The rap artist known as Lil Marlo has been shot dead while driving in Atlanta in what police believe was a targeted attack.

His record label, Quality Control Music, announced the death of Rudolph "Marlo" Johnson in a social media post, saying he will be remembered as a man of great talent who feared nothing.

Atlanta Police Department said officers responded to a single-vehicle accident on Interstate 285 at around 11.30 pm.

They found the rapper dead inside the car.

Investigators believe he was shot while driving and he was the intended target, the police force added.

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Marlo had been a rising star at Quality Control Music, which he joined in 2017.

The music label paid tribute to him on Instagram, posting an image of the musician with the words: "May you rest in peace."

Police said the rapper was 30 years old, but the social media post from Quality Control Music said he was born in 1993, which would make him around 27.

Marlo made his debut three years ago collaborating with rapper and friend Lil Baby on "2 The Hard Way".

Earlier this year, he released "1st & 3rd" featuring Future, Gucci Mane, and Lil Baby.

Pierre Thomas, chief executive of Quality Control Music paid tribute to Marlo, writing on Instagram: "So Much Potential That The World Didn't Get A Chance To See. Love You Bro. It's Really Hard For Me To Say RIP."

Rapper Lil Yachty said on social media that he and Marlo had worked on four songs the morning of his death.

On Father's Day three weeks ago, Marlo paid tribute to his children on Instagram: "Thanks For Making Me Y'all Father I Wouldn't Trade Y'all For Da World #kemora #Rihanna #Marlo #Rudy Da Johnson Family."

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