Here's a timeline of the events:
1. 2008: "Hip-Hop Week of Death Rumors"
- July 2: Rumors circulated on social media platforms and gossip sites claiming the deaths of prominent hip-hop artists, including Nas, DMX, and 50 Cent.
- July 4: The rumors gained widespread attention, and various news outlets reported on them, including CNN and Fox News.
- July 5: Some artists responded to the rumors with public appearances or statements. For example, 50 Cent appeared on television shows, and Nas posted a photo on Instagram showing him holding up that day's newspaper with his picture.
2. Response and Resolution:
- July 6: More artists who had been rumored to be deceased confirmed their well-being.
- July 8: The term "Hip-Hop Week of Death Rumors" emerged as a way to refer to the series of false claims.
- July 11: The circulation of the rumors gradually subsided, and the matter was resolved.
The "hip-hop dead" refers to these unfounded death rumors that briefly caused concern and confusion in the hip-hop community.