Rising Philly rapper LGP Qua reportedly shot and killed at 24

Philadelphia Rapper LGP Qua Reportedly Killed in Hometown

Philadelphia’s music community is in mourning following reports that rising rapper LGP Qua, born Qidere Johnson, was shot and killed in his hometown on May 11, 2025. The 24-year-old artist was celebrated for his socially conscious freestyles and community outreach. He reportedly lost his life in a shooting that unfolded on Mother’s Day. That’s a detail that has deepened the public’s heartbreak.

Official confirmation from police or family representatives was still pending late Sunday night. However, multiple hip-hop news platforms and viral posts on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) stated that Qua had died due to gun violence. The news rapidly gained traction across social media. Many expressed disbelief that an artist so dedicated to anti-violence had reportedly become a victim of it.

The Freestyler Who Gave Voice to the Streets

LGP Qua rose to prominence through passionate street freestyles that highlighted the everyday struggles of life in North Philadelphia. Unlike many of his peers, Qua didn’t glorify street life—he broke it down, line by line, from a survivor’s perspective. His lyrical focus on injustice, poverty, and gun violence earned him co-signs from rap veterans and cultural tastemakers.

Born in 1999, Qua began his music journey during an 18-month prison stint at age 17 after a weapons charge. It was during that time that he started writing lyrics seriously. He would later describe that period as a turning point—both as a writer and as a young man. During incarceration, he also met his father for the first time.

His breakout moment came with a viral freestyle filmed on a Philly street corner—no jewelry, no entourage, just bars. That clip earned him recognition from millions online, eventually leading to collaborations with major artists like will.i.am. His music drew comparisons to a young Meek Mill, especially in how it blended pain, speed, and urgency.

Tracks like “Dear Qua” (2019), which featured letters from Philly teens, and “Ruthless” (with Zah Sosaa), stood out for their raw emotion. His projects Voice of the Youth, Vol. I (2018) and Grave Yard City (2022) further cemented his status as a voice for those often ignored.

Details of the Shooting Remain Unconfirmed

The first public reports of LGP Qua’s death came from viral hip-hop outlets on May 11. Say Cheese posted: “Philly rapper LGP Qua who went viral over the years for freestyling on the block about real life situations reportedly passed away today.” Similar posts by @DailyLoud and @RapHouseTV stated he had been “shot and killed in his hometown,” and the story quickly began trending.

However, as of 11:32 p.m. EDT, neither the Philadelphia Police Department nor Qua’s family had issued an official statement. Local news outlets had not yet released full details, and the exact location of the shooting was not disclosed.

Some sources, including NewsX and HipHopWired, referenced the incident but noted that specifics—such as motive, suspect identity, or confirmation from officials—remained unverified. Still, the consistency of the reports across multiple platforms led many in the hip-hop community to accept the news as real, albeit tragic.

Community and Industry React With Grief and Frustration

The response from both fans and artists was immediate and emotional. Meek Mill, who has long championed up-and-coming Philly talent, posted on Instagram: “Killing ambitious young bulls like this on Mother’s Day is a Philly type of thing…” The post echoed the frustration of many who see LGP Qua’s reported death as a symbol of the city’s ongoing struggle with senseless violence.

Other social media users also weighed in. One X post read: “RIP LGP Qua. This city is a cancer. To rob and kill a youngin whose every bar was about stopping the violence and bettering his community? Prayers to his family.” Another said: “How Philly kill someone who raps about positivity? He was putting on for y’all in a positive way. R.I.P LGP QUA smh…”

Fans have been circulating old freestyle videos, including clips of Qua rapping outside schools, mentoring kids, and speaking directly about putting guns down. Many highlighted the bitter irony that a rapper who spent his career pushing for peace may have lost his life to the very violence he fought against.

A Voice for Change Lost Too Soon

LGP Qua was more than a rapper—he was a community builder. He regularly visited schools to speak with students, partnered with brands like Foot Locker to distribute sneakers, and was recognized by local leaders like Philadelphia Councilwoman Cindy Bass and Senator Sharif Street.

He dubbed himself the “Voice of the Youth,” and for good reason. His music was therapy, not just for himself but for the thousands of young people who saw their pain, dreams, and reality in his bars.

Tracks like “Stay Woke” and “Reaper” weren’t about hype—they were about heartbreak. His lyrics painted a picture of survival, of pushing through when the world seems rigged against you. LGP Qua didn’t just want to be a star; he wanted to be a light.

In a city with a long, complex relationship with gun violence, Qua stood out for using his platform to challenge, not enable, that cycle. His death—if confirmed—will likely reignite conversations about the safety of young artists, the responsibility of community leadership, and the systemic failures that often leave promising voices silenced too soon.

Final Thoughts on a Life Cut Short

As fans wait for official confirmation and more details, the hip-hop world is already grieving the loss of a rapper who represented more than music. LGP Qua was a voice of reason in a chaotic scene. He was a young man trying to turn his past into purpose and pain into power.

His death, reported on Mother’s Day, adds a deeply emotional dimension to an already painful story. In a city he loved, in streets he tried to heal, the reported loss of LGP Qua feels like both a personal tragedy. Additionally, it feels like a cultural failure.

Whether through a freestyle on a corner, a motivational school speech, or a viral clip that gave hope to thousands, LGP Qua left his mark. And if the reports of his death are confirmed, it will be up to his city—and his culture—to carry that mission forward.