The American rapper, PnB Rock, whose real name is Rakim Allen, was killed after being shot multiple times on the afternoon of September 12, 2022 on account of a robbery at a Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles in South Los Angeles. PnB Rock had been at the restaurant with his girlfriend on this tragic afternoon, just moments before his death she posted a photo tagging the Roscoes which has since been deleted. The Los Angeles police department Captain, Kelly Muniz said a suspect took a gun from the restaurant and demanded jewelry from PnB Rock. From this indication, it’s clear that the victim was targeted for his jewelry. Muniz said that he was shot almost promptly by the suspect during the robbery. The suspect was said to have shot PnB Rock, took multiple items, ran out the side door to a getaway car, and then proceeded to retreat to the scene. Is there a possibility this was a planned attack? PnB Rock was taken to a hospital after the robbery occurred, and he was pronounced dead at 1:59 pm. It was stated from a law enforcement source that the LA Police Department investigators are inspecting security footage from the restaurant inside the restaurant to identify the shooter.

After Rock’s death was announced by his record label, Atlantic Records came out with a statement regarding his death, “PnB Rock was more than an artist. To many, Rakim Allen was a great friend. He was also a wonderful father to two beautiful girls,” the label said. Remembering PnB Rock should not just be remembering his tragic death, he should live on through his music, aspirations, and impact. It was through songs such as “Selfish” and “Everyday We Lit” that brought people together and became anthems for a reason. Rock himself didn’t like to label his musical style, it was through his infusion of hip hop and pop that made him such a unique and indistinguishable artist. Regarding his style Rock stated in a Paper Magazine interview in 2017 that, “People can’t say I’m a rapper, but I don’t feel like a singer either. I’m not hitting super high notes and going crazy. I can’t give you Chris Brown singing, I just got good melodies.” It was through his unique style which led “Selfish” to peak on the Billboard Top 100 at No. 51.

Part of me wants to believe this was a tragic accident, and PnB Rock happened to be the target. But as we have all seen in the media, rappers are often targeted during home invasions and robberies due to their extravagant items. Pop Smoke died in a home invasion in February 2020, and even thinking farther back, the death of XXXTentacion in 2018 was also due to a robbery. Yes, it is possible to assume that the assailant just wanted Rock’s jewelry, shot him, and took off. But is it also possible that there was an ulterior motive? It doesn’t sound justified to get one person’s jewelry during a robbery and take off. There are many unknowns of this case knowing that as I’m writing this he died yesterday. So I don’t want my own assumptions to consume yours. What is important to keep with us is the memory of PnB Rock, so keep blasting his music, rewatch or watch his 2017 XXL Freshman Freestyle video, and let his memory live with you. RIP Rakim Allen: December 9, 1991 – September 12, 2022.