Being a rapper can be one of the deadliest jobs in the world, and we’re diving into some of the most shocking and tragic stories behind the brutal deaths that have rocked the rap industry.
In 2022, Takeoff’s murder in Houston shocked everyone. He was at a birthday party with Quavo and the Prince family when a dice game outside a bowling alley turned into a fatal shooting. Despite a nurse’s efforts to help, Takeoff was pronounced dead at the scene. Weeks later, the police arrested Lil Cam and Patrick Xavier Clark, with Clark now facing life in prison. The case is complicated by the fact that many witnesses refuse to cooperate, but there’s enough footage to likely secure a conviction if Clark goes to trial.
Another high-profile tragedy was the death of XXXTentacion in 2018. After withdrawing $50,000 from a bank and heading to a motorcycle shop, he was followed by a group of men who eventually ambushed and murdered him. Despite rumors that Drake was involved, it was ultimately Dedrick Williams, Michael Boatwright, Robert Allen, and Trayvon Newsome who were convicted. Boatwright, who fired the fatal shot, received a life sentence.
Pop Smoke’s ascent in the rap world was cut tragically short in 2020 when he was killed during a home invasion in Los Angeles. His social media posts had inadvertently revealed his location, leading to a break-in by armed robbers who shot him during a struggle. Several suspects, including two minors, were arrested, with one minor admitting to the shooting and others still awaiting trial.
Toronto’s Houdini was gunned down in 2020 while shopping in a well-to-do area, showing that violence can strike anywhere. Surveillance footage helped identify getaway driver Klay Hobs, who claimed Jack Lore was the shooter. However, Lore was killed before police could confirm his involvement. A teenager later went to trial for Houdini’s murder but details remain scarce due to the suspect’s age.
Chicago’s FBG Duck was killed in broad daylight in 2020 while shopping in a high-end neighborhood. Multiple shooters from rival gang O’Block were involved, allegedly incentivized by a bounty from King Von. All suspects face life sentences. Ironically, Duck’s death came just months before King Von himself was killed in Atlanta during an altercation with Quando Rondo’s crew.
Alabama’s Doe B, signed to T.I.’s label, was killed in 2013 at the Centennial Bar. A fight escalated into a shootout leaving Doe B and two others dead. Darius Thomas eventually pleaded guilty and received an 85-year sentence.
Lil Snupe, once mentored by Meek Mill, was killed at just 18 over a video game dispute. Tony Holden shot him during a heated argument while on bail for other charges. Though Holden was arrested, Snupe’s mother believes another man was responsible.
Chicago’s promising talent, L’A Capone, was ambushed and killed in 2013. He was targeted while leaving a studio and hit in the back and leg. The shooters had planned his murder and were later convicted, receiving lengthy sentences.
Chinx, a Queens rapper, was gunned down in 2015. The investigation revealed that a grudge held by Quincy Homere from a prison fight years earlier led to his death. Both Homere and his accomplice face murder charges.
Atlanta’s Bankroll Fresh was killed in a wild shootout outside a studio in 2016 following a dispute with fellow rapper No Plug. Despite the chaotic scene and multiple shooters, the police ruled it as self-defense.
NBA YoungBoy and G Money’s beef resulted in G Money’s murder in 2017, ordered by YoungBoy’s associate NBA Pap. Pap eventually took a plea deal, getting a five-year sentence instead of facing trial and a possible heftier sentence.
Toronto’s Smoke Dawg was killed in 2018 after an altercation outside a nightclub. The shooter, 21 Neat, and his accomplice fired multiple rounds, killing Smoke Dawg on the spot, earning Neat a life sentence.
New Orleans’ Young Greatness was shot in 2018 outside a Waffle House in a robbery set up by supposed friends. His killers were eventually tracked down through surveillance footage and confessions.
Nipsey Hussle’s death in 2019 was a colossal loss for the community. He was shot outside his store by Eric Holder, who felt disrespected after Nipsey warned him about snitching rumors. Holder was later sentenced to 60 years in prison.
Veno Gunna was shot in St. Louis after confronting a man who was harassing his niece. Despite claims of self-defense from the shooter, he was booked for second-degree murder.
E.B.E. Bandz was brutally murdered in 2019 by three men waiting for him at a house. After beating him to death, they tried to cover up their crime, but all were eventually convicted, receiving lengthy sentences.
Mo3’s affair with a woman led to his murder by a jealous ex. Both suspects await trial, with one already serving time for other charges.
Young Dolph’s murder in Memphis ignited speculations of Yo Gotti’s crew’s involvement. Several men have been arrested, with one having connections to Gotti’s brother. The investigation continues.
Snootie Wild, another Memphis rapper, was found dead under mysterious circumstances in 2022 in Texas. His family pushed for further investigation, leading to an arrest. The motive remains unclear.
Atlanta’s Trouble was killed in 2022 while staying at a woman’s house. Her ex-boyfriend broke in and shot Trouble during a confrontation. The ex-boyfriend is now facing felony murder charges.
Finally, the longstanding mystery of who killed Tupac took a turn when Keefe D was arrested years later after his own admissions. He revealed that the shooting was a retaliatory act led by Orlando Anderson. This new development brings closure to one of rap’s most infamous murders.
These stories highlight the brutal and often senseless violence that has claimed so many promising lives in the rap industry. Each case underscores the dangers that come with fame in an environment where street ties and rivalries can turn deadly.
