CALIFORNIA — Derrick Mcelroy, the acclaimed Hip Hop artist, chef and podcaster known as Aesop Fables of the pioneering California Hip Hop crew The Living Legends, passed away Monday morning, August 18, at the age of 49. The first public mention of his death came from fellow crew member Sunspot Jonz, who shared the news on Instagram.
The Living Legends, composed of Luckyiam, Eligh, The Grouch, Bicasso, Aesop Fables AKA Black Aesop, Sunspot Jonz, MURS and Scarub, came together in 1996. The story goes that The Grouch, Sunspot and LuckyiAm met in 1995 and from there decided to begin touring together as self-funded independent artists abroad. Soon they met Three Melancholy Gypsies, made up of MURS, Eligh and Scarub (previously a part of Log Cabin via The Good Life Cafe) and in 1996 after bringing in Bicasso and Aesop, The Living Legends were formed in 1996 and produced 20 self-produced and distributed releases between 1997-1999, alone, according to their official website’s biography. They quickly became one of California’s most popular independent Hip Hop crews, a collective of standout artists who, though still close and touring together, have branched out into their own ventures. The crew’s legacy is defined by its deep roots in the independent scene, with members like MURS signing to Strange Music and Eligh & The Grouch forming the fan-favorite duo G&E, known for tracks like “These Handz,” among over a hundred different surnames and situations between the Living Legends Crew.
A standout artist in his own right, Aesop Fables’ presence was unmistakable. His unique style, often seen with black leather-spiked bracelets and dreadlocks, made him an icon of the underground scene. Those who met him describe him as a down-to-earth, friendly and highly intelligent artist. A 2017 interview with UBO MAG, following his performance at The Blue Lamp in Sacramento revealed a man whose creative energy was as powerful off the stage as it was on.
The Living Legends Crew shared some words about their grief and loss in Instagram page:
“Our dear Legendary brother, Derrick “Aesop” McElroy has transitioned into the next life. A son, brother and friend – during his time on this earth he touched so many lives with his lyrics, showmanship, generosity, humor and undeniable talent as a musician, but most of all, his love of family, friends, and good times.
If you knew him, you knew his heart, and all that came with it. From feeding those in need in his hometown of Fresno, to pursuing his love of the culinary arts, he always found a way to bring laughter to any situation. He made our entire crew laugh harder and more times than any other member. He was a curator of community, building spaces for friends to gather, and leading by example on how we should all treat each other with kindness.
Today we send one up for you Sop. We already miss you tremendously and there is a huge emptiness to fill. We will keep your music and spirit alive. We are thankful for our time with you and we Love You!! We know you’re chillin with your Pops again grinnin ear to ear.
Derricks Mother and Sisters would like to add “The best part of his life journey was finding true peace when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior!”
#LegendsNeverDie 🕊️🕊️🕊️❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥✨✨✨🐺🐺🐺
No cause of death has been confirmed as we await the coroner report. Derrick was found in his bed in Fresno Ca. and appears to have passed in his sleep.”
Beyond his music, Aesop’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to new ventures. By 2021, he was hosting pop-up kitchens and dinners in the Bay Area, and he launched his own podcast, “Aesop’s Table,” which brought a creative twist to his love for food and conversation.
Despite the profound loss, The Living Legends members The Grouch, Souls of Mischief and CunninLynguists are preparing to honor their commitments to the annual How The Grouch Stole Christmas 2025 Tour. The tour is scheduled to kick off at the Roseland Theater in Portland, Oregon, on November 28, and conclude at The Complex in Salt Lake City, Utah, on December 20, 2025.
All The Links
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