Ryan Mitchell Wood, also known as Woodie (November 20, 1975 – March 7, 2007), was a prominent rapper and music producer from

Antioch, California Antioch is the third-largest city in Contra Costa County, California, United States. Located in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area along the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta. The city's population was 115,291 at the 2020 Unite ...

. In 1997, Wood initiated his own music label, East Co. Co. Records. Following this, he finalized his first solo album, "Yoc Influenced," which was released in 1998. Alongside D-Small as the executive producer, Wood's label put out its inaugural compilation, "Northern Expozure Vol. 1," in 1999, featuring the standout track "Norte Sidin." He was recognized for his fast-paced style and introspective lyrics, often reflecting on real-life experiences and dilemmas. Woodie's music, which included references to gang life, violence, and personal conscience, resonated with many fans and offered a platform for other emerging artists. Woodie was a member of the

Norteños Norteños (Spanish: meaning ''Northerners''; ''Norteñas'' for females) are the various, affiliated gangs that pay tribute to Nuestra Familia while in California state and federal correctional facilities. Norteños may refer to Northern Calif ...

street gang, and in 1995, a fellow member and friend of Woodie's named Gabriel "Snoop" Roberson, was connected to homicide that took place, and ultimately tried and convicted on four counts of attempted murder, and one count of murder. Roberson denied committing the murders, and his case obtained notability due to Woodie's references of the events and proclamation that "Snoop" was innocent. In 2020, the case was examined for a parol hearing, after Gabriel "Snoop" Robberson brought up a lack of evidence, and despite fans of Woodie speculating that "Snoop" took the fall for a crime Woodie may have been committed, the parolle board denied Robberson's parole requests. In 2007, Woodie's life came to a tragic end under circumstances that are still not entirely clear. While some reports suggest he took his own life in

Florence, Oregon Florence is a coastal city in Lane County, in the U.S. state of Oregon. It lies at the mouth of the Siuslaw River on the Pacific Ocean and about midway between Newport and Coos Bay along U.S. Route 101. As of the 2020 census, the city had a to ...

, official records to confirm these details have not been located. Woodie's death left a deep impact on his friends, family, and fans, and even years later, the pain of his loss is still felt among those who knew him and appreciated his work. In 2018, a memorial headstone installed at Holy Cross Cemetery in Antioch in honor of Woodie was reported stolen. This headstone, while not containing his remains, served as a significant place for his loved ones to connect with his memory. The theft of the headstone was met with shock and sadness from his community, who viewed it as a deeply disrespectful act.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wood, Ryan Mitchell 1975 births 2007 deaths People from Antioch, California