Yolanda Rose "LaLa" Brown, born on May 20, 1986, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was an American R&B singer who quickly captivated audiences with her soulful voice and undeniable talent. Known for her feature on the hit song "S.E.X." with Lyfe Jennings, which reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and peaked at No. 37 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2006, LaLa was poised to make a significant mark on the music industry. Tragically, her life and burgeoning career were cut short when she and her record producer, JeTannue "Kool-Aid" Clayborn, were murdered on October 19, 2007, in Milwaukee. Despite years of investigations, their case remains unsolved.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born to Maria and William Brown, LaLa was the youngest of five children in a close-knit family. Her mother, of Mexican descent, and her African American father always encouraged her creativity. From an early age, it was clear LaLa had a gift for entertaining. Her parents recall that she would sing and dance around the house from the moment she could walk. By the age of 11, she was singing professionally, adopting the stage name "Pre-mere," performing at weddings, and later, local bars around Milwaukee.
LaLa attended Milwaukee High School of the Arts, where she honed her craft. In 2002, at the age of 16, she became a mother to her daughter, Amirah Airreal Brown. Despite the challenges of young motherhood, she remained determined to pursue her musical dreams. Her passion for music and her drive were evident to everyone who knew her.
Breakthrough with "S.E.X." and Touring with Lyfe Jennings
In the fall of 2005, LaLa made a pivotal decision to move to Atlanta, Georgia, in hopes of advancing her music career. She believed that the vibrant music scene in Atlanta would provide her with the opportunity to connect with the right artists, producers, and songwriters. Her persistence paid off when R&B singer-songwriter Lyfe Jennings asked her to collaborate on his song "S.E.X." The track, which became a hit, was a cautionary tale warning young girls about the dangers of unprotected sex. LaLa not only provided the vocals but also appeared in the music video, earning her widespread recognition.
Following the success of "S.E.X.", LaLa joined Jennings on tour, experiencing the thrill of performing for larger audiences. However, after a disagreement with Jennings, she parted ways and returned to Milwaukee in 2007, ready to forge her own path as a solo artist.
The Road to a Solo Career
Upon her return to Milwaukee, LaLa wasted no time in getting back to work. She began recording songs for her debut album, including tracks like "I'm Feeling It," "Rescue Me," and "Give Them What They Want." The latter song, believed by many to be autobiographical, captured LaLa's life experiences and her desire to succeed in the music industry. Although she was still in the early stages of her solo career, these tracks were released before her untimely death and remain a testament to her talent and potential.
A Tragic End
On October 19, 2007, LaLa and her producer and boyfriend, JeTannue "Kool-Aid" Clayborn, were found murdered at the Loud Enuff Productionz recording studio in Milwaukee. The discovery was made three days later, with authorities determining that the two had been shot and killed on October 19. Despite autopsies being performed, the results were never released to the public, leaving many unanswered questions about the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The double homicide sent shockwaves through Milwaukee's music community and beyond. LaLa, who was just 21 years old, had been on the cusp of breaking out as a solo artist, while Kool-Aid was known for his production work. Their deaths left a profound impact on their families, friends, and the music world.
LaLa's funeral was held on October 25, 2007, at the Mason Temple Church of God in Christ in Milwaukee, where hundreds of mourners, including Lyfe Jennings, gathered to pay their respects. She was laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery in Milwaukee.
The Unsolved Case
As the years passed, the investigation into LaLa Brown and JeTannue Clayborn's murders has gone cold, despite the case being featured on America's Most Wanted in February 2010 and TV One's Celebrity Crime Files in 2012. The Milwaukee Police Department continues to search for leads, but no arrests have been made, and the case remains unsolved as of 2024.
The unsolved nature of the case only adds to the heartbreak felt by LaLa's loved ones and fans. Her daughter, family, and community are still waiting for justice. While LaLa’s life was tragically cut short, her music and memory continue to live on through those who knew her and through her lasting impact on R&B music.
A Legacy Cut Short
Yolanda Rose "LaLa" Brown’s life and career may have been tragically brief, but her voice and spirit left a lasting imprint. From her early beginnings in Milwaukee to her collaboration with Lyfe Jennings and her aspirations of solo stardom, LaLa was a young artist filled with promise and determination. While the world will never know the full extent of what she could have achieved, her music remains as a reminder of the talent she possessed.
Her story is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life, and the potential that can be snatched away in an instant. For now, the world continues to mourn the loss of a bright star and hopes for justice for LaLa and JeTannue.
Instagram: @lalabrownmusicRest in Power, LaLa Brown (1986–2007)
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