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18-year-old rapper Lil Snupe has been shot dead, US police sources have confirmed.

The rising hip-hop star, (whose real name was Addarren Ross) was shot dead at 4am this morning in the small town of Winnfield (21 June, 2013) with intital speculation suggesting that he was killed while playing a game of dice. These have now been denied by police.

Lil Snupe was signed to Meek Mill's record label Dream Chasers in early 2013, and released mixtape Real N*gga In Charge' in April of this year.

Police have confirmed that Lil Snupe knew his killer and that there is already a suspect in the murder inquiry. "We're working diligently to investigate this case and track down the suspect," said Lt Charles M.Curry of the Winnfield Police Department.

Check out Lil Snupe performing live on Meek Mill's Dreams Can Come True tour

On the day before his death, Lil Snupe had tweeted optimistically about his music career, writing: "All it Take 2 Make it is Dedication & Motivation," on his Twitter account.