Nas has taken to social media to formally pay tribute to Kiing Shooter following the Streem Dream Records' artist's tragic death this week. On Tuesday, it was confirmed that Kiing Shooter had passed away, reportedly as a result of coronavirus complications. A fellow Queensbridge native, Shooter was signed to Nas and his brother Jungle's Street Dream Records through Nas' own Mass Appeal label.
On Tuesday, Nas shared a series of photos of himself and Shooter, along with a poem dedicated to the late artist, whose real name was William Daniels:
You made your mark and got your wings
On many hearts, you pulled their strings
From QB to Heaven, the world in between
What a pleasure to have you, in our lives, in this world, in our world
We shared our street dreams.
"Condolences to @kiingshooter family and friends," he concluded the message. Jungle also mourned the loss of Shooter on Instagram. "R.I.P. @kiingshooter my brother," he wrote on a series of photos of the two of them. "I can’t believe it..my condolences to your family bro! Young Queensbridge Legend!!! Can’t Believe this Shit!!!"
Street Dream and Mass Appeal also issued a statement on the passing of Kiing Shooter through their respective social media accounts. "This is never easy," the account for Street Dream wrote. "One of Queensbridge's finest. You shared your city with the world. You never wanted to stop giving more to your fans, more music, more videos, more of you. Your presence could light up the room. Never to be forgotten. Rest in paradise @kiingshooter"
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Queensbridge's finest," a post from the Mass Appeal Instagram account read. "Kiing Shooter shared his city with the world and never wanted to stop giving more to his fans and his community."
"A loyal, kind hearted soul, Shooter leaves behind a wealth of music and dedicated fans and supporters," the statement continued. "Our hearts and prayers go out to his family during this time." The label also added on Twitter, "You never stopped giving and impacted the hearts of so many. Whether through your music or your presence, you lit up the room. To one of Queensbridge's finest, an artist, and a true visionary, rest in power and paradise @KiingShooter."
Along with his affiliation with Nas and Jungle, Shooter was also tight with Dave East, whom he collaborated with on multiple occasions. Last month, Shooter was hospitalized for liver problems that were believed to be associated with excessive drinking due to an Instagram post he shared.
"This Can’t Be Life," the rapper wrote on a photo of himself in a hospital bed on April 24th. "Said Henny Was Stronger Than The Rona I Ain’t Kno It Was That Strong. No More Drinkin For Me."
RIP Kiing Shooter. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.