Rappers killed by gun violence

The death of rapper Takeoff has shined a light on the amount of rappers killed by gun violence. Takeoff was a member of the rap group Migos. Takeoff’s death is […]

Rappers killed by gun violence


The death of rapper Takeoff has shined a light on the amount of rappers killed by gun violence. Takeoff was a member of the rap group Migos.

Takeoff’s death is the latest in a trend that stretches back to 2018. Each year since then, gun violence has killed at least one rapper who was either already famous or on the cusp of crossover fame.

Takeoff”s shocking murder in Houston is just one of many young talents who tragically lost their lives due to gun violence in the last few years.

2018: XXXTentacion 

Rapper XXXTentacion, also known as Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy poses for his mugshot after being charged with seven new felonies stemming from a 2016 domestic violence case. (Photo by Miami Dade County Corrections via Getty Images)

XXXTentacion was gunned down June 18, 2018, in an apparent robbery as he left a motorsports store in Deerfield Beach, Florida.

Four men were arrested in connection with the rapper’s killing. The 20-year-old was wildly popular at the time of his death. He rocketed to fame after his song, “Look at Me,” went viral on social media and SoundCloud in 2016.

The rapper was not without controversy: He was accused of homophobia after telling a story on a podcast of choking and severely beating a cellmate he suspected was gay while they both were housed in a juvenile detention center. He had also been awaiting trial for a domestic violence incident involving his pregnant girlfriend.

2019: Nipsey Hussle 

Rapper Nipsey Hussle attends the Warner Music Pre-Grammy Party at the NoMad Hotel on February 7, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: CraSH/imageSPACE/MediaPunch /IPX

Nipsey Hussle was fatally shot in March 2019 near a clothing store he owned. Shutterstock

Nipsey Hussle, an award-winning hip-hop artist was shot at least 10 times on March 31, 2019 in Los Angeles.

Authorities said Eric Holder fired the shots that killed Nipsey and wounded two other people. Holder, 32, was found guilty of first-degree murder in the rapper’s death.

Nipsey had been well-known on the underground circuit, and he was gaining a mainstream following just before his death.

A year earlier, he launched the first Marathon Clothing smart store in Los Angeles. Nipsey also owned The Marathon Agency marketing company, investment firm SC Commercial Ventures and the record labels Proud 2 Pay and All Money In No Money Out Records, according to Press Atlantic Records.

The 33-year-old was nominated for best rap album during the 2019 Grammys for the only studio album he ever released, “Victory Lap.” He lost to Cardi B.

Beyond his music and businesses, Nipsey was a member of the Rollin 60s Neighborhood Crips but spoke out against rappers who would boast of purported gang affiliations to stunt or look cool – not because he wished them any violence, but to remind them that for too many young people, joining a gang was about survival.

2020: Pop Smoke

Pop Smoke

New York rapper Pop Smoke was murdered during a home invasion at a Hollywood Hills, California, residence February 19, 2020. 

Several people were detained and released following the rapper’s death. Witnesses told investigators that between two and six people broke into the home, one of them wearing a mask, Los Angeles Police Department Capt. Steve Lurie said.

Five people were arrested in connection with the slaying, two of whom were identified as juveniles. 

The 20-year-old was enjoying the success of his sophomore mixtape, “Meet the Woo 2,” the week before his killing. The project debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 album charts.

2020: King Von

Rapper King Von was killed outside a hookah lounge in Atlanta, Georgia.

Rapper King Von was killed outside a hookah lounge in Atlanta, Georgia.Prince Williams/WireImage/Getty Images

Chicago rapper King Von was one of two people fatally shot November 6, 2020, during an early morning exchange of gunfire outside an Atlanta hookah lounge, authorities said.

Two groups of men had been arguing in a parking lot around 3:30 a.m. and shots were fired, authorities said. 

Four other people were wounded by gunfire, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which investigated the shooting because police officers also fired their weapons.

Timothy Leeks, 22, was arrested in connection with the rapper’s death. The Atlanta Police Homicide Unit had arrest warrants against Leeks for felony murder. Two other men were also taken into custody in connection to the shooting, according to CNN affiliate WXIA-TV.

A week before his death, Von had released his debut studio album, “Welcome to O’Block.” His posthumous sophomore album, “What It Means to Be King,” was released March 4, 2022, and debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart, according to Billboard

2021: Young Dolph 

LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 25: Rapper Young Dolph performs onstage at night four of the Late Night Concert during the 2017 BET Experience at The Novo by Microsoft on June 25, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)

Memphis-based rapper Young Dolph was fatally shot while buying cookies November 17, 2021. 

