US rapper Jahseh Onfroy popularly known as XXXTentacion, who quickly rose to fame with two consecutive hit albums, has been killed aged 20.
He was leaving a motorcycle dealership in south Florida on Monday when a gunman shot him.
Police in Broward County said XXXTentacion, was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
He was often described as one of rap’s most controversial artists and was facing domestic violence charges.
The rapper, who first found an audience by uploading songs to the website SoundCloud, quickly became the most popular artist in the genre known as SoundCloud Rap, defined by its languid, hazy beats and wide-ranging influences.
Investigators said it appeared to have been a “possible robbery”. Video posted on social media apparently showed Onfroy slumped in his car.
A witness told celebrity news website TMZ that multiple shots had been fired outside the dealership.
The rapper, whose hit songs include SAD! and Moonlight, quickly rose to prominence following the release of his debut album 17 last August.
The album tackled subjects such as depression and was praised by some of rap’s highest-profile stars.
The rapper had though upbringing but his short career was plagued by allegations of domestic violence. He was facing 15 felony charges at the time of his death, including aggravated battery of a pregnant woman.
His career was already being overshadowed by his legal problems. Fans were apparently unswayed, sending his latest album to number one in the US.
His popularity was noted by the music industry and, by October 2017, he had scored a distribution agreement reportedly worth $6m (£4.5m).
May his soul rest in peace.