Rapper PnB Rock’s Shocking Murder Reminds Everyone of the Risks of TMI on Social Media
On Monday, 30-year-old rapper PnB Rock (real name Rakim Hasheem Allen), was shot and killed in broad daylight. A graphic
CELEB Magazine
On Monday, 30-year-old rapper PnB Rock (real name Rakim Hasheem Allen), was shot and killed in broad daylight.
A graphic video has circulated of the young rapper lying in a pool of his own blood, and it has been reported that he died after being rushed to the hospital.
In the wake of his horrific and senseless murder, police are suspecting that an Instagram post may have led to the rapper's death – and it's a reminder to everyone that sometimes sharing too much information online can be dangerous.
PnB Rock’s Murder was Part of an Armed Robbery
Allen was having a late lunch just after 1PM on Monday in South Los Angeles with his girlfriend, Stephanie Sibounheuang.
The murder suspect approached Allen and demanded all he had, holding the rapper at gunpoint. The rapper and the suspect argued, before the suspect shot Allen multiple times. “He shot the victim and ran out the side door to a getaway car and then fled the parking lot,” LAPD Capt Kelly Muniz reportedly told the LA Times.
Allen would be pronounced dead at 1:59PM. The LAPD is reviewing surveillance footage and any evidence gathered by onlookers in a desperate bid to identify the attacker, who may be involved with a spate of high-profile jewelry thefts in the area since 2021.
A source said that it seemed to be clear that the rapper was the only target as no one else in the restaurant was targeted.
PnB is originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania but then lived in Los Angeles, California. With a little bit about his past, he had previously shared that he was inspired to start making music at the age of 19 after Drake had released his album, Take Care. He released his mixtape and was signed with Atlantic Records just a year later.
Rolling Stone named him on the list of “10 New Artists You Need to Know” in 2016. He has collaborated with Young Thug, 2 Chainz, Wiz Khalifa, Kodak Black, A Boogie wit da Hoodie and many more. PnB is the father of two girls, one born in 2013 and the other in 2020 – he shares his youngest daughter with Sibounheuang.
Social Media Puts Us All at Risk
Now, police suspect that an Instagram post tagging his location may have put Allen in the crosshairs of his attacker.
The LA Times reports, "Rock’s death comes as authorities say they are up against a rising trend of 'follow home' robberies and other violent incidents.
In February 2020, Brooklyn rapper Pop Smoke, whose real name was Bashar Barakah Jackson, was killed during a home invasion in the Hollywood Hills.
Authorities believe social media posts, including one of a black gift bag tagged with his address, led the assailants to his location."
It's a sober and vital reminder that everything posted on social media lets dozens of people into our lives in ways that can become violating (at best) or dangerous at worst.
Celebrities especially frequently photograph themselves in well-to-do places, showing off bling or fancy cares, fine meals or new purses. Criminals are exploiting this wealth of information. If they can move fast enough on a tag, their victims hand themselves up on a silver platter.
While the average person has a much lower risk of being targeted over a tag, it's still a good reminder to be mindful of how much information you share on social media and how much you let strangers know about where you are and what you're doing.
The investigation into Allen's murder is ongoing.