HOUSTON – The city of Houston is not only known for its rich culture and diversity, but it’s also a major hub for talented artists such as musicians, rappers, and singers.
In previous years, some leaders in the music industry would have said that Houston was once a safe space for people from all over the world who work within those genres to come, showcase their work, and safely leave.
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KPRC 2′S CRIME COVERAGE
Some have even stated that other music hub cities such as Chicago, Detroit, and New York City have seen far more notable celebrities get murdered on their turf than here at home.
But over the past few years, it seems like things have taken a dark, eerie turn in the H...
Many of us remember exactly where we were when Migos rapper Takeoff was shot and killed in downtown Houston during the holiday season in 2022.
The thought of such a major celebrity taking their last breath so close to home was nothing short of bone-chilling, coupled with the horrific videos that surfaced afterward.
SEE ALSO: Cell phone video appears to show tense moments during shooting that left Takeoff dead
At that time, Houston Police Department Chief Troy Finner defended the music community, saying urban genres can often get a “bad name.”
On Tuesday, dozens of people took to social media, claiming that two other Houston-based rappers were gunned down in Houston on Monday night, leaving one dead.
PHOTOS: Gunmen wanted in ‘targeted’ SE Houston gas station killing
KPRC 2 is working to confirm the names of the victims.
Below is a list of rappers who have been shot and killed in the Houston area since the 90s.
Fat Pat, Feb. 1998
According to the Houston Chronicle, Rapper Fat Pat — whose real name was Patrick Hawkins — was gunned down outside a Houston apartment on Feb. 3, 1998, while attempting to collect fees for an appearance. He was 27 years old.
Big Hawk, May 2006
On May 1, 2006, Big Hawk, whose real name is John Edward Hawkins, was shot to death in Houston. He was 36. Hawk was a founding member of the late DJ Screw’s rap collective, the Screwed Up Click. He was also Fat Pat’s brother.
Mr. 3-2, Nov. 2016
Houston rapper, Mr. 3-2, birthname Christopher Juel Barriere, was gunned down on Nov. 10, 2016, in the prime of his career. He was 44 years old. His alleged murderer, Vincent Depaul Stredic, received a 30-year sentence for his death.
Barriere was said to have been killed by Stredic in the parking lot of a gas station off Sam Houston Parkway. The two men had driven to the gas station with two others and became involved in a heated argument.
Snootie Wild, Feb. 2022
Memphis rapper Snootie Wild, born LaPreston Porter III, was shot and killed in Houston back in 2022.
Snootie was best known for his first single, “Yayo”, which helped launch his career and charted on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. He was found with a deadly gunshot wound to the neck, next to an SUV that had toppled into a ditch.
Takeoff, 2022
On Nov. 1, 2022, around 2:40 a.m., Takeoff, whose birth name is Kirsnick Khari Ball, was shot to death during a private party at a bowling alley located in the 1200 block of San Jacinto. Investigators said some time during a dice game,
Takeoff’s uncle Quavo, another member of the Grammy Award-nominated Atlanta-based rap group Migos, was involved in an argument with someone.
Moments later, videos, which were circulating online, showed Quavo turning his back to walk off when suddenly gunfire erupted and Takeoff was shot. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
BTB Savage, 2023
Houston rapper BTB Savage was reportedly shot and killed on the night of March 30, 2023, at around 6:10 p.m. in the 4600 block of San Felipe Street. BTB, whose birthname is Darrell Gentry was found shot to death outside the entrance of a parking garage.
One of the suspected shooters was identified as 40-year-old Montrel Burley. He was arrested for shooting the 26-year-old to death.
Lotta Cash Desto, 2023
Memphis rapper Destinee Govan, known as ‘Lotta Cash Desto’, was shot and killed in Houston just months after she moved to the area. Lotta Cash Desto was reportedly driving a silver Porsche SUV. Her and her passenger were at a stoplight at the intersection of Richmond and Chimney Rock when they stopped behind a four-door vehicle. At some point, Williams and another man got out of the vehicle and allegedly fired gunshots at the women. Govan died at the scene.