Addie Stpierre

Written by Addie Stpierre

Modified & Updated: 01 Oct 2024

50-facts-about-pnb-rock
Source: Teenvogue.com

Who was PnB Rock? PnB Rock, born Rakim Hasheem Allen on December 9, 1991, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was a talented American rapper, singer, and songwriter. Known for his unique blend of hip-hop and R&B, he quickly rose to fame in the mid-2010s. His breakthrough single "Selfish" peaked at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100, earning triple platinum certification. PnB Rock's debut studio album, TrapStar Turnt PopStar, reached number four on the Billboard 200 chart. Tragically, his life was cut short on September 12, 2022, during a robbery in Los Angeles. Despite his untimely death, PnB Rock's legacy continues to inspire fans and artists alike.

Key Takeaways:

  • PnB Rock, a talented artist from Philadelphia, overcame challenges to achieve success in the music industry. His unique blend of hip-hop and R&B left a lasting impact on the music world.
  • Despite his tragic end, PnB Rock's legacy lives on through his influential music, collaborations with top artists, and his positive impact on the hip-hop scene.
Table of Contents

Early Life and Career Beginnings

PnB Rock, born Rakim Hasheem Allen, had a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. His early life in Philadelphia shaped his music and career.

  1. Rakim Hasheem Allen was born on December 9, 1991, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
  2. Started his music career in 2014, releasing his debut mixtape Real Ngga Bangaz* while incarcerated.
  3. Signed with Atlantic Records in 2015, marking a significant milestone in his career.
  4. First project under Atlantic Records was the release of his third mixtape, RnB3.

Breakthrough and Recognition

PnB Rock's unique blend of hip-hop and R&B quickly gained attention, leading to several notable achievements.

  1. Breakthrough single "Selfish" was released in June 2016, peaking at number 51 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and receiving triple platinum certification by the RIAA.
  2. Rolling Stone recognition came in October 2016, when he was included in their list of "10 New Artists You Need to Know."
  3. Second retail mixtape album, GTTM: Goin Thru the Motions, was released in January 2017, debuting at number 28 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
  4. Soundtrack contributions in April 2017 included two singles for The Fate of the Furious: "Gang Up" with Young Thug, 2 Chainz, and Wiz Khalifa, and "Horses" with Kodak Black and A Boogie wit da Hoodie.
  5. XXL Freshman Class named him one of the ten members of their "2017 Freshman Class" in June 2017.

Major Releases and Collaborations

PnB Rock's career continued to soar with major releases and collaborations with top artists.

  1. Debut studio album, TrapStar Turnt PopStar, was released in May 2019, peaking at number four on the Billboard 200 chart.
  2. Featured on several Billboard Hot 100 top 40 singles, including "Cross Me" by Ed Sheeran, "Changes" by XXXTentacion, "Dangerous" by Meek Mill, and "Everyday We Lit" by YFN Lucci.
  3. Guest performances included tracks with notable artists such as Ed Sheeran, XXXTentacion, Meek Mill, and YFN Lucci.
  4. Positive reception for TrapStar Turnt PopStar solidified his position in the hip-hop scene.
  5. Released "Ordinary" in January 2020, featuring late rapper Pop Smoke.
  6. Featured on "Rose Gold" in January 2021 with the late rapper King Von.
  7. Released the mixtape SoundCloud Daze in February 2022, featuring various artists including Pasto Flocco, Iayze, and Yung Fazo.
  8. Independently released "Luv Me Again" in September 2022, the last single he released during his lifetime.

Tragic End and Legal Proceedings

PnB Rock's life was tragically cut short, leading to a series of legal proceedings.

  1. Murder of PnB Rock occurred on September 12, 2022, when he was shot and killed at Roscoe's House of Chicken 'N Waffles during a robbery in South Los Angeles.
  2. Robbery and murder charges were brought against Trone, including felony murder, robbery, and conspiracy. A co-defendant, Tremont Jones, was also found guilty of robbery.
  3. Sentencing of Freddie Trone resulted in 31 years to life in prison for orchestrating the robbery that led to PnB Rock's murder.
  4. Trial proceedings established that the teenager entered Roscoe's & W in South Angeles in September 2022, where he fatally shot PnB Rock while stealing his jewelry as he dined with his mother.
  5. Prosecution argument stated that the teen acted under his father's direction, while the defense contended that Trone was merely an accessory after the fact.
  6. District Attorney's statement expressed condolences, saying, "I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and fans of Rakim Allen. His life was abruptly taken in an act of violence that no family should have to face."
  7. Trone's attorney disagreement with the judge’s decision, stating she failed to clarify why his client was considered a 'major participant' in the crime during sentencing.
  8. Notice of appeal was planned by McKesson, Trone's attorney, who argued there was no proof Trone was involved in planning the murder or aware his son was carrying a weapon.
  9. Deannea Allen's statement, the mother of the rapper, came from Philadelphia to address the court in Compton, expressing her disbelief at a parent putting their child in danger.
  10. Trone's son in juvenile justice also faces murder charges but is currently in the juvenile justice system, deemed not competent to stand trial at this time.

