Platinum-selling rapper and new wave forefather PnB Rock has passed away after being shot in a robbery attempt on Monday (Sept. 12).
Occurring at Roscoe’s House of Chicken N’ Waffles in Los Angeles, Rock was the only victim in the broad-daylight shooting that initially left him in critical condition. However, just hours after the shooting, he succumbed to his injuries per a report from the Los Angeles Times. He was only 30-years-old.
Initially, it was thought that Rock’s girlfriend solely posted their whereabouts in a now-deleted Instagram post, which presumably prompted the shooter. However, these claims were disputed in a FOX 11 report, though, as the rapper also posted on his IG as well ahead of the shooting. He also spoke on previous robbery attempts to him in a recent interview with DJ Akademiks.
Additionally, an eyewitness video is circulating on social media that displays PnB Rock writhing in pain from his injuries. Philadelphia reporter Doc Louallen — who initially broke this news — encouraged users to not post the clip due to its gruesome nature.
Born Rakim Hasheem Allen, his highest-charting album, Catch These Vibes, and his renowned single on The Fate of the Furious album “Horses” elevated PnB to the highest of acclaim in 2017. With the ability to both turn up and slow things down, PnB has continuously managed to think outside the box with each new release — putting on for the next generation of artists in the same vein.
On his 2019 effort TrapStar Turned Popstar, Rock assembled a charismatic cast of characters that not only highlighted his refined star power, but proved he was able to operate at the top of his game for years to come. While Rock has collaborated with a slew of top talents in Lil Yachty, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Ty Dolla $ign, XXXTENTACION, Trippie Redd, Wiz Khalifa and more, his most recent feature on Tyla Yaweh’s “Do No Wrong” is a perfect example of his relevance and longevity.
We spoke with PnB Rock earlier this year, as he and OGM host Hakeem Rowe discussed his underground-focused project SoundCloud Daze, his signees in HEEM and Tennisboywill as well as his plans to educate the next gen of artists in ways that he wasn’t.
I’d school them on how to keep their independence, if it were up to me. Now knowing everything that I know, I’d want to give them advice that others didn’t tell me as far as deals, labels… everything I do, I just give them the blueprint. Telling them the pros and cons of this, I got some time in with this shit.”
PnB Rock to OGM
OGM sends our thoughts and prayers to PnB Rock’s loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time.
Rest In Peace, PnB Rock.
