Hard to believe that seven years ago the world lost emerging rapper Lil Snupe. He was then a recent signee to Meek Mill’s Dream Chaser’s label that was shot and killed in his native Louisiana.

Meek Mill signed Snupe to Dream Chasers in 2012 after listening to his mixtape for 20 minutes.

“He was in a van, they was finna pull off. And I went and knocked on the van, on the window,” Snupe told MTV News. “They let the window down, grabbed the mixtape and it was like 10 minutes later, 20 minutes later they called me,” he said.

“He was spittin’ so much pain, he’s from the south with a flow like an east coast guy,” Meek told MTV.

The AP reported that an argument broke out during a video game at a friend’s apartment and Lil Snupe was shot twice in the chest. Tony Holden was charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery and illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Also, Edrick O. Stewart was charged with manslaughter.

Snupe was laid to rest at Jonesboro-Hodge High School in his hometown of Jonesboro, Louisiana, on June 29. Among the hundreds of mourners in attendance was Meek Mill.

Justice For Lil Snupe

As the world is focused intently on the fight for social justice, tragedies like Lil’ Snupe’s death must not be repeated. Regardless of the circumstances, it is a well-known fact that many in the hip hop community leave as soon as the fame hits.

Going back home, although admirable for solidarity, has placed many artists in danger. Look no further than Nipsey Hussle who was killed in front of his property in his native Crenshaw neighborhood.

Hip hop needs to come together to orchestrate a buy back of the neighborhoods that raised promising young men like Lil’ Snupe.

If there is anything we have learned through these times, its that direct unified action can move the entire world.

Rest in Power, Lil’ Snupe.