Carlos Walker, best known as rapper Shawty Lo, is dead after a fatal car crash in Atlanta earlier this morning.
Authorities say Shawty Lo’s 2016 Audi went over a guardrail, hit multiple trees, and caught fire before the 40-year-old was ejected from the car. He died at the scene.
Two women were in the car as well. Their injuries were not life-threatening.
Shawty Lo’s manager released a statement on the rapper’s Twitter account.
My brother has passed he is no longer here but his spirit, his kind heart , and his music will live on Long live Shawty Lo King of Bankhead
— SHAWTY LO (@THATSSHAWTYLO) September 21, 2016
Shawty Lo blew up during the mid-2000s and helped create the “snap music” craze when he helped found D4L. That group spawned hits like “Laffy Taffy” before Shawty found solo success with records like “Dey Know.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Thank you, Shawty Lo, for your contributions to the culture.
Celebrity fans and friends have been waking up to the tragic news and are mourning the loss, check out some heartfelt messages posted by the cast of Love & Hip Hop, 50 Cent, and more.