Popular Louisiana rapper JayDaYoungan was fatally ambushed by 5 gunmen ... according to his father, who was there when his son was gunned down.
The slain rapper's dad, Kenyatta Scott, tells TMZ ... he and JayDaYoungan were sitting in the front yard of their Louisiana home Wednesday evening when a black truck pulled up and 3 people hopped out with guns.
Scott says he and his son tried running inside the house, but 2 more people with guns approached from the side of the property ... and then shots rang out.
Rapper JayDaYoungan Shot and Killed Outside Louisiana Home
JDY's father says he was armed too and shot back to defend himself and his son. Scott was shot twice in the arm, while JayDaYoungan was struck at least 8 times. Scott remains in the hospital.
TMZ broke the story ... JDY lost a lot of blood in the shooting and underwent surgery, but died in the hospital.
The rapper's dad believes his son's murder was the result of jealousy ... that he made it out of Bogalusa ... he thinks whoever was behind the shooting was envious of JDY's success.
Scott says his son didn't have beef with anyone, and he doesn't think it was gang-related. He does not think JDY knew the gunmen.
Bogalusa Police Chief Kendall Bullen tells TMZ ... cops are looking at all possibilities for a motive, including gangs and/or retaliation.
For some reason, cops think there was only one shooter ... police have not ID'd the suspect or made any arrests.
JayDaYoungan's dad says folks should remember the rapper as a "good, humble and respectful kid."