Full Name | Rakim Hasheem Allen |
Age | 31 |
Birthday | December 9, 1991 |
Birthplace | Philadelphia, PA |
Death Date | September 12, 2022 |
Net Worth | $4M |
Social Profiles | |
YouTube |
Before his tragic death in 2022, PnB Rock was an emerging star in the rap game. Though his career was cut short, his musical legacy lives on through his passionate fanbase and timeless hits. Let‘s take a closer look at the inspirational come-up story and career of PnB Rock.
Humble Beginnings in Philadelphia
PnB Rock was born Rakim Hasheem Allen on December 9, 1991 and grew up in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He had a difficult upbringing surrounded by poverty and crime, but found solace in music. As a teenager, PnB began taking making music seriously and adopted his stage name – a shoutout to the Pastorius and Baynton intersection where he spent his youth.
PnB broke onto the local scene in 2014 with his first hit "Feelins" capturing attention with his melodic style and vulnerable lyrics. The following year he released his mixtape Real N*gga Bangaz featuring his regional smash "Jealous" with Fetty Wap. PnB‘s honest stories and soulful delivery made him a favorite in the city.
Winning Over Mainstream Audiences
2016 was his breakout year. PnB Rock won a coveted spot in the XXL Freshman Class, shining a spotlight on Philadelphia‘s blossoming hip hop scene. His single "Selfish" went viral, earning him his first Billboard Hot 100 entry. Atlantic Records took notice, signing PnB to release his debut album GTTM: Going Thru the Motions featuring Wiz Khalifa, Ty Dolla $ign and 2 Chainz.
What made PnB stand out was his willingness to be emotionally transparent, a contrast to macho rap stereotypes. He sang vulnerably about relationship struggles and mental health on songs like "Horses." His versatility also shined through in collaborations with Ed Sheeran, Chance the Rapper and XXXTentacion.
Earning Widespread Love
In 2017, PnB Rock‘s star rose higher with his sophomore album Catch These Vibes hitting #7 on the Billboard 200. It contained his 2x platinum breakout single "Feelins" and other heartfelt hits like "Horses", "Confession" and "Issues." He courageously tackled depression, relationships, and his experiences in the streets.
PnB‘s career was elevating to new heights. His 2018 release TrapStar Turnt PopStar experimented with more melodic pop sounds yielding hits "ABCDEFU" and "Loyal." In 2019, he linked up with Ambjaay on the smash dance track "Uno." PnB had a special gift for writing catchy hooks and resonating with audiences through raw emotion.
The Impact of PnB Rock‘s Legacy
On September 12th, 2022, PnB Rock‘s life was tragically cut short at just 30 years old when he was robbed and killed in Los Angeles. The devastating news was felt deeply by fans and collaborators. As music lovers mourned, his songs re-entered charts as his contributions were remembered.
Though his time as an artist was painfully short, PnB left a lasting imprint. His willingness to share raw emotion connected with a generation of listeners who found solace in anthems like "Selfish" and "Feelins." He fearlessly blended R&B melodies, modern hip hop and vulnerable songwriting into a fresh new sound.
The sincerity in PnB‘s music will continue touching fans for years to come. His memory shines bright in his hometown of Philadelphia and in the hearts of those his voice resonated with. Though his story ended too soon, the honesty and spirit of his art will live on forever.