Popular St. Louis rapper Huey, who was best known for his iconic 2006 debut single “Pop, Lock & Drop It” has died. He was 32 years old.
Huey, born Lawrence Franks Jr., was shot and killed on Thursday night in front of a home in Kinloch, Missouri, as Fox 2 reported. The rapper was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a local hospital. He is survived by his 13-year-old daughter.
Another victim of the shooting, a 21-year-old man, arrived at the Ferguson Police Department with a gunshot wound and later was taken to a hospital where he was treated for his injuries.
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Investigators say that as many as 10 people were present during the time of the shooting. Police have yet to make any arrests.
Huey’s record company, Que Records, released a statement Friday to Urban Hollywood 411 about the rapper’s passing.
“It is with great sadness that we share that a member of the Que Records family has passed on,” the statement began. “It was a pleasure to work with Huey for the release of his Redemption album in 2009 with EMI. It was a happy time for us. It was Que Records’ first big release. It meant the world to us and Huey meant the world to us. His death is a tragic loss. Huey and his partner Rhome McGee were doing a lot for their community, hosting events and growing their self-funded clothing line.”
“We send our condolences to Huey’s daughter and to his family and friends,” the statement continued. “We ask that everyone keeps us in their prayers and not let his vision and dreams die with us. Let’s continue on the path of Black excellence.”
Close friends and fans also shared tributes to the rapper Friday on social media.
“Shed a few, my dawg Huey is gone forever,” Producer Jaylien Wesley wrote on Twitter. “Thank you for the talk, thank you for your energy, thank you for believing in me. Ima help keep your spirit alive down here. much much love forever.”
shed a few , my dawg Huey is gone forever. thank you for the talk, thank you for your energy, thank you for believing in me. Ima help keep your spirit alive down here. much much love forever. pic.twitter.com/18S62VBvbW
— J?YLIEN (@jaylienwesley) June 26, 2020
A fan also took to Twitter to express her grievances and wrote, “Huey ? The genius artist behind pop lock and drop it ? The reason my knees are strong today ? I’m distraught … RIP Huey ?? 2020 please stop the bulls–t.”
Huey ? The genius artist behind pop lock and drop it ? The reason my knees are strong today ? I’m distraught … RIP Huey ?? 2020 please stop the bullshit pic.twitter.com/kRNxP1ugrB
— The One ? (@TheEmperesse) June 26, 2020
“RIP Huey thank u for blessing with this gem in the early 2000s we really enjoyed it,” added another fan.