Legacy and Impact

Despite his untimely death, PnB Rock's influence on the music industry remains significant.

  1. Rise to fame was marked by his 2016 single "Selfish" and features on tracks with other artists, including YFN Lucci's "Everyday We Lit" and Ed Sheeran's "Cross Me."
  2. Impact on hip-hop included his unique blend of hip-hop and R&B, influencing a generation of artists and fans.
  3. Legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike.
  4. Philanthropy included supporting local youth programs and charitable organizations.
  5. Personal life was characterized by his close relationship with his mother and dedication to his family.
  6. Musical style was known for its smooth flow and catchy melodies.
  7. Influence on contemporary artists can be seen in those who have followed in his footsteps.
  8. Critical acclaim for his debut album TrapStar Turnt PopStar, which peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 chart.
  9. Collaborations with other artists included Ed Sheeran, XXXTentacion, Meek Mill, and YFN Lucci.
  10. Independent releases included "Luv Me Again" in September 2022, the last single he released during his lifetime.
  11. SoundCloud Daze mixtape reception was positive for its diverse features and production quality.
  12. "Ordinary" track reception featuring late rapper Pop Smoke received significant attention and praise.
  13. "Rose Gold" collaboration reception with King Von was well-received for its emotional depth and lyrical prowess.
  14. GTTM: Goin Thru the Motions commercial success debuted at number 28 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
  15. Real N*gga Bangaz mixtape impact laid the foundation for his future success by showcasing his raw talent and lyrical ability.
  16. RnB3 mixtape reception received positive reviews for its smooth production and PnB Rock's effortless flow.
  17. "Selfish" single impact peaked at number 51 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and received triple platinum certification by the RIAA.
  18. XXL Freshman Class selection in 2017 was a significant honor, recognizing his rapid rise to fame.
  19. The Fate of the Furious soundtrack contributions exposed him to a broader audience and further solidified his position in the hip-hop scene.
  20. TrapStar Turnt PopStar album impact peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 chart, cementing his status as a rising star in hip-hop.
  21. "Cross Me" collaboration reception with Ed Sheeran and Chance the Rapper was well-received for its unique blend of styles.
  22. "Everyday We Lit" collaboration reception with YFN Lucci was praised for its energetic and infectious beat.
  23. Legacy and impact continue to inspire and influence the music industry, leaving behind a body of work that will be remembered for years to come.

PnB Rock's Lasting Legacy

PnB Rock, born Rakim Hasheem Allen, left an indelible mark on the music industry. Rising from Philadelphia, he blended hip-hop and R&B in a way that resonated with fans worldwide. His breakout single "Selfish" and debut album TrapStar Turnt PopStar showcased his unique talent. Collaborations with artists like Ed Sheeran, XXXTentacion, and Meek Mill further solidified his place in the industry.

Despite his tragic death in 2022, PnB Rock's influence continues. His music, characterized by smooth flow and catchy melodies, remains a staple for many. His philanthropic efforts and dedication to family also highlight his character beyond the music. PnB Rock's legacy lives on, inspiring new generations of artists and fans. His contributions to hip-hop and R&B ensure he'll be remembered for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was PnB Rock known for?
PnB Rock gained fame as a talented rapper and singer from Philadelphia, best known for his catchy melodies and unique blend of hip-hop and R&B. His breakout single, "Selfish," skyrocketed him to fame, showcasing his ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with smooth beats.
How did PnB Rock get his stage name?
His stage name, PnB Rock, pays homage to both his upbringing and his neighborhood. "PnB" stands for Pastorius and Baynton, a street corner in the Germantown section of Philadelphia where he spent much of his youth. This name reflects both his roots and the experiences that shaped his music.
Did PnB Rock achieve any awards or nominations during his career?
Yes, throughout his career, PnB Rock received several accolades. Notably, he was nominated for a couple of awards, including the iHeartRadio Music Awards. His talent and contributions to the music industry were recognized by fans and peers alike, marking him as a significant figure in contemporary music.
What were some of PnB Rock's most popular songs?
Among his many hits, songs like "Selfish," "Fleek," and "Misunderstood" stand out. His collaboration with artists such as Kodak Black and A Boogie wit da Hoodie on tracks like "Horses" also received widespread acclaim, further cementing his place in the music industry.
How did PnB Rock's early life influence his music?
PnB Rock's music was deeply influenced by his challenging upbringing, including time spent in and out of juvenile detention centers and homelessness. These experiences lent an authenticity and emotional depth to his lyrics, resonating with listeners who found pieces of their own stories in his songs.
Was PnB Rock involved in any philanthropic activities?
Indeed, PnB Rock was known to give back to his community, particularly focusing on youth in Philadelphia. He participated in various charitable events and used his platform to speak on issues affecting underprivileged communities, showing a commitment to making a positive impact beyond his music.
What legacy did PnB Rock leave behind?
PnB Rock's legacy is one of resilience, creativity, and the power of music to overcome adversity. His unique sound, which seamlessly blended elements of hip-hop and R&B, left an indelible mark on the music industry. Fans and fellow artists alike remember him not just for his music but for his story of triumph against the odds, inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams with the same passion and determination.

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