Rapper Pop Smoke has been shot dead during a “house invasion” in the Hollywood Hills, according to US reports.
Stars including Nicki Minaj and 50 Cent are among those who have paid tribute to the musician on social media.
“RIP to my man Pop Smoke, No sympathy for winners. God bless him,” 50 Cent posted on Twitter.
Pop Smoke, whose real name was Bashar Jackson, was at the property in Los Angeles when men wearing hoodies broke in at about 4.30am local time (12.30pm in the UK), US entertainment site TMZ reports, citing law enforcement sources.
NBC News also says multiple sources have confirmed his death. The suspects reportedly fled the scene.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Pop Smoke, 20, was an up-and-coming rapper who released his first single, Welcome To The Party, which was remixed by Minaj, last year.
Both Minaj and 50 Cent’s tributes on Instagram include cryptic references to “jealousy”.
It is not known whether the star knew the gunmen.
After the shooting, the rapper was rushed by ambulance to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in West Hollywood, according to TMZ, but was pronounced dead there.
Captain Steven Lurie, from Los Angeles Police Department’s Hollywood division, said between two and six suspects entered the home, and one of them was wearing a mask, NBC reports.
Less than 24 hours before his death, the rapper had posted pictures and videos showing views of Los Angeles on Instagram.
The property where the incident took place is reportedly owned by Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star Teddi Mellencamp, daughter of singer-songwriter John Mellencamp, and her husband Edwin Arroyave.
In a message posted on Instagram, Mellencamp said a shooting had taken place at a rental home she owns.
“Foremost, we would like to extend our prayers and condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic loss of life,” she said.
Earlier this month, the rapper released his second mix-tape, Meet The Woo V2, which debuted at number seven on the Top 200 chart, Billboard tweeted.
His attorney told NBC News he did not have a comment “at this time relating to the events of this morning”. – Sky News