report – New York Daily News

Singer Jewell Caples, who became known as the “First Lady of Death Row Records,” died Friday, according to a published report. She was 53.

Caples — who also went by Jewell Peyton, Ju-L, or more often simply Jewell — died at 5 a.m., according to Vibe, citing the former head of Death Row security Reggie Wright Jr.

No official cause of death was given.

Rapper and producer Daz Dillinger shared an emotional tribute on Instagram to his former Death Row labelmate.

“RIP, rest n peace, @iamjewellcaples.” Dillinger wrote in all caps, in a message punctuated by red-rose emoji.

“I’m sad. This really hurt but Jewell passes this morning. Wow Death Row for life. We gone miss yer classic music. Family over everything,” he added.

Earlier this year Caples posted a message on Instagram revealing a recent health scare that had almost taken her life.

“I was Hospitalized on March 2, 2022. Released on March 5, 2022 went home, 8lbs of fluid on my heart, lungs, and legs!” she wrote.

Breaking News

As it happens

Get updates on the coronavirus pandemic and other news as it happens with our free breaking news email alerts.

“Went back to hospital March 16th until Today March 21, 2022. I Almost Died!,” Caples continued, adding that God had reversed her and extended her some grace.

“And gave me more time with my Family and Friends! Thank you JESUS for saving my life again! GOD IS REAL!” she wrote.

The Chicago-native signed with Death Row Records in 1992, and went on to appear in albums by Dr. Dre (“The Chronic”) and Snoop Dogg (“Doggystyle”).

In 1994, her rendition of Shirley Brown’s “Woman to Woman” peaked at No. 72 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and at No. 16 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart.

In 2015, she self-published a memoir, which she co-wrote with Felicia St. Jean, titled “My Blood My Sweat My Tears.”

A review on Good Reads calls her life story “heartbreaking.”

“She never really made it in the industry cause she got screwed over by shady record deal after record deal, especially from Suge Knight. She also went through a tremendous amount of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse from men she was romantically involved with. Heartwrenching but a great story!,” the reviewer wrote.