Instagram Post Tagging PnB Rock May Have Led to Fatal Shooting, LAPD Chief Says

PnB Rock (Credit: Atlantic Records)

The gunman who killed rapper PnB Rock at a Los Angeles restaurant may have learned the hip-hop star’s location from an Instagram post, Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore said Tuesday.

The Philadelphia rapper, real name Rakim Allen, was robbed of his jewelry and shot multiple times on Monday, Sept. 12, while having lunch with his girlfriend at Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles on W. Manchester Ave. in South Los Angeles.

The shooting happened around 1:00 p.m., after Allen’s girlfriend uploaded a location-tagged photo in a since-deleted Instagram post tagging the rapper, Chief Moore told a police commission meeting Tuesday.

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Allen “was with his family — with his girlfriend or some kind of friend of his — and as they’re there, enjoying a simple meal, [he] was brutally attacked by an individual who apparently [came] to the location after a social media posting,” Moore said via the Los Angeles Times.

The suspect approached Allen, 30, drew a handgun and demanded his jewelry.

“A struggle ensued and PnB Rock was shot and killed. Lost his life there, simply over the jewelry and valuables he had on his person,” Moore stated.

During a media briefing Monday night, police told reporters the suspect fled in a getaway car. Investigators are combing through surveillance video from the restaurant and nearby businesses to identify the gunman.

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Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles posted a statement offering condolences to Allen’s family on the restaurant chain’s official Instagram page.

“We are deeply saddened by the death of Rakim Hasheem Allen, also known as PnB Rock, an incredible artist in Los Angeles and everywhere. His passing represents an enormous loss to each and every one of us. Our most heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers go to the Allen family at this difficult time,” the statement said.

It continued: “The safety of our employees and guests are our utmost priority. We have and will continue to keep our place of business as safe as possible.”

The circumstances surrounding the shooting appeared to be similar to those in the killing of rapper Pop Smoke, who was fatally shot during a robbery in the Hollywood Hills in 2020.

The LAPD said a robbery crew searched Pop Smoke’s Instagram account and spotted pictures of expensive jewelry, including a diamond-studded Rolex watch, as previously reported. There was also a photo of a gift bag with a label showing the address of the Airbnb rental where he was staying. Police said the post led the killers to the home.

Monday night on Twitter, rapper Nicki Minaj questioned why people with ties to the hip-hop community are still sharing their locations on social media.

“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,” she tweeted.

PnB Rock grew up in Philadelphia and was living in Los Angeles at the time of his death. He leaves behind two young daughters, according to published reports.

The rapper was best known for his 2015 single “Fleek” and the 2016 track “Selfish,” which climbed to No. 51 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has over 56 million views on YouTube. He was also featured on Ed Sheeran’s single “Cross Me” along with Chance the Rapper.


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About Anita Bennett

Anita Bennett is the editor and founder of Urban Hollywood 411. She can be reached on Twitter @tvanita.