BTY YoungN, a New Orleans rapper closely affiliated with Birdman's Rich Gang, was shot and killed on Airline Highway in Hollygrove Saturday night. The artist, whose real name was Desmone Jerome, was 27 years old.
According to The Advocate, the shooting that resulted in Jerome's death occurred at approximately 11PM Saturday night. The shots were fired at a gas station at the 9200 block of Airline Highway. The rapper was found with multiple bullet wounds, and was pronounced dead on the scene, police said.
While the police have not released the identity of the victim, friends and family members, including Jerome's cousin, Glen Bell, have confirmed the tragic news, reports NOLA.com. "He was a very uplifting individual," Bell said. "A very positive individual. Very impactful."
YoungN's career appeared to be on the rise through his affiliation with Birdman and his Rich Gang collective. Last November, he appeared in a viral clip in which Birdman showed off his gold toilet.
In February, YoungN released his project 2nd Feed Up.
A message regarding YoungN's death has been posted on his official Facebook page. It requests that the privacy of the rapper's friends and family be respected at this time, and asks for further information on Jerome's murder. Read it below.
RIP BTY YoungN.