Chynna Rogers, AKA Philadelphia-raised, Brooklyn-based rapper and model Chynna, has died at the age of 25.
Speaking to Stereogum via email, Chynna’s manager, John Miller, confirmed the news: “I can regrettably confirm Chynna passed away.” He added that her family said, “Chynna was deeply loved and will be sorely missed”. The cause of death has yet to be revealed.
Chynna got her career break as a model, signing to Ford Models when she was 14. After meeting the late A$AP Yams, founder of A$AP Mob, she was encouraged to pursue music.
In 2013, her single “Selfie” went viral, with follow-ups including “Glen Coco” and the Radiohead-referencing I’m Not Here. This Isn’t Happening EP in 2015.
“I wanted to be an A&R first,” she told Dazed in 2015. “I was approached by Yams to be his understudy... He was one of the first people I spoke to in music, ever. Eventually I had a complete change of mind and opted to rap with the crew, not stay behind the scenes. People had been pressing my line to take rapping seriously, so I did. I realised then that it was obviously what I was meant to do.”
In 2016, she released a mixtape, Ninety, that talked openly about her struggles with substance addiction. Her latest release was January’s in case i die first EP.
A$AP Mob led tributes to the artist. “REST EASY CHYNNA. WE GON MISS U SIS,” they wrote on social media. Her label, True Panther, said: “Rest In Peace Chynna. Heartbroken. All the love to those she left behind. Goodbye angel.”
“We were talking this MORNING!!!!” Kehlani wrote, before adding: “Today was our last exchange of jokes and those I will miss the most. I can’t believe it IDK how to. I love you. So very much. My heart is officially iced.”
“I don’t like doing this when my people go but I think everybody needs to know that you were special,” said Vince Staples. “Too special for words. Stay outta trouble lil cuh.”
Read some tributes to the rapper below.