One thing that family and friends would agree on about Joseph Lee is that he was a dedicated student. Joseph loved learning, and even though he did not stay in a regular school setting, he did get his GED and never stopped teaching himself new things.
He enjoyed recording happenings in his community and loved learning languages so he could communicate with more of his neighbors. He taught himself to speak Spanish fluently just by frequenting the Poppy stores in his neighborhood. He was also learning Chinese or Korean the same way.
“He was smart, and he was a good dad,” said Emerald Black, the mother of his son, Jayir. Even though they were no longer in a relationship, she made it clear that he loved Jayir. “He had a great sense of humor,” she added. He made her laugh when their son was born and he told her the boy had “an upside-down teardrop head.”
Like many other young Black males, he hoped that his love of rapping would move him forward to a great career. He was well known in his community. People called him “Trapper the Rapper.” Joseph liked battle-rapping, making videos, and he had established himself on Instagram. He was in the process of making a demo and had plans to travel and promote it.
Joseph wanted a better life for his future but on March 24, 2021, he was shot multiple times outside a gas station on the 2100 block of East Allegheny Avenue. A suspect was apprehended and charged on Dec. 2, 2021.
Joseph was born January 29,1989 in South Philadelphia. Since he was quite a bit younger than his brother and three sisters, he grew up in North Philadelphia, living on East Madison Street around his nieces and nephews who were closer to his age.
Joseph held various jobs including one as a home health aide. In addition to getting his GED, another proud moment in his life came when he graduated from Thompson Institute as a medical assistant. Joseph was street savvy and loved being around people.
Besides his son, Joseph also had two daughters. Whenever possible, he made every effort to spend time with them.
Jayir, now a teenager, has fond memories of his father.
“There was some special stuff I liked doing with him, like going shopping or out to eat. It was always fun. I liked spending time with him. He would always give me advice and tell me to take care of my sisters. That made me smile.”
Even though “Trapper the Rapper” loved the streets, being a Christian kept him grounded when it came to family. They meant a lot to him, so he took it hard when his dad died in 2007. He then became the man of the house since illness had put his mother in a wheelchair. She passed away in 2020.
Joseph owned any mistakes he made being involved in street life and still tried hard to set a good example for his children. “My dad was a great person,” Jayir said. “He cared about us and always took care of us. He was constantly supportive and always there for me. I was really lucky to have him as my dad.”
Funeral services for Joseph Lee were held on April 9, 2021. Joseph is survived by his son, two daughters, his brother, two sisters, nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.
Resources are available for people and communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Click here for more information.
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