The 36-year-old rapper was at Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies in Memphis when someone drove up and shot him, police said at the time. 

Three men were arrested in connection with Dolph’s death. Authorities identified them as Justin Johnson, 23, Shondale Barnett, 27, and Cornelius Smith, 32.

Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis said additional arrests were possible as the investigation into Young Dolph’s death continues. Citizens’ tips were key in capturing the suspects, she said.

Dolph, a Chicago native who grew up in Memphis, released his debut album, “King of Memphis,” in 2016.

He went on to perform several hits, including “Blue Diamonds” and “RNB” featuring Megan Thee Stallion. His fifth studio album, 2020’s “Rich Slave,” rose to No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart.

In 2017, he was nearly killed in a shooting incident in Hollywood. He spent weeks hospitalized after sustaining three gunshot wounds.

2022: PnB Rock

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 22: PnB Rock attends the BET Awards Radio Broadcast Center at Microsoft Theater on June 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for BET)

Rapper PnB Rock was shot September 12 while eating with his girlfriend at Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘N Waffles in what appears to be a robbery, according to Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore. Notably, Moore said a picture of the pair’s meal had been posted on Instagram, with the location tagged.

In September, police announced they had charged three people in connection with the killing, including a father and his minor son, who were charged with murder, conspiracy to commit robbery and second-degree robbery, according to the local prosecutor. A woman was charged with being an accessory after the fact.

PnB Rock was climbing the Billboard charts back in 2016 … but his career, and life, were tragically cut short when he was shot and killed in September during a robbery at a Roscoe’s in Los Angeles.

Here’s a more exhaustive list:

