Earlier this year, Meek Mill expanded his Dream Chasers imprint by signing Jonesboro, Louisiana talent Lil Snupe, just moments after hearing the teenager’s demo.

“He was spittin’ so much pain,” Meek later told MTV of what attracted him to Snupe’s style. “He’s from the south with a flow like an East Coast guy,” Meek explained. “Like with that Bounce flow, all over the place, he really can spit, and he was talking that talk that I can really relate to. I seen potential in him.”

Tragic news has now emerged that in the last 12 hours of Lil Snupe’s murder. Global Grind has reported that Snupe’s manager, Leem, has confirmed the death on Twitter and Instagram this morning (June 20). The photo is of Leem with his buzzing client.

New Orleans’ emcee Turk, formerly a multi-platinum artist at Cash Money Records with Hot Boys, also reported Snupe’s murder:

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Prior to Leem and Turk’s messages, Meek asked to hear from Snupe on Twitter:

Information is still pending, including the cause of death. It is also unclear if Snupe is 17 or 18 years old, as both ages have been reported at MTV and XXLMag.com, respectively.

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Snupe had recently released mixtape, R.N.I.C. (Real Nigga In Charge). The project featured Meek, DJ Khaled, Curren$y and Trae Tha Truth, among others.

(June 20)

UPDATE: Following yesterday morning’s reports of Lil Snupe’s murder, local news station and CBS affiliate KNOE has confirmed the tragic event. The station reports that the 18-year-old Snupe (also known as Addarren Ross) was fatally shot twice in the chest at the Maplewood Apartment Complex, in Winnfield, Louisiana early Thursday.

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The report indicates that Snupe was in the area for a concert appearance at Farmerville, Louisiana on June 22. Police reportedly have a suspect identified, but have not released any further information.

In the hours since yesterday’s news, Meek Mill reacted to his protege and artist’s death on Twitter. “The streets killed my Lil nigga Snupe…I always told him don’t try 2 keep it real wit the streets…. Bcuz they won’t keep it real wit you,” tweeted the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania emcee early this morning (June 21)

HipHopDX would like to extend our condolences to the family, friends and fans of Lil Snupe, along with Meek Mill.

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RELATED:Meek Mill Signed Lil Snupe Moments After Hearing Demo