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Southland rapper M-Bone laid to rest
"Photos of Monte' "M-Bone" Talbert, taken from the obituary program's cover. M-Bone was laid to rest in Inglewood on May 27, 2011.
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Southland rapper M-Bone laid to rest
Southland rapper M-Bone laid to rest
More than 100 relatives, friends and fans said goodbye Friday to the Southland rapper who sparked a nationwide song and dance craze called "Teach Me How to Dougie." A drive-by shooting killed Monte' "M-Bone" Talbert outside a liquor store two weeks ago. The up-and-coming star left his fans with plenty of fun memories.
Silent footage on several large video screens at Faithful Central Bible Church reminded everyone present what M-Bone and members of his hip-hop group "Cali Swag District" became famous for: Doing the Dougie. A soloist in the sanctuary offered an a capella contrast to the images on the screen.
There was first lady Michelle Obama doing the dance. Pop star Justin Bieber, showing it off to Regis & Kelly. And talk show personality Wendy Williams taking her turn at it, too.
M-Bone was in the center of it all, with his wide smile. And his limber body contorting in all directions to the beat of the music.
A performer whose stage name is "Yung" was in the group with the late 22-year-old rapper. He choked up as he praised M-Bone from the pulpit.
"What I never got to tell him is, he taught me a lot."
Family friend and entertainer DJ Qwesscoast eulogized Talbert by encouraging unity among those he left behind.
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"He meant the world to the family and my condolences go out to the family," said Quesscoast. "Like I told the congregation, it's up to us to collect ourselves and no longer be individuals and be we the people."
M-Bone's grandmother Mary Philips said she was proud to help bring up M-Bone and his siblings. The audience laughed as she recalled asking the rapper to show her how to do - as she put it - that "boogie-oogie."
Los Angeles police have not identified who shot M-Bone to death on May 15th. They're asking any witnesses in the case to come forward.
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