AhkDaClicka1/08/202018Washington, USAShot and killed
Pop Smoke2/19/202020Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, LA, U.S.Shot and killed in a home invasion in Hollywood hills
Channel 5 Jdub2/24/202019Fort Worth, Texas U.S.Shot and killed
Mac P Dawg4/07/202023Los Angeles, California, U.S.Shot and killed
Greezy E5/02/202030Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Shot and killed
Nick Blixky5/10/202021Brooklyn, New York, U.S.Shot and killed
KJ Balla5/22/202023Brooklyn, New York, U.S.Shot and killed
Houdini5/26/202021Downtown Toronto, CanadaShot and killed
Big Squabble6/12/202020Carson, California, U.S.Shot and killed
Tray Savage6/19/202026UChicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Shot and killed
Bris6/21/202024Sacramento, California, U.S.Shot and killed
Huey6/25/202032Kinloch, Missouri, U.S.Shot and killed
Marlo7/12/202030Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.Shot and killed
FBG Duck8/04/202026Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Shot and killed by rival gang members
NH$ Jay Jay11/1/202020Ontario, CanadaShot and killed
Slutty Sonny9/07/202020Los Angeles, California, U.S.Car collision with multiple vehicles
BandGang Jizzle P9/23/202025Detroit, Michigan, U S.Shot and killed
King Von11/06/202026Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.Shot and killed by Lul Timm during confrontation with fellow rapper Quando Rondo outside a night club in Atlanta Georgia
MO311/11/202028Dallas, Texas, U.S.Shot and killed in a highway
Tripple Beanz11/27/202029Newark, New Jersey, U.S.Shot and killed
BandGang Paid Will12/01/202027Detroit, Michigan, U S.Shot and killed
Sticky1/2021JapanHeart attack
18veno1/23/202119Rock Hill, South Carolina, U.S.Shot and killed
Point91/26/2021Houston, Texas, U.S.Shot and killed
Mic Grippa1/31/202139West Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.Shot and killed
9ine Three32/07/202119Ridgeway, South Carolina, U.S.Shot and killed
Obe Noir3/08/202131Downtown Houston, Texas, U.S.Shot and killed
OG YD3/22/202137San Diego, California, U.S.Shot and killed
Remy4x5/21/202115Syracuse, New York, U.S.Shot and killed
Eastside Mulley5/23/202128Muskegon, Michigan, U.S.Shot and killed
Lil Loaded5/31/202120Dallas, Texas, U.S.Self-inflicted gunshot
OTF DThang6/05/202132Harvey, Illinois, U S.Shot and killed outside an strip club
Boosa Da Shoota6/18/202128Silver Hill, MD, U.S.Shot and killed
Indian Red Boy7/08/202121Hawthorne, California, U.S.Shot and killed
KTS Dre7/12/202131Cook County Department of Corrections, Illinois, U.S.Shot and killed
Boog The Bandit7/13/202126East Columbus, Ohio, U.S.Shot and killed
OuvyOuu7/20/2021Toronto, Ontario, CanadaHomicide
Gonzoe7/30/202145Harborview Medical Center | Seattle Hospital, Seattle, U.S.Shot and killed
Edai 6008/01/202132Chicago Medical Center, Illinois, U.S.Shot and killed by rival gang member
Mackazoe8/02/2021Montreal, Quebec, CanadaHomicide
FG Kidd8/06/202131Chicago, Illinois, USAShot and killed
YNT Juan8/10/202117Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.Shot and killed by rival gang member
YNC Capo8/15/202122South Memphis, TN, U.S.Shot and killed in a carjacking
BG Lotto8/31/202128Queens, New York, U.S.Shot and killed
Lito10/16/202120Ottawa, Ontario, CanadaShot and killed
Einar10/21/202119Hammarby Sjöstad, SwedenShot and killed
Young Dolph11/17/202136Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.Shot and killed while picking up cookies for his mother
Slim 40012/09/202133Inglewood, California, U.S.Shot and killed
Drakeo The Ruler12/18/202128Los Angeles, California, U.S.Stabbed to death
Boo Cash12/31/202125Canton, Ohio, U.S.Shot and killed
J $tash1/01/202228Temple City, California, U.S.Murder-suicide
Jaino Jay1/02/202219Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.Shot and killed
Trapp Baby1/08/202223Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.Shot and killed
YKFY Keyz1/08/202230Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.Shot and killed
2P’s1/09/202228National City, California, U.S.Shot and killed
Keith Drako1/09/202228Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.Shot and killed
Mr Mobb K1/10/2022Colonial Heights, Virginia, U.S.Shot and killed
Earl Swavey1/10/202226Los Angeles, California, U.S.Shot and killed
Jigavelii1/11/202223Towson, Maryland, USAShot and killed
Wavy Navy Pooh1/15/202228Miami, Florida, U.S.Shot and killed in an ambush
Shooter4481/16/202226Tampa, Florida, U.S.Shot and killed
JordanDrBaby1/16/202221Hampton, Virginia, U.S.Shot and killed
900 Kali1/18/202226Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.Shot and killed
Trust Rik1/22/2022The Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.Shot and killed
Herkules1/22/202228Detroit, Michigan, U.S.Shot and killed
Push Almighty1/27/202232Wilmington, North Carolina, U.S.Shot and killed
Nano1k1/27/202220Austin, Texas, U.S.Shot and killed
CVO1/27/202219Cedar Rapids, Iowa, U.S.Shot and killed
Wavy Money1/27/202230Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.Shot and killed
Bosmane Tae1/28/2022Macon, Georgia, U.S.Shot and killed
