TRAGIC LOSS Lil Keed dead aged 24 as brother pays emotional tribute to up and coming Atlanta rapper

UP and coming Atlanta rapper Lil Keed has died at the age of 24. His brother, artist Lil Gotit, shared the heartbreaking news on social media.

In a post, he wrote: "Can’t believe I seened u die today bro I did all my cries I know what u want me to do and that’s go hard for Mama Daddy Our Brothers Naychur and Whiteboy."

Lil Keed, real name Raqhid Render, leaves behind a young daughter, Naychur. He released his final album Trapped on Cleveland 3 in 2020.

He has collaborations with stars such as Travis Scott, Young Thug and Chris Brown.

His cause of death has not yet been confirmed. Born on March 16, 1998, in Atlanta, Georgia, Lil Keed briefly worked at Subway and McDonald's during his teenage years before breaking into the music industry.

Lil Keed, the sixth of seven children, was signed under Young Thug's record label, YSL (Young Stoner Life), as well as 300 Entertainment.

Young Thug was this week arrested on charges including participating in criminal street gang activity as the result of a larger grand jury indictment that names 28 members and associates of his label YSL Records. Lil Keed defended Young Thug, posting: "YSL is a family. YSL is a label. YSL is a way of life. YSL is a lifestyle. YSL is not a gang. YSL is not a criminal [organization]. YSL is not a street gang. YSL is not a mob."

In 2018, Lil Keed and his younger brother Lil Gotit - real name Semaja Render - featured in fellow rapper Lil Uzi Vert's song Heavy Meta. That year, he also released his first two albums - Trapped on Cleveland 2 and Keed Talk To 'Em.

The main single, Nameless, hit number 42 on the Billboard Hip Hop/R&B Songs Airplay chart.

Keed's brother wrote on Instagram: "I want us all to pay respect. It's hard to give flowers when people are alive and I'm guilty. "Keed you are the new sound of music surpassing hip hop and all genres."

Artist Lil CeeKay, who also sells shoes, hailed Lil Keed "an incredible father" in an emotional post on the platform. He said: "Fly high Lil Keed. Glad we got to build a bond these past 2 years, will always appreciate the support you always showed. "Every time I would sell to you and Lil Gotit you made sure I felt I was at home and made sure I left safely. "Still remember when we were talking about how you can turn nothing into something.