Nobody should die at 20. Yet here we go again... After the news broke about the death of rapper Pop Smoke, it made me wonder. Who in the hell would want a career in rap? While we don't yet know who the killers were, or the motive, it would come as no surprise if it were about money or professional jealousy. Like Nipsey Hussle last year, promising young rappers seem to be falling by the wayside with alarming regularity, with no end in sight.

I've actually had to caution some guys here about getting into the rap game. God forbid, you start to make it in this profession, drawing deadly strains of envy from others not so fortunate. I told one friend; You'd have to travel everywhere with at least one armed bodyguard, do you really want to live like that? But to some people living in grinding poverty, this looks like the golden ticket to a life of riches and fame.

Even if they have to die to get it...

Remembering the man

The very talent that started them on the pathway to success, also attracted the beady eyes filled with jealous hate. The attitude of "If I'm not making it, he's not either!" pervades the minds of those whom the Goddess of fortune has passed on by...

The real answer is, instead of getting angry at their success, find out how in the world did they do it! Then get back in there, hone your craft and come away with an even better chance at grabbing that brass ring all for yourself. Smart people find mentors and role models to learn from and emulate. More of that is sorely needed.

On June 18, 2018, Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy was shot and killed during a robbery attempt in Deerfield Beach, Florida. You know him better as the rapper XXXTentacion. He was also 20 years old. When will the killings end?

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