TDott Woo2/01/202222Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.Shot and killed
Fetti Gz2/02/202222Swanton, Vermont, U.S.Shot and killed
C-Hii Wvttz2/06/202218Brooklyn, New York, NY, U.S.Shot and killed
Dimz2/07/202218Enfield, London, England, U.K.Stabbed to death after performing 1st show
Seewright2/07/202226Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.Shot and killed
414 Lil Moe2/08/202226Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.Shot and killed
Koryy3x2/12/202213Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.Shot and killed
SJ Groovy2/12/202219Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.Shot and killed
Kid Cavi2/13/202227Murfreesboro, Tennessee, U.S.Shot and killed
Rundown Dre2/19/202217Chesapeake, Virginia, U.S.Shot and killed
Bangfield2/20/202233Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.Shot and killed
Alief 3602/25/202239Houston, Texas, U.S.Shot and killed
TrueBleeda2/25/202218Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.Shot and killed
Snootie Wild2/26/202236Houston, Texas, U.S.Shot and killed
Cashout Geo3/01/202219Brampton, Ontario, CanadaShot and killed
Big Glockoh3/04/2022Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.Shot and killed
Goonew3/08/202224District Heights, Maryland, U.S.Shot and killed
PMF Adrian3/12/202221Oxnard, California, U.S.Shot and killed
Chimba3/14/202218Easton, Pennsylvania, U.S.Shot and killed
Audi 06A3/16/202224Newark, New Jersey, U.S.Shot and killed
Baby Cino3/16/2022Miami, Florida, U.S.Shot and killed
GuwapDaWiz3/17/2022Miramar, Florida, U.S.Shot and killed
020PnlMal3/23/2022York, Pennsylvania, U.S.Shot and killed
Schoolcraft Bone Consistent3/23/2022Redford Charter Township, Michigan, U.S.Shot and killed
Tum Gotti3/25/2022Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.Shot and killed
TMH FreeThrow3/28/202220Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.Shot and killed
Neeko Huncho3/29/2022Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Drugs overdose
AB DA KID3/31/202219San Antonio, Texas, U.S.shot and killed
Cokeboy Flip3/31/2022The Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.Shot and killed
Young Tonka4/02/202230Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S.Shot and killed
Archie Eversole4/03/202237DeKalb County, Georgia, U.S.Shot and killed by brother
K Smigz4/03/202220San Francisco, California, U.S.Shot and killed
2k50 Ruga4/06/202225Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.Shot and killed
Hoodbaby Tae4/09/202221China Grove, North Carolina, U.S.Shot and killed
FNN Capone4/09/202220Hammond, Indiana, U.S.Shot and killed
Slik4ever4/14/202225Stillwater, Oklahoma, U.S.Shot and killed
Wiimane4/15/202225Montpelier, Virginia, U.S.Car accident
DJ Kay Slay4/17/202255New York, New York, U.S.COVID-19
Johnny May Cash4/17/202227Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Shot and killed
RaeqwonThaChef4/17/202225Petersburg, Virginia, U.S.Shot and killed
Lil Mid4/24/202218LaGrange, Georgia, U.S.Shot and killed
Viggie Versace4/25/202235Kalamazoo, Michigan, U.S.Shot and killed
Lil Eloe4/27/202223Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.Shot and killed
Money D4/28/202222Brampton, Ontario, CanadaShot and killed
ABM Flexx5/01/202225Greenville, South Carolina, U.S.Shot and killed
Tidewater Sunny5/01/202229
Fresco Don5/02/2022Miami, Florida, U.S.drive by shooting
Haarlem Starr5/05/202234New York City, New York, USAShot and killed
Dutch Capital5/05/202233Bowie, Maryland, U.S.Shot and killed
YNMM Benjee5/07/202226Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Shot and killed
Draxo5/12/202220Chester, Virginia, U.S.Shot and killed
Lil Keed5/13/202224Los Angeles, California, U.S.Organ failure
Grindhead Mack5/17/202219Arlington, Texas, U.S.Shot and killed
PGE Longway5/23/202220Fairmont, North Carolina, U.S.Shot and killed
Lul Tys5/23/202220Citrus Heights, California, U.S.Shot and killed
23 Rackz5/26/202216Shipley Terrace, Washington, U.S.Shot and killed
Bossdawn5/29/202230Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.Shot and killed
FYB Trigga5/30/202225Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Shot and killed
Fazzo105ive5/31/202219Virginia Beach, Virginia, U.S.Shot and killed
Pip Cartier6/04/202229Richmond, Virginia, U.S.Shot and killed
Trouble6/05/202234Rockdale County, Georgia, U.S.Shot and killed
FBG Cash6/10/202231Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Shot and killed by rival gang members
Moneygang Vontae6/11/202227The Bronx, New York, U.S.Shot and killed in a pharmacy
Guwop Gumbo6/11/202224Rochester, New York, U.S.Shot and killed
Bmob Tmeezy6/11/202223Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.Shot and killed
Rah Muney6/12/202222Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.Shot and killed
320 Popout6/13/202221Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.Shot and killed
Back Door Glocka6/18/202219Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.Shot and killed
JmoneyLiTT6/20/202222Suffolk, Virginia, U.S.Shot and killed
Johnnie Bontae6/28/202227Los Angeles, California, U.S.Shot and killed
