Deaf History Month 2012: Foxy Brown Suffers Loss, Bounces Back -- Video

Filed under: Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop News, Exclusive

Michael Loccisano, Getty Images

Wild antics and bold lyrics are synonymous with Foxy Brown but one aspect of her life that has slipped in and out of headlines is the rapper's past hearing struggles. The Brooklyn native, born Inga Marchand, experienced the sensory loss for a full year back in 2005.

The day after she posed for a XXL cover shoot with Jay-Z, LeBron James and Kanye West, Foxy revealed that she'd lost all hearing in both ears. Rather than expose her ailment, she went on to self-medicate for four months before disclosing her handicap to the masses. Granted she had ear surgery the following year and made a complete recovery, but for 12 months, the 'Ill Na Na' creator had to rely on those around her in the studio to tap her shoulder to the rhythm. She had gone deaf but that didn't stop her from working as if she could hear every snare, strum and cadence.

In honor of Deaf History Month -- March 13 to April 15 -- The BoomBox highlights the work of the MC who was once deaf. While we showcase noteworthy tracks from her own catalog, there are past collaborations as well. The rhymer faced trials and tribulations after enduring hearing loss, yet, in her own words, she was able to remain positive with support from her fans: "Through the rise and the fall, I love y'all."

Source: http://www.theboombox.com/2012/03/13/deaf-history-month-2012-foxy-brown/

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