American rapper King Von was fatally shot along with another man following a gun fight outside an Atlanta hookah bar on Friday, reported NBC news.

The police stated that when two Atlanta police officers, one working off-duty, confronted the shooters at the hookah bar, it led to an escalation of gunfire.

King Von, who gained recognition through his recently released album ‘Welcome to O’ Block’ was known to be an up-and-coming rapper. His representatives issued a statement saying Von had “emerged from difficult circumstances to become one music’s most promising stars.” 

The Atlanta police added that to their knowledge the 26-year-old rapper, whose original name is Dayvon Daquan Bennett, was killed in the initial gunfire between two groups.

“At this time, our investigators believe Mr Bennett was shot during the initial shootout between the two groups of males, prior to police responding and attempting to stop the shooting,” reported NBC quoting the police.

The police also stated that the 26-year-old rapper was taken to the hospital in a private vehicle and wasn’t among the victims found at the scene.

The police further stated that the shooting took place around 3.20 am outside the Monaco Hookah Lounge after a war of words.

“”The argument quickly escalated to gunfire,” reported NBCnews quoting the police.

Police officials added that a total of six people were shot, with one being in “extremely critical condition.” It added that three patients, who were being treated in nearby hospitals, were relatively stable.

The police added that three people had been detained and were expected to be charged.