Y.B. (Yeloboi)7/01/202229Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Shot and killed
Mdot7/02/2022Bronx, New York, U.S.Shot and killed
Jackboy Lil Don7/02/202231Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Shot and killed
Kay Hollywood7/03/202227Albany, New York, U.S.Shot and killed
Lil Travieso7/07/202219Pikes Peak, Colorado, U.S.Car crash, shot and killed
Trey Gzz7/08/202217Spring Valley, New York, U.S.Shot and killed
Notti Osama7/09/202214New York, NY, U.S.Stabbed to death
Snoopy Blue7/09/202245Los Angeles, California, U.S.Shot and killed
Ms. Me7/09/202232Houston, Texas, U.S.Shot and killed
Flyy Shaun7/11/202228Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Shot and killed
ZBG Painter7/13/202220Chesapeake, Virginia, U.S.Shot and killed
YB Stainz7/16/202224Toronto, CanadaShot and killed
YKE Flossin7/19/202214East Harlem, New York, U.S.Shot and killed
Ray Gz7/21/202218Bronx, New York, U.S.Shot and killed
KC Hardy7/21/202219Winter Garden, Florida, U.S.Shot and killed
Rollie Bands7/22/202235Tampa, Florida, U.S.Shot and killed
JayDaYoungan7/27/202224Bogalusa, Louisiana, U.S.Shot and killed
Troop BP7/28/202228Conroe, Texas, U.S.Shot and killed
Bush2k3k7/31/202223Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.Shot and killed
Da Real Montana8/01/202234Wichita Falls, Texas, U.S.Shot and killed
Niah J8/03/202222Sacramento, California, U.S.Shot and killed
Payyso8/04/202219Stockton, California, U.S.Shot and killed
Young Slo-Be8/05/202229Manteca, California, U.S.Shot and killed
NoNameJay8/05/202221North Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S.Shot and killed
Ty Savv8/07/202218Queens, New York, USAShot and killed
Purp10k8/07/202228Hampton, Virginia, U.S.Shot and killed
Maestro Yek8/11/202245Miami, Florida, U.S.Misfired Gun
R3 Chopz8/12/202221Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.Shot and killed
Jaah SLT8/13/202222Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.Shot and killed
FOE Meexhie8/13/202219Lexington, Kentucky, U.S.Shot and killed
Tr3vaj8/14/202218Atlantic Beach, Florida, U.S.Shot and killed
Trill Black8/23/202224Washington D.C., U.S.Shot and killed
TKorStretch8/30/202221Notting Hill, LondonStabbed to death
BCE KG9/03/2022Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Shot and killed
Pat Stay9/04/202236Halifax Regional Municipality, CanadaStabbed to death
M Lo9/04/202232London, U.K.Shot and killed
Chris Kaba9/05/202224Streatham, South London, United KingdomShot and killed by police mistaken identity
Maximilian Kusi-Owusu9/06/202229Kensington, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.Shot and killed
Quenzell Bradley9/08/2022Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.Shot and killed
FreeBand Roc9/08/202227Goldsboro, North Carolina, U.S.Shot and killed
Flyledo9/10/202233Toledo, Ohio, U.S.Shot and killed
PnB Rock9/12/202230Los Angeles, California, U.S.Fatally shot and killed during robbery at L.A. Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles
MTK BluHunned9/12/202234Hollywood, Florida, U.S.Shot and killed
Dex Krueger9/14/202220San Francisco, California, U.S.Died in hospital 6 days after being shot
ShonneBaaaby9/14/2022Richmond, Virginia, U.S.Shot and killed
GI Joe OMG9/20/202233South Los Angeles, California, U.S.Unknown
Seven7Hardaway9/20/202233Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.Shot and killed
Young A Stunnin9/20/202221Downtown Montreal, CanadaShot and killed
LonnieDaGoat9/21/202224Cherry Hill, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.Shot and killed
Pape9/21/202231Portsmouth, Virginia, U.S.Shot and killed
BFG Straap9/22/202222Dallas, Texas, U.S.Shot and killed
Kyngyetta9/22/202219St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
Kee Riches9/24/202223Compton, California, U.S.Shot and killed
Lotta Cash Desto9/24/202222West Houston, Texas, U.S.Shot and killed
FlashKDai9/24/202222Portsmouth, Virginia, U.S.Shot and killed
Donny Smoove9/25/202217The Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.Shot and killed
Petealino YNG9/25/202222West Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.Shot and killed
Jlow BG9/26/202223Washington, D.C., U.S.Shot and killed
Flash Zop10/02/202223Montgomery, Alabama, U.S.Shot and killed
Yee witda Glee10/5/202229North Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.Shot and killed
44BabyLilNubi10/07/202217Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.Shot and killed
WopWitDaChop10/07/202217Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.Shot and killed
Lil Mooshy10/12/2022Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.shot and killed
14 Shots10/12/202219Brooklyn, New York, New York, U.S.Shot and killed
LokoBoko10/17/2022Henrico, Virginia, U.S.Shot and killed
YPC Rayyy10/20/202218Norfolk, Virgnia, U.S.shot and killed
Giddy10/25/2022Ilford, London, U.K.Shot and killed
Boogie Nation10/26/202229New Rochelle, New York, U.S.Shot and killed
Perm10/30/2022Brixton, London, U.K.Shot and killed
WopTalks10/30/2022Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.Shot and killed
Takeoff11/1/202228Houston, Texas, U.S.Fatally shot over a dice game