Photo Credits – “Microphone” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by liftarn
Unfortunately, a very heartbreaking, devastating and unexpected incident took place Monday, Sept. 12, and this was the death of PnB Rock. Thirty-year-old Rakim Hasheem Allen, also known as PnB Rock, was from Germantown, Pennsylvania. This man was a father, brother, spouse, son, friend and influencer for so many. Most people who know of him identify him as a musical artist known for his rap and singing career while also giving back to communities. Many Pennsylvanians, especially Philadelphians, have created a parasocial relationship with Rock through his music, social media, YouTube and so forth. Family, friends and fans are overwhelmed with emotions during this time as the Philadelphia rapper was shot and killed on Monday, Sept. 12. There has been a whirlwind of emotions surrounding this tragedy including anger, sadness and shock, as folks such as myself were praying that he would survive and make it through the shooting injuries. Rock and his girlfriend, Stephanie, were at a popular restaurant called Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles located in Los Angeles, enjoying a meal together. Stephanie posted her plate and the location at which they were dining on her Instagram story. Many of us can agree that we have posted things like this in the past.
Well, unfortunately not later after her Instagram story post the murderer and those involved in the shooting stormed the restaurant in search of Rock. The shooter demanded Rock hand over his jewelry and other valuables which led to the shooting. Videos were surfacing on social media of Rock’s body lying there on the floor while still moving. Later after that, the police reported on the news that Rock had passed away. Shockingly enough, instead of expressing anger towards the murder of PnB Rock, the majority of the world began to point fingers and put the blame on Rock’s girlfriend for posting their location. There were speculations of whether her post led to the death of Rock or if he was spotted by a fan who may have mentioned that Rock was at Roscoe’s, and the list goes on. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirms that the Instagram post was a leading factor in Rock’s death. While the LAPD mentioned that, Hailey Winslow from Fox 11 News found more accurate information saying that the property manager at Roscoe’s disclosed that Rock had made a video in the back of the parking lot in the car telling people they were there. Some people are furious about his girlfriend being the only one blamed in this situation and that people are forgetting that the murderer is to blame. There is a mix of reactions, opinions and thoughts playing a role here, but either way we must pay attention and be reminded that gun violence still exists and must be ceased.
This has not only impacted the city of Philadelphia where many supported this man, but the rest of the world who listened to his music, saw him in concert, met him and whomever else Rock influenced. Although we lost PnB Rock, his legacy and music will live on forever. His music, who he was and his service for communities will never be forgotten. Long live PnB Rock.
Adja Box is a first-year student at West Chester University.