Drill Rapper Young Pappy Shot Dead at 20 in Chicago
The untimely death of Chicago drill rapper Young Pappy at the age of 20 sent shockwaves through the music community, highlighting the perilous intersection of art and street life.
Who was Young Pappy?
Born Shaquon Jerome Thomas on May 10, 1995, in Chicago, Illinois, Young Pappy emerged from the city’s North Side as a prominent figure in the drill rap scene. He gained notoriety for his raw and unfiltered lyrics that vividly depicted the harsh realities of urban life. His most notable tracks include “Killa,” “Homicide,” “Faneto Freestyle,” and “2 Cups.”
Pappy was affiliated with the Gangster Disciples, a connection that heavily influenced his music and personal life.
Despite his burgeoning talent, his net worth remained modest, reflecting the challenges faced by many underground artists striving for mainstream success.
The Tragic Death
The North Side rapper was gunned down Friday the 29th of May 2016 morning in Uptown, authorities said. He had previously been the target of at least two fatal shootings in Rogers Park in recent years.
Two bullets to the back killed 20-year-old Shaquon Thomas, aka Young Pappy, while he was standing in the 4800 block of North Kenmore Avenue at about 1:30 a.m. Friday.
Witnesses told police a shiny, black four-door car was driving west on Lawrence Avenue with its rear driver’s side door open. After passing Kenmore Avenue, the driver hit the brakes, reversed east down Lawrence, and turned onto Kenmore before stopping.
That’s when a thin man in a gray hoody was seen sprinting to the car and getting in, police said.
Thomas was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 2:04 a.m., police said.
No one else was injured in the shooting that appeared to be gang-related, police said.
The high-profile rapper had been shot at before, according to police officials.