Masta Killa

Birth Name: Elgin Evander Turner

Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Birth: August 18, 1969

Ethnicity: African-American

Masta Killa is an American rapper. He is a member of hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan. He is also known as High Chief, Jamel Irief, and Noodles. He is also a solo artist. Other members of Wu-Tang Clan also include/have included GZA, Method Man, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Raekwon, and RZA.

Masta Killa is the son of Janie Dix, who was born in South Carolina, and Calvin Turner, who was born in New York City.

Masta Killa’s paternal grandfather was Sterling Turner (the son of John Turner and Florence Gray). Sterling was born in Virginia.

Masta Killa’s paternal grandmother was Marie Gay (the daughter of Ernest Gay and Lula Davis). Marie was born in North Carolina. Ernest was the son of Granville Gay and Emeline Little. Lula was the daughter of Walter Davis/Davidson and Cornelia Gibson.

Masta Killa’s maternal grandfather was E.W. Dix (the son of Jeremiah Dix and Minnie Haigler). E.W. was born in South Carolina.

Masta Killa’s maternal grandmother was Ruby Bookhardt (the daughter of David Bookhardt and Janie McKune). Ruby was born in South Carolina.

In the documentary Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men, Masta Killa’s father claims to be related to Marvin Gaye through his mother, Marie Gay. This has not been verified or documented. All of Masta Killa’s traceable ancestors through the Gay line were born in North Carolina. None of Marvin Gaye’s documented ancestors were born in North Carolina. In the same documentary, Masta Killa’s father also claims to be a descendant of Nat Turner, an African-American slave who led a famed rebellion against slaveowners in 1831. This also has not been verified or documented.

Sources: Genealogy of Marie Gay – https://www.familysearch.org

Article in which Masta Killa claims to be Marvin Gaye’s cousin – https://hiphopdx.com

Genealogy of Masta Killa’s mother – https://www.familysearch.org

Obituary of Masta Killa’s mother – https://thetandd.com