Funeral Service Held For Slain Pittsburgh Rapper Jimmy Wopo
Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Funeral services were held Friday for Pittsburgh rapper Jimmy Wopo.
The 21-year-old rapper, whose real name was Travon Smart, was killed in a drive-by shooting in Pittsburgh's Hill District on June 18.
A private service was held at Wesley Center AME Zion Church.
Wopo's manager said the rising star was set to sign a contract to join Wiz Khalifa's record label.
"Seeing the amount of people that showed up shows the support system that he had and how much as he meant for the community and the whole city," said Taylor Maglin, Wopo's manager.
Wopo began his recording career when he was 14 at the Bedford Hope Center Creative Arts Corner recording studio, not far from where the musician lived with his family.
Wopo leaves behind his parents, two children and a third on the way.
According to investigators, Wopo and another person were riding in a white Mazda SUV on Wylie Avenue when they were shot at close range. Police found the vehicle in the middle of the street. Two bullet holes could be seen in the driver's side window of the SUV before it was towed away.
One witness said the victims' vehicle was being followed. The second vehicle pulled alongside it, fired two shots and then fled.
The second victim underwent surgery and survived.
"As far as I know, the police department hasn't made a public statement and I don't have any further information at this time," said Maglin.
As police search for the suspect, Maglin plans to keep Wopo's memory and music alive.
"We have multiple songs ready to be released and we have 2 albums that are already completed," said Maglin.
Police are asking anyone with information on the shooting to call city homicide detectives at (412)-323-7800.
