Help Lay Tshoma “Taco Bops” Pugh to Rest

Please Help Us Bury a Chicago Hip-Hop Legend in Glory

We are raising $9,000 to honor the final wish of Tshoma Pugh—better known as “Taco Bops”—a true Chicago icon in Hip-Hop, Hip House, and House Music culture.

️ ABOUT TSHOMA “TACO BOPS” PUGH

Tshoma Pugh wasn’t just a DJ, rapper, or performer. He was Chicago Hip-Hop history in motion. Known to the community as Taco Bops, he helped shape a sound, a scene, and a generation.

He helped create and host the legendary “Rap Down” on 107.5 WGCI, giving Chicago’s rising hip-hop voices a platform when few others would. From street battles to studio booths, Taco Bops brought fire and inspiration wherever he went.

He was deeply connected to some of the greatest in the game:

• KRS-One

• Naughty by Nature

• LL Cool J

• MC Lyte

• Slick Rick

• And countless other legends.

He was set to be Twista’s original hype man—a role that ultimately went to B-Hype, a close friend who still credits Taco Bops as an influence. Taco also inspired or worked alongside many of Chicago’s elite: Common, Crucial Conflict, Do or Die, Triple Darkness, DA Smart, Da Brat, Psychodrama, Rhymefest, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, and more.

He even discovered he was kin to Kanye. The city ran through his blood.

But Tshoma wasn’t only hip-hop—he was part of the Hip House movement, and was featured in the first Hip House music video to air on BET and MTV: “Free James Brown”, produced by Farley Jackmaster Funk, the King of House.

Later, he became part of the very DNA of Chicago House Music, hyping for Fast Eddie and producing original tracks for his close friend, Snake Rock aka Chicago Threez.

He was also an actor, appearing in several films as a background extra—a passion he shared with our father, Michael A. Pugh, known in the entertainment world as Mangelo.

He was a connector. A creator. A contributor. A brother in every sense of the word.

A FIGHTER TO THE VERY END

Tshoma lived with strength most can’t imagine.

After the passing of his beloved mother Beverly Smith, he suffered a stroke. From there came a long road of trials:

• Diabetes

• Paralysis on his right side

• Amputation of both legs

• Loss of vision in one eye

• And eventually, a life lived out in a nursing facility

And still…

He got up.

He smiled.

He recorded music.

He went to events.

He kept showing love to the community that gave him life.

Even as his body failed, his spirit never did.

He remained a staple in Chicago music and family life. He invested in others. He stayed present. He even took family to NASCAR events, supported local music, and worked on new projects up until the end.

‍‍ FAMILY, LEGACY & LOVE

Taco Bops was more than an artist—he was a proud father, a dedicated brother, and a man of deep loyalty and love.

He is survived by his three beautiful children:

• Tshoma Pugh Jr. (eldest son)

• Lyric (daughter)

• Zion (youngest son)

And his siblings:

• Michael Pugh (aka Zamir of Zamir Films LLC)

• Vaniah Pugh

Though Tshoma and I shared the same father, Michael A. Pugh (aka Mangelo), we grew up with different mothers and met later in life. But from that point on, something beautiful happened.

My mother, Bonnie J. Pugh, opened her heart and became a second mother to Tshoma, especially after he lost his own. She showed him the kind of love that helped bring healing to us all.

While our father remained present, it was through those years that my sister Vaniah, my mother Bonnie, and I built a deep and unshakable bond with Tshoma. And for me personally, that connection changed my life.

We shared a deep love for hip-hop, creativity, and Chicago storytelling. As a filmmaker, graphic artist, and founder of Zamir Films, I had already been creating—but Tshoma’s influence took my work to another level.

In fact, it was that connection that led me to create the now-celebrated Chicago Hip-Hop Collage, which is now displayed at the Chicago Hip-Hop Heritage Museum—a tribute to the culture my brother helped build.

Taco also held down a modest city job for many years—as a garbage truck driver serving the City of Chicago. He worked. He hustled. He never let pain stop him from giving.

He was loved by thousands, respected by generations, and admired by artists at every level.

WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP

Taco Bops always made one thing clear:

He wanted to be buried next to his beloved mother, Beverly Smith.

But we’re struggling to make that happen.

The total cost for his burial, plot, transportation, and headstone is approximately $9,000. We are doing everything we can, but we simply don’t have those funds. And while we are also looking into possible legal action against the nursing facility for suspected neglect—that will take time.

Right now, we need the community to help us honor a man who gave so much to it.

✊ PLEASE HELP US HONOR TACO BOPS

If you’ve ever:

• Heard his name

• Been inspired by his music

• Been touched by his smile or spirit

• Or respected the Chicago music scene—

We are asking you to give, and to share.

Even a donation of $5, $10, $20 will make a difference.

Even if you can’t give, please share this post with friends, artists, DJs, and fans across the world.

Let’s lay this legend to rest with the honor he deserves.

Let’s bury Tshoma “Taco Bops” Pugh next to his mother, just like he asked.

Let’s send him off in glory.

GOAL: $9,000

To cover:

• Funeral home and burial service

• Transportation and casket

• Headstone and cemetery plot beside his mother

• Ceremony for friends, fans, and family to say goodbye

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Your support means more than we can say.

Rest in Power, Tshoma “Taco Bops” Pugh.

A Chicago Hip-Hop legend. A father. A fighter. A king.

#TacoBops #ChicagoHipHopLegend #WGCI #FarleyJackmasterFunk #HipHousePioneer #HouseMusicIcon #ZamirFilms #RestInPower #HelpUsBuryAHero #SupportBlackLegends #ChicagoStrong #TrueOG #RIPTacoBops