LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), a member-supported public media network. Hear our news on-air at our partner site:
L.A. has lost a beloved community leader with the passing of West Coast rap pioneer and Skid Row activist Jeff Page, better known as General Jeff. After suffering a stroke earlier this month, he was taken off life support last week and passed away on Saturday.
General Jeff made his name in hip-hop in the 80s and 90s, most notably as hype man for the duo Rodney O and Joe Cooley and then as bodyguard and assistant to DJ Quik.
News of his passing spread late last week with tributes coming from community members, politicians, and hip hop stars.
I am saddened to learn about the passing of General Jeff, one of the most dedicated advocates for the Skid Row community and a fierce leader in the fight for housing and services for those in need. His legacy will endure in the ongoing fight for justice for unhoused Angelenos. pic.twitter.com/KIRPZ4fepH
— Kevin de Leόn (@kdeleon) October 23, 2021
Sad news about the passing of General Jeff. Good dude who spent a lot of time looking out for the less fortunate. pic.twitter.com/eooNSVmJUq
— Ice Cube (@icecube) October 22, 2021
In 2006, he moved to Skid Row and became a neighborhood activist, advocating for better city policies towards unhoused people. He served on the CA Office of Health Equity Advisory Committee where he spoke on behalf of Skid Row residents and in 2017 he led a campaign to create an official Skid Row Neighborhood Council, which was ultimately defeated by downtown voters.
He also created the popular 3 on 3 basketball league in Gladys Park. “He saw the people as a community and wanted to do things and give people positive alternatives in the community,” recalled longtime friend and fellow organizer Pastor Cue of The Row Church.
He first met General Jeff in 1988 when both were active in the hip hop scene. General Jeff did so much to unite Skid Row that he became known as its unofficial mayor. “Mayors touch so many aspects of the community, “said Pastor Cue. “That may be his legacy. . . The mayor of Skid Row.”