On this day, Jan. 15 in hip-hop history...

1997: Cash Money Records artist Robert L. Johnson Jr., better known as Kilo G, was shot and killed in his home in New Orleans' 7th Ward.

Kilo was one of the first artists on Birdman's then fledgling record company when he dropped his debut album, The Sleepwalker, in 1992 at the age of 15. While New Orleans was dominated by the bounce scene, Kilo identified more with the horror-core sub-genre of hip-hop. The album sold a few thousand copies independently.

He would go on to put out his second and final album, The Bloody City, in 1995. The project featured signature Cash Money production from Mannie Fresh and had guest appearances from UGK members Bun B and Pimp C, as well as label mates at the time, Lil’ Slim, M$. Tee and Tec-9. The sophomore LP was a marked improvement in both record sales and music quality for the then 17-year-old MC, whose raps had clearly matured.

Kilo G was well on his way to being an integral player in the growing Cash Money roster when tragedy struck in 1997. The promising talent passed away from gunshot wounds after an assailant shot him in his New Orleans home on Jan. 15, 1997. He was 20 years old and left behind two children. It is unclear if the case has ever been solved.

As if one tragedy wasn't enough the Cash Money Millionaires, another artist on the roster would be killed that year when Yella Boy of U.N.L.V. was also shot to death in the city of New Orleans.

R.I.P., Kilo G.

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