Rapper Gonzoe - friend of Tupac and Ice Cube - dead at 45 after being shot in Seattle

Rapper Gonzoe has died after being fatally shot near a gas station in Seattle, Washington on Thursday night.

According to a report from TMZ, the former Outlawz member, 45, was shot three times in the chest and was transported to Harborview Medical Center where he passed away overnight. The gunmen has not yet been apprehended.

Gonzoe - real name Ronald Moore - was a friend of rap legends such as Tupac and Ice Cube, even earning his nickname 'Young Ritzy Outlaw' from Pac.    

After Gonzoe was shot, he reportedly fled to a nearby Shell station before collapsing. A vehicle with bullet holes was found nearby, indicating that Gonzoe may have been driving when he was shot.

On July 29, the King County Sheriff's department tweeted, 'KCSO is investigating a shooting in the 2800 blk. of SW Roxbury St. 

'One victim has been transported to Harborview with life threatening injuries. We thank the White Center community for their patience as this will likely remain an active scene for several hours.'   

King County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Tim Meyer, who did not identify the victim, confirmed that he passed away overnight in the hospital. 

Gonzoe was a member of the rap trio Kausion which he founded in the late 90s with friends Cel and Kaydo. In 1995, the group was signed by Ice Cube's Lynch Mob Records.

Kausion's first and only album South Central Los Skanless was released in October 1995 and peaked at the 37th spot on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. It included the hit single, What You Wanna Do? featuring Ice Cube.

The group left Lynch Mob Records after a contract dispute with Ice Cube and disbanded in 1996. Gonzoe went on to join rap group The ReGime before leaving to pursue a solo career. He met Tupac through their manager Sherri Knight after Pac joined Death Row Records.

Gonzoe formed the celebrity boxing league Glovez Up Gunz Down with his former rival, rapper Boskoe100. The partnership came after the two squared off against each other in a boxing match in April 2021, during which Snoop Dogg was the guest commentator. 

The league's Instagram page states that it is 'Where all #HipHop beef is Settled!' The organization also promotes an end to gun violence. According to HipHopDX, Gonzoe was reportedly working on numerous business deals following his fight with Boskoe100.

On Friday, Boskoe100 shared a tribute to Gonzoe on his Instagram page, posting two photos from the pair's match. In the caption, Boskoe100 wrote, 'Damn I hate to have to say this. Rest In Peace @imgonzoe. We really made history together bro. I feel for your son and family. I hope somebody knows what happened and slide on it. #StayFocusedBlacks'

Revolt TV reported that Boskoe later provided additional details on the circumstances of Gonzoe's murder. 

The outlet stated, 'According to Boskoe, Gonzoe left a late-night studio session to grab a bite to eat from a nearby bowling alley. At the bowling alley, Gonzoe allegedly got into an altercation. The assailant followed Gonzoe outside the bowling alley, Boskoe said in an IG LIVE and fatally shot him.'  

Rapper C-bo also paid his respects with post on Instagram. He shared a video of the two having drinks with the caption: 'RIP my Loc Gonzo I hate to see the repeated cycle of killing those that finally have made a change in their life for the better smh fuck the shooter!!!! Buster must couldn’t fight . I wish the family and kids the best !!!! #RIPGONZO.'