PnB Rock's death shook the internet. Rakim Allen, a rapper from Philadelphia, was best known for his album TrapStar Turnt Popstar, which reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He was also in the 2017 class of XXL Freshmen. However, on September 12, 2022, PnB Rock died in a fatal shooting at Roscoe's House of Chicken 'N Waffles in Los Angeles. As news of his death spread, many of his colleagues in the music industry sent their condolences. Meanwhile, a heated argument about who was to blame erupted on social media.
Suspects Arrested
Two weeks after the fatal robbery, police in Los Angeles arrested two people. One of the suspects, a teen, was arrested and charged with murder. The other suspect, Shauntel Trone, 32, was apprehended on accusations of being an accessory to murder. Additionally, the police said that a man named Freddie Lee Trone was also a suspect and asked the public to help them find him. The authorities later charged the trio, naming Freddie as the teen's father and Shauntel as the boy's stepmother. PnB Rock's murder investigation is delving deep into his past, allegedly because cops believe this was more than simply a random theft. Instead, it may have been an orchestrated killing by an enemy. Although there are still more questions than answers about the death of the rap star, this is all we know about it so far.
PnB Rock Shot: Drama Unfolds On Social Media
Following PnB Rock's death, people argued about the location tag on his girlfriend Stephanie Sibounheuang's social media post. It was alleged that PnB's killer may have used it to find him and reminded the public of the slaying of Pop Smoke in 2020. The late rapper was shot during a home invasion in the Hollywood Hills. People also think his killers found out where he was through an Instagram post that accidentally gave away his rental address. Several men were arrested in that case and are pending trial.
Hip Hop Reacts
Meanwhile, Cardi B and DJ Akademiks didn't want to blame PnB Rock's death on anyone else. “I highly doubt nikkas was looking at PMB’s babymom IG. He was in a bad location and people stay outside plotting,” Cardi said. "It is very careless and rude to blame her for something so terrible. At this time, we should send her and his family nothing but love." Akademiks also stated, "A lot of people are sad about PNB Rock's death, and everyone is passing the buck except the nigga who actually killed him. He died because a bunch of jerks decided to rob him and take his life."
Nicki Minaj also joined the conversation but had a different take. “After Pop Smoke there’s no way we as rappers or our loved ones are still posting locations to our whereabouts. To show waffles & some fried chicken????! He was such a pleasure to work with. Condolences to his mom & family. This makes me feel so sick. Jesus.” Kodak Black reacted to the news by saying that PnB Rock's fiancée was to blame for his death. "PnB was my boy, and last night I was OTP with them! We're talking about him coming back out and popping his junk in this rap shite... This hoe might as well kill itself."
PnB Rock Discussed Being A Target
A few days before he died, PnB Rock talked about how he felt he was being targeted by his foes. During an interview with Akademiks in September 2022, Rock said he felt like someone was tailing him and his family around L.A. “I be trying to be cool because you don’t want to be nervous," he said. "You want to be as calm as possible.” The rapper further stated that robberies targeting rappers were "very regular" in Los Angeles. He told Akademiks that he didn't go to places like nightclubs because "gangsters" would be looking for him there. He also said, "I'm not going to put myself in that situation because I know what happens."
PnB Rock also talked about how, since his brother died, he has become more careful. "Since then, I've been moving in a different way," he said. After PnB Rock's death, Akademiks tweeted: "Wow.. this PNB Rock scenario crazy... I just did an interview with him a week ago, and he told me that someone tried to rob him in LA while he was out with his girlfriend and daughter." He added, "Pray for PNB Rock, please."
Girlfriend Reveals Her Struggles After Rapper's Death
Stephanie Sibounheuang, who was dating PnB Rock, has taken to Instagram to share her grief. She detailed being next to him during the shooting and Rock pushing her to safety. It's clear that Stephanie's loss has been monumental, especially as she navigates life as a newly single mother. Further, Stephanie explained that Rock didn't have life insurance or a will, making financial assistance difficult. The investigation into the suspects involved is ongoing. It is unclear when a trial can be expected.