Tupac Codexery

Big Syke

A member of Thug Life and The Outlaw Immortalz who recorded key tracks for All Eyez on Me.

Tyruss Gerald Himes, known professionally as Big Syke and Mussolini, was an American rapper born on November 22, 1968. Raised in Inglewood, California, he was a member of the Imperial Village Crips before entering the music scene. He is best recognized for his pivotal work with Thug Life and The Outlawz. His stage name, Big Syke, originated as a revision of his childhood nickname, "Little Psycho." After meeting Tupac Shakur in 1992, he joined Thug Life, and later became part of 2Pac's second group, The Outlaw Immortalz, under the alias Mussolini. He passed away at his home in Hawthorne, California, on December 5, 2016.

Real Name
Tyruss Gerald Himes
Affiliation
Thug Life, The Outlawz, Evil Mind Gangstas, Imperial Village Crips
Role
Rapper
Status
Deceased
Primary Location
Inglewood / Hawthorne, California
Notable Association
Tupac Shakur

Verified Timeline

196819901992199419951996200120022003200520072016

Lore & Background

Big Syke's journey began in Inglewood, where he started the group Evil Mind Gangstas with Domino and Mental Illness in 1990. A major turning point occurred in 1992 when he met Tupac Shakur, leading to his induction into Thug Life. By 1995, Syke had evolved into Mussolini within The Outlaw Immortalz, contributing significantly to the hip-hop landscape. He recorded specific songs for Tupac's 1996 album All Eyez on Me, including "Picture Me Rollin'", "When We Ride", "All Eyez On Me", and "Check Out Time". His career was not without legal controversy; in January 2007, he filed a defamation lawsuit after being implicated by KTTV and XXL magazine in the murder of The Notorious B.I.G., accusations that surfaced following reports in 2005. This period highlighted the complex intersection of his life between musical achievement and public scrutiny.

In Their Own Story

The narrative of Big Syke's life is defined by specific dates and locations rooted in California. Born in Inglewood, he eventually moved to Hawthorne, where he spent his final days. His early career was marked by the formation of Evil Mind Gangstas in 1990, a group that laid the groundwork for his future collaborations. The year 1992 stands as a critical moment when he connected with Tupac Shakur, altering the course of his artistic path. In 1995, his role expanded within the Outlaw Immortalz, and he contributed directly to one of hip-hop's most influential albums. His life ended on December 5, 2016, at the age of 48. The source attributes his death to natural causes, noting a history of heart issues and obesity. He was laid to rest at Inglewood Park Cemetery, returning to the city where he first rose to prominence.

Reader's Guide

For fans exploring Big Syke's discography, the journey begins with the collaboration album All Hell Breakin' Loose (1992) with Evil Mind Gangstas. His solo career includes Be Yo' Self (October 15, 1996), Big Syke Daddy (September 25, 2001), Street Commando (May 21, 2002), and the self-titled Big Syke (October 22, 2002). A significant entry in his catalog is Thug Life Vol. 1 (September 26, 1994) with Thug Life, alongside the collaboration Still I Rise with 2Pac and The Outlawz. Posthumous compilations include Thug Law: Thug Life Outlawz Chapter 1 (October 23, 2001) and Chapter 2 (September 2, 2003). His mixtape work features the 1994 Thug Life Demo Tape, Big Syke: Volume 1 (July 27, 2007), and Reincarnated Volume 1 (2007). These releases document his evolution from a local Inglewood artist to a key figure in Tupac's inner circle.

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