US rapper shot dead

11:50 20 May 2009

Rising US rap star Dollar has been shot dead outside a shopping mall in Los Angeles.

The 21-year-old rapper, whose real name is Roderick Anthony Burton II, was killed while waiting outside the shopping complex's valet service with his friend DJ Shabbazz.

Police have "two persons of interest" held in custody.

His publicist said that a man and woman had been following him before the shooting.

Dollar was working on his debut album, 'A Dolla & A Dream', for Akon's Konvict Music Records.

His biggest hit, 'Feelin' Myself', featured on the soundtrack to the teen dance film 'Step Up'

His publicist added: "He had a very promising career. He was being hyped as the next Tupac. He chose music to get off the streets."