Edward Lee Knight (November 2, 1971 – July 8, 2001), best known by his

stage name A stage name or professional name is a pseudonym used by performers, authors, and entertainers—such as actors, comedians, singers, and musicians. The equivalent concept among writers is called a ''nom de plume'' (pen name). Some performers ...

Big Ed the Assassin, often shortened to Big Ed, was an American rapper. Knight was signed to Master P's No Limit Records in 1992 and featured on several of its releases during the 1990s, including those by Master P, C-Murder, Mac and Soulja Slim. It released his debut album, '' The Assassin'', in 1998. Knight left No Limit in 2000, starting his own label, Special Forces Records. He released his second album, '' Special Forces'', on May 9, 2000. His third and final album, '' Edward Lee Knight 1971-2001'', was released posthumously in August 2001.

Early life

Knight was born in Richmond, California, and attended Eastern Washington University from 1992 to 1993 on a basketball scholarship, but dropped out to pursue a career in rap music in the Bay Area with Master P's West Coast Bad Boy Clique.

Career

Big Ed was an original member of the rap group TRU (The Real Untouchables), appearing on the group's first three albums, '' Who's Da Killer?'', '' Understanding the Criminal Mind'' and '' True''. Throughout the 90s, Ed had guest spots on many of No Limit's other releases such as Master P's '' 99 Ways to Die'',

Silkk the Shocker Vyshonn King Miller (born June 18, 1975), better known by his stage name Silkk the Shocker (formerly Silkk), is an American rapper from New Orleans, Louisiana. The brother of Master P, Miller signed with his record label No Limit Records, an im ...

's debut '' The Shocker'' and Mia X's '' Unlady Like''.

Solo career

''The Assassin'' and Special Forces Records

Big Ed's debut album, '' The Assassin'', was released on September 1, 1998, and peaked at #15 on the ''Billboard'' 200 and #3 on the

Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums is a music chart published weekly by '' Billboard'' magazine that ranks R&B and hip-hop albums based on sales in the United States and is compiled by Luminate. The chart debuted as Hot R&B LPs in the issue dated January 30, ...

. In 2000, Big Ed left No Limit to start his own record label, Special Forces Records. He released his second album through this label, 2000's '' Special Forces'', which featured contributions from his former No Limit labelmates.

Death

Big Ed the Assassin died from lymphoma cancer on July 8, 2001. His third album, '' Edward Lee Knight 1971-2001'', was released posthumously the next month.

Discography

Studio albums

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Big Ed 1971 births 2001 deaths African-American male rappers 21st-century American male rappers 20th-century American male rappers Musicians from Richmond, California West Coast hip-hop musicians No Limit Records artists Rappers from California Gangsta rappers 20th-century American male musicians 20th-century African-American musicians Deaths from lymphoma in the United States Deaths from cancer in Louisiana