Maryland rapper Goonew, best known for his distinct whispery delivery and his frequent collaborations with Lil Dude, has died after being shot on Friday night (March 18) in Prince George’s County. Goonew’s manager confirmed the news to The Washington Post, stating that the rapper died a few hours after he was transported to a hospital. Local CBS affiliate WUSA9 spoke with Goonew’s family following the tragic news. “I don’t believe this,” Goonew’s mother, Patrice Parker Morrow told the outlet. “All he wanted to do is try to get his family out the hood. He had a heart bigger than his body, when they took him, they took me.” Goonew was 24 years old.

Born Markelle Antonio Morrow, Goonew released his first mixtape, Certified Goon, in 2017 and followed it up with Goonwick, Big 64, and Goonrich Urkel the next year. His debut studio album, Still Servin, came out in 2019. 

Goonew quickly found a regular collaborator in Lil Dude, and together the duo released two joint mixtapes and countless singles, the biggest of which is their 2018 hit “Homicide Boat” featuring Lil Yachty. Goonew also hopped on releases with Xanman, A$AP Ant, Kayvo, and Keezah over the years. 

Fellow rappers and members of the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia music community have been posting tributes to Goonew online, including IDK, A$AP Ant, Redveil, BBY Goyard, and YungManny. “May Allah make ya grave spacious,” A$AP Ant wrote in an Instagram story. “I’m sick bro. Rest up.”