In Philadelphia, a city that both shaped and inspired his music, 30-year-old Qidere Johnson, a Black man known to many as the rapper LGP Qua, saw his life tragically cut short on Mother's Day, May 11, 2025. Johnson was known for his socially conscious lyrics that often touched on the gun violence that plagued his community. On that Sunday afternoon, he became another victim of the violence he rapped against.
He and a friend were sitting in a car near the intersection of M and East Luzerne Streets in the Juniata Park neighborhood when they were suddenly ambushed.
Two men, their faces obscured by masks and brandishing guns, rushed the vehicle with the intent to rob them. The assailants targeted the gold chains around Johnson's neck. During the struggle that ensued, one of the men fired a single shot, striking Johnson in the chest. In the immediate aftermath, the gunmen fled. Johnson's friend quickly drove him to Temple University Hospital, but his injury was too severe. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving, just before 5 p.m. His death sent ripples of shock and grief through a community that had seen him as a voice for the youth, an artist who had collaborated with well-known musicians like will.i.am and French Montana.
The investigation into the senseless killing moved quickly. In the days and weeks that followed, the Philadelphia police identified and arrested two 19-year-olds, Joshua Thomas-Coleman and Abdul Boyd. Both were charged with murder, robbery, conspiracy, and other related crimes. A third suspect, 21-year-old Amir Earley, was identified but remained at large. Considered armed and dangerous, his time as a fugitive came to an end in early August when U.S. Marshals apprehended him. Earley was also charged with murder and other offenses in connection with the fatal robbery, bringing all known suspects in the death of Qidere Johnson into custody.
