Dolla, an Atlanta rapper that was signed to East St. Louis native Akon’s Konvict Muzik label, was shot and killed at an upscale shopping mall yesterday (Mon., May 18) in Los Angeles.
The Atlanta native was fatally shot in the head near a valet stand outside the Beverly Center mall. No arrests have been made, but police were questioning a man found hours later with a gun in the ticketing area of the Los Angeles International Airport, according to reports.
Apparently Dolla, 21, whose real name is Roderick Burton II, was shot after an argument with the gunman, his publicist Sue Vannasing told the Los Angeles Times.
Police said the man detained at the airport remains in custody for questioning.
The Atlanta-based Burton and another rapper, D.J. Shabbazz, were said to be waiting at the valet stand after shopping when an argument broke out with another group and Burton was shot.
Burton worked on the soundtrack for the 2006 dance film "Step Up" and recently released two singles with Akon: "Like This" and "She So Fine." His MySpace page, said he once modeled for Diddy's Sean John clothing line and was signed to Jive and Elektra record labels.
Dolla signed to Akon's Konvict Muzik label in May 2007, after creating a buzz throughout Atlanta. He made his debut with the single "Who the [expletive] Is That?", which was his biggest hit, reaching #82 on the Billboard Hot 100. His song, "Feelin' Myself", is featured on the Step Up soundtrack.
The rapper was working on his second album, "A Dolla and a Dream," which was due to be released on Akon's Konvict Muzik label.
Rest In Peace Dolla...Niggaz be taking shit way too far...God Bless his family, friends & loved ones
