A teenage rapper has been fatally shot while recording a music video in Washington, D.C.
As reported by The New York Post, 16-year-old up-and-coming rapper 23 Rackz - real name Justin Johnson - was killed on Thursday morning (May 26).
D.C. Police say the teenager was shot on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace.
Fox 5 reports that authorities first received a call about the shooting at 11:24AM. After arriving at the scene, shell casings were recovered.
An investigation into Johnson's death is still ongoing, and police have offered a $25,000 reward to anybody that can provide information that leads to an arrest and conviction. Anyone with information is urged to call 202-727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information can be submitted by text message to 50411.
The Post reports that a rap-based YouTube channel claims that Johnson shared his location in an Instagram Story prior to his fatal shooting.
Per The Washington Post, a police spokeswoman says that Johnson was found by officers in a hallway. The teen was pronounced dead at the scene.
Commander Leslie Parsons, head of the D.C. police criminal investigation bureau said that it appeared to be a "targeted" shooting.
In 2021, 23 Rackz released his album Rookie of the Year. Then, in April, the teen released two tracks, 'Hook' and 'Dragging'.
Following the news of his death, tributes have been pouring in on social media.
"Mannnnnnnn streets ain’t playing only 16 smh brought him out to Suitland HS for my HS Tour and the kids went crazy it’s just sad to see another talented youth gone another parent losing a child #resteasy @23rackzs," wrote DC radio host DJ Akademiks.
Fellow rapper Wale also shared photos of him alongside 23 Rackz.
"I don’t even know what to say," he wrote. "I’m so sorry little brother."
In a follow-up tweet, Wale wrote: "It’s throwin me off. That boy was so young. So much in front of him. I remember just hangin all day when he came to LA. He ended up bein the last voice u hear on this last album. I can’t believe this."
The Washington Post reports that Johnson's death marks the fourth person under the age of 18 to be fatally shot in the district since January.
Our thoughts are with Johnson's family, friends, and fans at this time.
