The hip-hop world is mourning the loss of a rising star. DJ The Rapper, a 21-year-old artist from Nashville, Tennessee, was killed in a devastating car accident Monday morning in Atlanta.
The crash occurred just after 10 a.m. near the intersection of Piedmont Avenue NE and Monroe Drive NE. According to Atlanta police, DJ The Rapper was driving a 2020 Tesla that ran a red light and collided with a Hino box truck that had the right of way. Authorities confirmed he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Later in the evening, police confirmed that a 23-year-old female passenger in the Tesla had also succumbed to her injuries. Three other passengers—two males aged 22 and 26, and a 22-year-old female—were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The two occupants of the box truck were unharmed.
DJ The Rapper, born August 11, 2003, rose to fame with viral singles like “Swish” and “Worse Days.” His debut album Problem Child and follow-up YN With Motion showcased his emotional lyricism and raw storytelling, earning him a loyal fanbase and collaborations with major names including Lil Baby, Boosie, NBA YoungBoy, Pooh Shiesty, and Bankroll Freddie.
His untimely death has triggered an outpouring of grief and remembrance across social media. Music producer Mac Hopkins shared a heartbreaking tribute on Facebook:
“Damn LI BRA You LIVED A HELL OF A LIFE… I JUST TALKED TO You THIS MORNING You SAID You WAS READY TO GET THE MOTION BACK GOING. I FEEL LIKE I LOST A SON!”
Another friend, Corse Dready, echoed the heartbreak, writing:
“Rest Easy Dj the rapper… The Good Die Young. For the people that don’t know, this young man is the one who made the introduction at first to Tootie and King which led to their fathers Boosie and TI getting several dogs from us.”
Born and raised in Nashville’s public housing projects, DJ The Rapper began writing music at just 11 years old. He was raised as an only child and often paid tribute to his family in his music—most notably in his 2020 track “The Man,” released on Mother’s Day in honor of his mom. His father coached basketball for the Amateur Athletic Union, and DJ’s early life was split between the court and the studio.
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On Instagram, where he had over 100,000 followers, he gave fans a window into his life—sharing glimpses of his jewelry, cars, fashion, and creative process.
| Full Name | DJ The Rapper |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | August 11, 2003 |
| Age | 21 |
| Hometown | Nashville, Tennessee |
| Known For | “Swish,” “Worse Days,” Problem Child |
| Collaborations | NBA YoungBoy, Lil Baby, Boosie, Pooh Shiesty |
| Instagram Handle | @dj.therapper |
FAQs
What caused the car accident that killed DJ The Rapper?
According to Atlanta police, the Tesla driven by DJ The Rapper ran a solid red light and collided with a legally passing box truck.
Were there other casualties in the accident?
Yes, a 23-year-old female passenger in the Tesla also died. Three others remain in critical condition.
Who was DJ The Rapper?
He was a 21-year-old rapper from Nashville known for his viral hits and collaborations with major artists. He began rapping at age 11.
What was his most notable work?
His albums Problem Child and YN With Motion as well as singles like “Swish” gained him widespread attention.