Jamir Rucks

Jamir Quincy Rucks, a.k.a. JAAH SLT, transitioned away on August 13, 2022, at the age of 22.  He was born to Lance Rucks and Jennifer Richardson in Columbus, Ohio, on July 21, 2000. The family relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2004, affectionally referred to by Jamir as "the 704".

Jamir lived by the philosophy of "I am my brother's keeper," spending most of his time with his family, especially his younger brother Josiah, and friends.  Jamir was surrounded by an incredible circle of love formed by family and close friends, creating a source of strength and protection for him.  This love kept him grounded in truth and enabled him to develop and grow into the exuberant young man he'd become.  Known as JAAH SLT, Jamir spent his formative years excelling in various sports, including basketball, football, golf, and baseball.  Jamir's excellence extended to the classroom as well.  He graduated from Myers Park High School in 2018 with exceptional academic standing and was accepted into every university to which he applied, with several schools offering academic scholarships.

Jamir was a funny, charismatic, free spirit but also a fierce competitor.  That competitive edge made him, by his admission, his harshest critic.  He was tenacious and unrelenting, and he handled challenges well.  All these attributes would serve him well as he pursued his genuine love for Hip-Hop.  As an artist, Jamir had an unparalleled work ethic.  In 2019 JAAH SLT's song 'TUFF' went viral on social media and began his rise to fame and recognition in the music industry.  Though his career instantly took off and, to some, looked like an overnight success, JAAH had been strategically planning his ascent for years.  Marching to the beat of his own drum, Jamir not only predicted his success but challenged anyone who would say otherwise.  His wisdom exceeded his age and, at an early age, Jamir understood that all that glitters is not gold.

Jamir did not take his newfound success for granted but instead used his platform and resources to ensure that the next generation of prolific lyricists succeeded.  Jamir organized and executed a back-to-school drive for students attending Hidden Valley Elementary School, in Charlotte, NC.  He provided backpacks filled with school supplies and took time to connect with his community and fans while stressing the importance of a good education.  Jamir fully understood his purpose and maintained the focus and drive to achieve it successfully.  For those of us who love Jamir, the void left by his untimely death will always remain.  His absence will be felt by us every day because Jamir brought such joy and light into our lives.  And, as we mourn the loss of his beautiful and creative soul, we'll hold fast to our memories of Jamir being one of the greatest gifts God could have chosen to give us, even if only for a little while.

Jamir was preceded in death by his aunt, Nicola Richardson, and, most recently, his grandmother, Priscilla Rucks.  

Left to cherish his memories and keep his legacy alive are his devoted parents, Lance Rucks, and Jennifer Richardson, best friend and brother, Josiah Rucks; grandfather, Arthur Rucks; grandparents, Bill and Shirley Richardson; aunt, Danita Rucks Oliver, uncle, Drew Rucks (Nicole); godfather Chris 'Bubba' Smith, god-grandparents, Larry and Cynthia Exum and a multitude of cousins, relatives, friends, and fans.