Rapper Big Hawk Shot and Killed in Houston

By: Nick Tsolkas

Rapper Big Hawk, whose 2001 self titled album reached No. 45 on Billboard's rap chart, was shot to death in Houston on Monday night (May 1). The 36-year-old Hawk, whose real name is John Edward Hawkins, was a member of the late DJ Screw's rap collective the Screwed Up Click and brother to rapper Fat Pat, who was killed in 1998. Hawk was shot multiple times outside friend's house, police said. He died at the scene.

So far police have no suspects and their only lead involves a witness who saw a white compact car with tinted windows nearby shortly after the shooting, police spokesman John Cannon told the Associated Press.

Hawk was recently featured on the popular single "Swang" by Trae that included a posthumous contribution from Hawk's brother.

Trae ft. Pimp C, Hawk(R.I.P) Swang Remix