The hip hop community has suffered yet another loss after rapper Lil Marlo was shot and killed in Atlanta on Saturday, July 11, according to multiple reports.
According to WXIA-TV 11Alive, Marlo, whose real name is Rudolph Johnson, was found dead from a gunshot wound after a single-vehicle wreck on I-285 near Benjamin E. Mays Drive late Saturday night around 11:30 p.m. The rapper appeared to have been shot inside his vehicle while driving.
Marlo was signed to record label Quality Control in 2017, and broke onto the scene with “2 Hard the Way,” a collaboration with his best friend, rapper Lil Baby. Marlo also found much success with several singles, including “1st N 3rd” and “9 + Z6ne = 1’5.” The rapper was also featured on “The Load,” a collaboration with Lil Baby and Gucci Mane.
In a statement to Billboard, Atlanta Police Department spokesperson John Chafee said that, based on the preliminary investigation, the vehicle was heading south on I-285. “At this time, investigators believe the victim was the intended target of the gunfire, and they are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting,” Chafee disclosed.
Rappers and other industry figures reacted to the tragic news on social media, including fellow rapper and label mate Lil Yachty who shared a photo of the pair on Instagram. “We just did a song a 4 this morning smh rip brother @lilmarlo_1,” Yachty captioned the picture.
Philly native and rapper Meek Mill sent his condolences on Twitter. “Rip Lil Marlo,” Meek tweeted, adding, “prayers to his family!” JT from Miami Rap duo The City Girls tweeted, “Rest in Peace Marlo …. Damn.”
Quality Control CEO Pierre Pee Thomas shared a photo of Marlo on his Instagram account on Sunday, July 12. “So much potential that the world didn’t get a chance to see,” Thomas captioned the snap. He added, “It’s Really Hard For Me To Say RIP.”
The medical examiner reported that the rapper was 30, although some media outlets have stated he was 27. Marlo leaves behind a daughter and son. On Father’s Day, the Atlanta rapper shared a video and several pictures of himself and his children. “Thanks for Making Me Y’all Father. I Wouldn’t Trade Y’all For Da World,” Marlo captioned the post. He added, “#kemora #Rihanna #Marlo #Rudy Da Johnson Family.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477 (TIPS) or on their website StopCrimeATL.com.
