Struck Down Too Soon: A Chronicle of Rappers Lost to Gun Violence Since 1996

29 year ago this week Tupac Shakur was shot & killed on the Las Vegas strip. This created the new norm we live in today of rappers losing life to gun violence every year. Let’s take a look…

Tupac Shakur (1996)

One of hip-hop’s most iconic figures, Tupac Shakur was fatally wounded in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996, and passed away six days later. His death remains unresolved, emblematic of the dark side of the East–West rivalry that shook the music industry. 

The Notorious B.I.G. (1997)

Just six months after Tupac, Biggie Smalls (Christopher Wallace) was killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997. His murder, like Tupac’s, remains unsolved and continues to fuel speculation and sorrow across generations. 

21st Century Losses

Jam Master Jay (2002)

A trailblazer in DJing, Jam Master Jay was fatally shot in his Queens recording studio on October 30, 2002.

Modern-Day Tragedies (2010–2024)

XXXTentacion (2018) – At just 20, he was murdered in a robbery at a motorcycle dealership in Deerfield Beach, Florida.  FBG Duck (2020) – Shot and killed in broad daylight in Chicago’s Gold Coast amid gang-related targeting. All perpetrators are now serving life sentences.  Pop Smoke (2020) – Rising Brooklyn star, killed during a home invasion in Los Angeles.  King Von (2020) – Chicago drill artist fatally shot outside a nightclub in Atlanta after a dispute.    Nipsey Hussle (2019) – Gunned down outside his Marathon Clothing store in Los Angeles; his killer was later convicted.  Young Dolph (2021) – Shot in Memphis while buying some cookies.  Takeoff (2022) – Member of Migos, tragically shot during a private Houston event.  PnB Rock (2022) – Murdered in a robbery at a Roscoe’s in L.A. while casually dining.  Julio Foolio (2024) – Jacksonville rapper shot and killed in a hotel parking lot in Tampa.  Huey (2020) – Best known for “Pop, Lock & Drop It,” Huey was fatally shot in front of his home in Missouri. 

Why This Matters

The loss of these artists is more than heartbreak—it’s a cultural rupture. Hip-hop often reflects the lived realities of systemic violence, income inequality, and survival. These deaths underscore the gaps in justice and protection for marginalized communities. The cycle of violence remains tragically familiar, robbing the world of creative voices that could have inspired new movements, healing, and hope. 

Call to Remember and Act

As GWOP Magazine, let’s rise above recitation. Let’s honor these artists with:

Personal narratives—Share how each artist’s music impacted communities. Family and artist testimonials—Humanize their lives beyond statistics. Calls to action—Support community-based prevention programs, promote gun reform, and engage with healing through music.

Conclusion

These losses are a stark reminder: a blast of gunfire can silence far more than words. But through storytelling, remembrance, and action, we can amplify their voices. We can spark change, honor their legacy, and create safer spaces for expression. Let’s ensure their stories continue—not just in echoes, but in progress.

Here is a list of notable rappers and hip-hop musicians who have been reported to have died due to gun violence since 1996. This list is based on available information and focuses on well-documented cases:

– Tupac Shakur (September 13, 1996)

– The Notorious B.I.G. (March 9, 1997)

– Fat Pat (February 3, 1998)

– Big L (February 15, 1999)

– Freaky Tah (March 28, 1999)

– Jam Master Jay (October 30, 2002)

– Camoflauge (May 19, 2003)

– Soulja Slim (November 26, 2003)

– Mac Dre (November 1, 2004)

-Blade Icewood (April 19, 2005)

– Proof (April 11, 2006)

– Big Hawk (May 1, 2006)

– Dolla (May 18, 2009)

– Magnolia Shorty (December 20, 2010)

-Slim Dunkin (December 16, 2011)

– Lil Phat (June 7, 2012)

– Lil Snupe (June 20, 2013)

-Doe B (December  28, 2013)

– Bankroll Fresh (March 4, 2016)

– Lor Scoota (June 25, 2016)

– Chinx (May 17, 2015)

-Dex Osama (September 7, 2015)

-Doughboy Roc (October 9, 2017)

– XXXTentacion (June 18, 2018)

-Teameastside Snoop (August 20,2018)

– Nipsey Hussle (March 31, 2019)

– Pop Smoke (February 19, 2020)

– King Von (November 6, 2020)

– MO3 (November 11, 2020)

– Young Dolph (November 17, 2021)

– PnB Rock (September 12, 2022)

– JayDaYoungan (July 27, 2022)

– Takeoff (November 1, 2022)

– Drakeo the Ruler (December 18, 2021)

– FBG Duck (August 4, 2020)

– Trouble (June 5, 2022)

– Enchanting (June 11, 2023)

– Julio Foolio (June 23, 2024)

– LGP Qua (May 11, 2025)

This list includes artists who were recognized figures in the hip-hop community and whose deaths were widely reported. The exact number and details can vary due to unsolved cases and the evolving nature of such records. Violence in the genre remains a significant and complex issue, often tied to personal disputes or gang activity, with many cases still lacking resolution