Rapper PnB Rock was shot during a robbery at a restaurant in South Los Angeles on Sept. 12 and later pronounced dead, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to NBC News.
Born Rakim Hasheem Allen, the 30-year-old from Philadelphia first rose to fame with his 2015 single “Fleek.” In 2016, his hit song “Selfish” peaked at number 51 on the US Billboard Hot 100. He collaborated with YFN Lucci for the 2016 single “Everyday We Lit” which peaked at number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100. He also worked with many other well-known artists, like Ed Sheeran and Chance the Rapper. Fans of the Fast and the Furious saga might recognize his music from The Fate of the Furious soundtrack.
Just a week-and-a-half before he was shot and killed in an attempted robbery, rapper PnB Rock said in an interview that brazen robbery attempts have been taking place in Los Angeles. In an interview with DJ Akademiks on Sept. 2, he talked about rappers being seen as targets for robberies.
Allen said that in Los Angeles, brazen robberies have become common. “Where I’m from, we like sneaky criminals,” he said. “In L.A., it’s like they bold.”
Allen told a story about a time when he, his girlfriend, and his child were out in L.A. when a group of people followed them. He said in the interview that robbery attempts on rappers are becoming common, but he had not been robbed. “I never got robbed. Never in my life. I ain’t gon’ never say because I don’t like saying never… I’m not superstitious or anything like that… but I haven’t been robbed,” he said.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of Rakim Hasheem Allen, an incredible artist in Los Angeles and everywhere,” the restaurant posted to Instagram. “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. The safety of our employees and guests is our utmost priority. We have and will continue to keep our place of business as safe as possible.”
According to multiple reports, the rapper’s girlfriend posted a photo of her food at Roscoe’s and tagged the restaurant just minutes before the robbery. Authorities believe that is how the suspect knew where to find Rock, and police are investigating whether that is what prompted the attack.
