Shooting death of rapper PnB Rock inside Los Angeles restaurant sends shockwaves through Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The music industry is mourning the death of a famous rapper from Philadelphia, PnB Rock. He was shot and killed while eating at a Los Angeles restaurant.
If you're unfamiliar with PnB Rock, he's a hybrid rapper/r&b singer who worked with some of the biggest names in music - everyone from Ed Sheeran to Nicki Minaj to Meek Mill.
Rakim Hasheem Allen, better known by his stage name PnB Rock, grew up in Germantown at the intersection of Pastorius and Baynton Streets, thus the name PnB Rock.
According to multiple reports, he was eating at well-known Roscoe's Chicken and waffles in Los Angeles when the shooting occurred. His girlfriend posted a picture of their meal on one of her social media accounts and geo-tagged their location.
According to the L.A. Police Department, a suspect pulled a gun inside the restaurant and reportedly demanded the rapper's jewelry.
Officers say the suspect then shot PnB Rock before running out the side door to a getaway car.
PnB Rock was rushed to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead just before 2 p.m. Pacific Time.
Eyewitness News talked with a young girl in Philadelphia who feels his death is a very sad situation.
"I think it's a very sad situation and he shouldn't have went out like that. We have about three or four different rappers that come from Philadelphia so I think that he means a lot to Philadelphia," the girl said.
The rapper's death is drawing viral attention across social media. Philadelphia's own mayor, Jim Kenney, tweeted about PnB Rock's death, noting the country has a "gun problem."
"This is yet another heartbreaking example of someone's talent, potential, and life tragically cut short by gun violence. America has a gun problem, and we need reform now. Rest in peace, PnB Rock," Kenney tweeted.
Meek Mill, also a famous Philadelphia rapper, posted on social media about PnB Rock's death.
"Rip dawg you didn't deserve that…. Every time I see one of my friends bleed out on camera or killed on camera, I feel a sick feeling I can't even really explain… it puts me more and more back in survival mentality!" Meek tweeted.
Philadelphia athletes and a local lawmaker also expressed their condolences online.
"RIP @PnBRock #Philly," Eagles Lane Johnson tweeted.
"Prayers up PnB Rock," Sixers Tobias Harris tweeted.
"Rest well! @PnBRock He moved to L.A. to chill and get away from his environment, and to enjoy and pursue his music career. When I met him at a "Stop the Violence Rally' at Audenreid H.S. he was a very respectful young man. Sad loss for our City," Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson tweeted.
Messages of mourning can even be heard from across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy tweeted: "Saddened by the passing of rapper PnB Rock, who died earlier today due to a senseless act of gun violence."
PnB Rock just released his latest single "Luv Me Again," 10 days ago on Sept. 3.
He leaves behind two young daughters and was just 30 years old.
