One incident can change the course of life. Before Bushwick Bill got shot in the eye, he didn’t think he had much to live for. He told us so in the lyrics of his 1992 hit “Ever So Clear.” Claiming the life of that of a misfit and outcast, he often questioned his purpose for living day-to-day. However, music and his personal story changed that for him. He found his purpose and everything became so clear.

Bang! A shot went off and right Bushwick Bill blind in one eye. Although he was blind, his vision was clear. “I had to lose an eye to see clearly,” he said in “Ever So Clear.”

That clarity allowed him to put Houston on the rap scene map, become a legend in the industry, and craft a wonderful life. Sadly, his life has been cut short due to Pancreatic Cancer. Bushwick Bill died at 52 in a Colorado hospital.

Born Richard Stephen Shaw in Kingston, Jamaica, he was small in stature standing just 3 feet 8 inches tall but he was tall in talent. The world came to know him in the 1980s as a member of the highly controversial rap group the Geto Boys. Know first for being the one with all the moves as a dancer named Little Billy. He transitioned to the front of the stage as one of the most recognizable MCs. Together with his bandmates Scarface and Willie D, they soared the charts to garner several certified albums and singles. Some outlets have even named them as one of the best rap groups of all-time. The Houston based group put the bayou city on the global music scene.

The rapper life was only part of Bushwick Bill. In 2006, he took on a different persona when he became a Christian. He furthered his Christian walk by attending Bible college and mentoring youth to learn from his life mistakes.

Another part was the family man. He was a husband and father. In his final days, it was his family that was on his mind. Working on new albums, book, and documentary he hoped these new projects would be some residual income for his family. "I noticed when most celebrities pass, they really don't have nothing set up for their children," he said to Billboard.com. "If I have new music, a book, and a documentary for them, I will have residual income from those things."

In February, Bushwick Bill revealed that he had Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer. At first, doctors thought the tumors were benign. He underwent intensive cancer treatment but succumb to the illness on June 9th.

“His family appreciates all of the prayers and support and are asking for privacy at this time,” a statement from the family said.

Pancreatic Cancer is when abnormal cells in the pancreas grow and divide to form a tumor. It can spread to the liver, abdominal wall, lungs, bones and/or lymph nodes.

Rest easy Bushwick Bill. Houston Style Magazine extends condolences to his family and friends.