Philadelphia rapper PnB Rock fatally shot while dining in L.A. restaurant with girlfriend
09/13/2022 12:50 pm PDT
LOS ANGELES (TCD) -- Philadelphia rapper PnB Rock, who became popular for his songs "Selfish" in 2016 and "Fleek" in 2015, was fatally shot at the Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles during a robbery earlier this week.
The death of the 30-year-old rapper, whose real name was Rakim Allen, was confirmed by Atlantic Records in an Instagram post. The company said, "PnB Rock was more than an artist. To many, Rakim Allen was a great friend. He was also a wonderful father to two beautiful little girls."
According to the Los Angeles Times, on Monday, Sept. 12, the rapper and his girlfriend were eating at Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles on Main Street and Manchester Avenue when the shooting took place at around 1:15 p.m. Los Angeles Police Capt. Kelly Muniz told the Los Angeles Times that a suspect revealed his firearm to PnB Rock and allegedly tried to rob the rapper of his jewelry.
According to KTLA-TV, the robber and PnB Rock began to argue before the suspect reportedly shot him multiple times, stole his valuables, and fled the scene in a waiting car. The rapper was transported to a hospital and later died at 1:59 p.m., KTLA reports.
No one else in the restaurant was hurt in the shooting.
Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles released a statement on Instagram that said, "We are deeply saddened by the death of Rakim Hasheem Allen, (also known as PnB Rock), an incredible artist in Los Angeles and everywhere. His passing represents an enormous loss to each and every one of us. Our most heartfelt condolences, thoughts, and prayers go to the Allen family at this difficult time."
Police have yet to identify any suspects, but they are reportedly reviewing surveillance video from the area. According to KTLA, police believe the suspect was able to find the rapper because his girlfriend posted an Instagram photo of the two at the famous restaurant, tagging the location.
PnB Rock reportedly collaborated with YFN Lucci for "Everyday We Lit," which came out in 2016 and hit number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100. He also worked with other famous artists and musicians, like Ed Sheeran and Chance the Rapper, KTLA reports.
According to the Los Angeles Times, before the fatal shooting, PnB Rock spoke about robberies in Los Angeles in a podcast episode of "Off the Record with DJ Akademiks." Someone reportedly tried to rob the rapper while he was out with his girlfriend and daughter on Fairfax Avenue. He also spoke about how he believes robbers are targeting rappers in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Times reports.
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