle Carlton has watched his nephew become a rapper even before he became a man, and has always supported him from day one. Throughout Tame’s lifetime BOOM SKWAD became (and still is) his family, they all grew up together, had good and bad times together, had and squashed beefs together, they were all there, but most of all right there in solidarity, having Rahem’s back thru thick and thin - even before he became Tame.

Signing off - Rahem was baptized early on in his childhood and he is now with God and at Peace.

Not dropping the mic, THROWING IT DOWN!

This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Rahem Ross Brown. Leave a message on the Tribute Wall to share your favorite memories and offer words of sympathy and comfort.