What Happened To Men Who Killed Famous Rappers? | HO’

The tragic loss of hip-hop icons has become a heartbreaking reality for fans and loved ones, as violence continues to shadow the music industry. When a famous rapper is murdered, the world mourns, but what happens next? Does the legal system deliver justice, and do the perpetrators face the consequences?

In this special report, we take an in-depth look at the men charged with killing some of the most influential rappers of our time—XXXTentacion, Takeoff, Pop Smoke, Lil Snupe, Nipsey Hussle, FBG Duck, and Young Dolph—and reveal what happened after the spotlight faded.

XXXTentacion: Four Men, Life Sentences

On June 18, 2018, the world was shocked by the murder of XXXTentacion (born Jahseh Onfroy), a rising star and pioneer of emo rap. The 20-year-old was shot outside Riva Motorsports in Florida during a brazen robbery that involved four assailants: Dedrick Williams, Robert Allen, Michael Boatright, and Trayvon Newsom.

The investigation was swift and meticulous. Surveillance footage, social media, and even a suspect’s browser history played key roles in solving the case. Williams and Allen followed XXXTentacion into the store, purchasing masks and tracking his movements. Boatright and Newsom executed the robbery and shooting, with Boatright firing the fatal shots.

Within days, Williams was arrested, followed by Allen, Boatright, and Newsom. All four were charged with premeditated first-degree murder. In a dramatic turn, Allen pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for testifying against the others. DNA evidence, confessions, and digital footprints sealed their fate.

In March 2023, Williams and Newsom were sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. Boatright received two consecutive life sentences plus 30 years for armed robbery. Allen was sentenced to seven years, with credit for time served, and faces 20 years of probation.

Takeoff: Awaiting Trial

The early morning hours of November 1, 2022, saw the murder of Takeoff (Kirsnick Khari Ball), the youngest member of Migos, in Houston, Texas. The shooting occurred outside a private party at 810 Billiards & Bowling, with Takeoff tragically caught in the crossfire of an argument over a dice game.

The man accused of killing Takeoff is Patrick Xavier Clark, who was arrested after police discovered evidence—including fingerprints on a wine bottle and surveillance footage—linking him to the crime. Clark allegedly attempted to flee the country, purchasing tickets to Mexico and obtaining an expedited passport, but was apprehended before he could leave.

Clark was indicted by a Harris County grand jury for murder and faces five years to life in prison if convicted. He remains under house arrest with a $1 million bond and a GPS ankle monitor, awaiting his day in court.

Pop Smoke: Juvenile Sentenced, Others Await Justice

Pop Smoke (Bashar Barakah Jackson) was murdered on February 19, 2020, during a home invasion in Hollywood Hills, California. The New York rapper’s location was inadvertently revealed through social media posts, allowing five suspects to target him.

The assailants broke in, demanded jewelry, and shot Pop Smoke multiple times. The suspects included Corey Walker (19), Keandre Rogers (18), and two minors aged 15 and 17. A fifth suspect, Jaquan Murphy, was implicated in unrelated crimes.

In 2023, one of the juvenile suspects, now 18, admitted to killing Pop Smoke in juvenile court. He revealed the group sought Pop Smoke’s diamond chain, and he fired the fatal shots after the rapper tried to escape. The killer will be held in a state juvenile facility until age 25. Walker and Rogers face murder charges with special circumstances, making them eligible for the death penalty. Their cases are still pending.

Lil Snupe: Justice Unfulfilled

Lil Snupe (Addarren Ross), a promising young rapper, was shot and killed at age 18 during a video game dispute in Louisiana on June 20, 2013. The shooter, Tony Holden, turned himself in and was charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery, and illegal possession of a firearm. Another man, Edric Stewart (Lil E), was also charged but later had his charges dropped.

According to Lil Snupe’s mother, the bullets that killed her son did not match Holden’s gun, but matched Lil E’s. Despite this, Lil E received no punishment for the killing, highlighting a troubling lack of closure and justice in the case.

Nipsey Hussle: 60 Years For The Killer

Nipsey Hussle (Ermias Joseph Asghedom), a beloved rapper and activist, was gunned down outside his Marathon Clothing store in Los Angeles on March 31, 2019. The shooter, Eric Holder, was arrested two days later and charged with murder, attempted murder, and assault with a firearm.

After years of legal delays, Holder was found guilty in July 2022 of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter. In February 2023, he was sentenced to 60 years in prison, ensuring he will spend the rest of his life behind bars.

FBG Duck: Federal Indictments And Death Penalty Possible

FBG Duck (Carlton Weekly), a Chicago rapper embroiled in gang feuds, was shot and killed on August 4, 2020, in a targeted attack on Oak Street. The murder was linked to a bounty allegedly placed by rival rapper King Von.

Five members of the O-Block gang—Muwop, C-Murder, C-Thang, Zell Muna, and Kenny Mac—were indicted on federal racketeering and murder charges. Zell Muna reportedly committed suicide before being apprehended. The remaining suspects face life in prison or the death penalty. Their trial is expected to be lengthy and complex.

Young Dolph: Multiple Suspects, Trials Pending

Young Dolph (Adolph Robert Thornton Jr.), a Memphis rap legend, was murdered on November 17, 2021, while buying cookies for his mother. CCTV captured two gunmen firing 22 shots at Dolph.

Police identified Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith as suspects, both charged with first-degree murder and other offenses. Johnson, who has a history of violence and gang ties, pled not guilty. Smith was arrested for vehicle theft and indicted for murder. Shondell Barnett and Hernandez Govan were charged as accessories and for conspiracy, respectively.

Recently, Jamarcus Johnson, Justin Johnson’s half-brother, pleaded guilty to helping the suspects evade authorities. He is the first to be convicted in the case. The other suspects await trial, which may not occur until 2024 due to the complexity of the case.

Is Justice Enough?

The murders of these rappers have left indelible scars on fans, families, and the music industry. While the legal system has delivered life sentences and lengthy prison terms for some killers, others remain in limbo or have escaped full accountability. The quest for justice is ongoing, but for many, it is never enough to heal the loss.

As these cases unfold, they serve as grim reminders of the dangers faced by artists and the importance of pursuing justice—not just for the victims, but for the communities they inspired.