Rapper Lil Marlo was fatally shot over the weekend in his hometown of Atlanta, according to published reports.
On Sunday morning, the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to NBC News that a man named Rudolph Johnson, which was the rapper’s real name, had died. While Lil Marlo’s age is listed as 27 online, the medical examiner said he was 30.
The Atlanta Police Department released a statement saying it responded to a call about a single vehicle crash on Interstate 285 around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday. When officers arrived, they found a “30-year-old driver deceased inside the vehicle,” according to Complex.
“The preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle was traveling on I-285 in the Southbound lanes when the driver was shot. The vehicle came to rest on the left side of the southbound lanes,” the statement said. “At this time, investigators believe the victim was the intended target of the gunfire and they are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.”
Marlo had just recently released his album “1st N 3rd.”
He signed with Atlanta music label Quality Control — which is home to Migos, Lil Yachty, Lil Baby and City Girls — in 2017. That same year, Marlo rose to prominence after collaborating with Lil Baby on “2 Hard the Way.”
As news of the rapper’s death began to spread, music industry insiders shared tributes on social media.
“We just did a song a 4 this morning smh rip brother @lilmarlo_1 ?,” Lil Yachty captioned a photo on Instagram of the two together.
Added City Girls member JT on Twitter: “Rest In Peace Marlo……damn.
“Rip lil Marlo prayers to his family!” rapper Meek Mill tweeted.
