Bronx honors Fred the Godson with new street name
Fat Joe, Jim Jones and more celebrated the unveiling of Frederick “Fred the Godson” Thomas Way.
A New York City street has been designated after the late rapper Fred the Godson.
On what would have been Fred’s 36th birthday (Feb. 22), hip hop fans gathered in his hometown of the Bronx to celebrate the unveiling of Frederick “Fred the Godson” Thomas Way, which is located on the corner of Leggett Avenue and Kelly Street. Fred’s longtime collaborator Jaque and TBM Fat Boy Izzo took the stage to perform during the celebratory moment, and Fat Joe, Jim Jones and radio personality Sway Calloway shared a few words about the rapper and his legacy.
“The thing that’s most special about Fred is that he wants to make you feel special,” Fat Joe said of Fred. “So, even though he is who he is, every time he sees you, he wants to put a smile on your face.” Jim Jones later took the mic to discuss how the City of God emcee often encouraged him to get in the booth and make some music.
Fred the Godson was one of the first rappers to test positive for COVID-19 in the early months of quarantine. Though he initially showed signs of progression, he eventually lost his battle to the virus, passing away on April 23.
Jaquae broke the news on Instagram alongside a heartfelt tribute. “Sleep in peace my brother,” he captioned a photo of Fred, who also suffered from asthma. “You’ll never be forgotten. LOVE U MAN. I have so much things to say, but I’m lost right now.”
Fred made his mark on the hip hop industry, collaborating with the likes of Busta Rhymes, Waka Flocka Flame and Cam’ron. His name will live on through his family, his music and now, through the Bronx street. “I’m thrilled that Fred’s name and legacy are being recognized all over the world, specifically in the neighborhood he grew up in,” Sway said during the street naming ceremony.