Raz B And Wife Mona Li Mourn Loss Of 3-Month-Old Son

BY Erika Marie
Link Copied to Clipboard!
Screenshot 2026-09-10 at 3.23.41 PM
Raz B Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV54TurjV1M/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Family members are asking for privacy after Raz B and Mona Li announced the unexpected passing of their son Astro.

The infant son of Raz B and his wife, Mona Li, has died at three months old. A representative for the family confirmed Thursday that Astro Monte Thornton passed away unexpectedly earlier this week. A cause of death has not been disclosed.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Astro Monte Thornton,” the family said in a statement to TMZ. They also asked for privacy as Raz B, whose legal name is De’Mario Thornton, and Mona Li mourn their son.

The couple welcomed Astro in May and had openly shared their excitement about growing their family. Before his birth, the B2K singer posted that they were at the hospital preparing to welcome “another baby boy to the Thornton family.” Days later, an update shared through their older son Versai Carter Thornton’s account celebrated his new role as a big brother.

Read More: B2K's Raz B Joins The Cast Of "Love & Hip Hop Hollywood"

Raz B Celebrated Fatherhood With Astro Earlier This Summer

Fatherhood had remained a visible part of Raz B’s life in the months that followed. For Father’s Day in June, he and Mona shared a family post that included footage of him holding Astro and moments from the baby’s first weeks at home.

The loss comes during a busy period professionally for Raz B. B2K reunited for performances this year, including an appearance at the 2026 BET Awards, after the group announced plans for a 25th anniversary comeback. Still, the family’s statement made clear that they are now grieving privately.

No further details about Astro’s death have been released. Neither Raz B nor Mona Li had issued an individual public statement as of Thursday (September 10) afternoon, beyond the message shared through their representative.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming the Co-Head of Original Content. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, and Amy Luciani—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

Comments 0