Key Takeaways
- Rising Nashville-born hip-hop artist DJ the Rapper died at age 21 in a fatal car crash in Atlanta after his Tesla ran a red light and collided with a box truck.
- Five people were involved in the crash, with DJ the Rapper and a 23-year-old female passenger confirmed dead, while three other passengers were critically injured.
- DJ the Rapper was an emerging Southern hip-hop talent who collaborated with artists like Lil Baby and NBA YoungBoy, leaving behind albums “Problem Child” and “YN With Motion.”
Tragedy has struck the Southern hip-hop community as DJ the Rapper, a rising Nashville-born artist, has been confirmed dead at the age of 21 following a fatal car crash in Atlanta on Monday morning.
The incident occurred shortly after 10 a.m. near the intersection of Piedmont Avenue NE and Monroe Drive NE, where a 2020 Tesla, driven by DJ the Rapper, collided with a 2026 Hino box truck.
Authorities have since reported that the Tesla ran a solid red light before crashing into the truck that was lawfully passing through the intersection.
Multiple Casualties In The Crash
Initially, DJ the Rapper, the 21-year-old driver, was the first to be confirmed dead.
By 6:30 p.m., Atlanta police also confirmed the d*ath of a 23-year-old female passenger in the vehicle.
Three additional passengers—two males aged 22 and 26 and a 22-year-old female—were critically injured and transported to nearby hospitals.
Fortunately, both the driver and passenger of the Hino truck were unharmed.
Emergency crews blocked off the intersection for several hours as investigators worked the scene.
Police have since ruled out any foul play, reaffirming that DJ the Rapper’s car ran a red light before the deadly impact.
Mourning A Promising Talent Gone Too Soon
Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, DJ the Rapper grew up in public housing, raised by a single father who coached Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball.
He began his journey in hip-hop at just 11 years old, steadily building his reputation as a dedicated and authentic voice in Southern rap.
Despite remaining relatively underground, he gained attention with viral singles like “Swish” and “Worse Days.”
He eventually released his first album, Problem Child, and a 2022 follow-up titled YN With Motion.
His collaborations with notable names such as Lil Baby, Rylo, NBA YoungBoy, Bankroll Freddie, and Clever hinted at a career on the verge of a breakthrough.
His friend Mac Dukie Hopkins paid tribute online:
“Damn LI BRA You LIVED A HELL OF A LIFE. WE HAD SONGS WITH LIL BABY, RYLO, NBA YOUNG BOY, BANKROLL FREDDIE, CLEVER. I JUST TALKED TO You THIS MORNING… I FEEL LIKE I LOST A SON.”
Via Facebook
Another friend, Corso Dready, wrote:
“Rest Easy DJ the rapper… The Good Die Young🕊️🙏🏾❤️… We are 4ever grateful of you. Live Long DJ.”
Via Facebook
And Jamal Rose added simply:
“RIP MY BRO DJ THE RAPPER THIS SHIT GOT ME HOT FR.”
Via Facebook
Setting The Record Straight
While early rumors falsely speculated that DJ the Rapper had been shot, authorities have confirmed that his d*ath was the result of the car accident and not gun violence.
His demise is a significant blow to Nashville’s music community and the broader Southern hip-hop scene, where he became an inspirational figure for many young artists trying to carve their paths in the industry.
As fans continue to stream his music and share memories online, one thing is sure: his voice will live on, even if his journey was cut tragically short.
Rest in power, DJ!
