'You're obviously a target': Rappers rethink security protocols in wake of PnB Rock killing
LOS ANGELES — Rapper Glasses Malone is a regular at the South L.A. Roscoe's House of Chicken & Waffles where fellow artist PnB Rock was shot and killed last month.
"I've been going there my whole life. I've probably eaten there 200 times," said Malone, a 42-year-old "proud Crip member" and collaborator with Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne and Ty Dolla Sign who grew up in nearby Watts and Compton.
PnB Rock's killing, during a robbery of the rapper's diamond-studded necklace and other jewelry, was difficult news for Malone to hear. But it wasn't surprising.
"Just having money in general, especially when you're showcasing cars or things on your body, you're obviously a target," he said. "Hip-hop often tries to sell wealth and success on social media. But at some point, you're just giving somebody a list of potential victims."
The city's Black music community has suffered a string of high-profile and violent losses of life over the last couple of years. In the last month alone, three rappers — PnB Rock (born Rakim Allen), (Kian Nellum) and (Latauriisha O'Brien) — were killed in L.A. Beloved MC Drakeo the Ruler was stabbed to death at the Once
