Aside from what’s been ongoing with the polarizing events of Middle America, here at home we’ve been dealing with our own crushing realities of violence. Through most of yesterday and today, fans of local hip-hop are realizing the loss of one of the scene’s quickest rising artists.

Aside from what’s been ongoing with the polarizing events of Middle America, here at home we’ve been dealing with our own crushing realities of violence. Through most of yesterday and today, fans of local hip-hop are realizing the loss of one of the scene’s quickest rising artists.

Kevie Durham, known to most around the state as “KL Tha General,” succumbed to injuries sustained from gun shot wounds he received late in the weekend. The impact of the event is felt not only here at home, but is also becoming a nationwide focus as other outlets pick up on the senseless tragedy.

The shooting took place early Sunday morning at The Beach on North Federal Boulevard and West Colfax, mere blocks from The Sports Authority Field @ Mile High stadium. Little was known outside of social media rumors of the victims, but yesterday it was confirmed Durham fell to his injuries. Others were hurt with non-life threatening injuries.

Friend and music producer Russ P. tells 7 News Durham wasn’t the kind of man to wrap himself up in violent activities and his undeniable talents were beginning to breed new life in his career with national exposure.

"This isn’t just another story of a rapper running around doing crazy stuff and ending up getting shot in the streets," Russ says. "This is different. He was a good dude, that’s all I can say. And he had a lot to offer, not only the local community as an artist, but the world. He had a lot of talent. It was just the beginning for this guy."

Similar sentiments continue to roll across Durham’s Facebook page, which exemplify his short but significant contributions to the local community. Writer and music industry entrepreneur Ru Johnson says Durham’s talents were a noticeable force and contemporaries of his plan to honor his name moving forward.

"KL Tha General was a bright young man who I had the pleasure of being acquainted with about local hip-hop,” says Johnson. “A turning point happened when we had a pointed conversation about the direction of hip-hop one night. He explained that I needed to give more artists an opportunity to be heard. From there, he made a point to send me original tracks of his own and those of his peers. I just covered KL's standout performance for the release of the ‘Controversy’ mixtape this past Tuesday and most say he was the best performer.”

“His death is sad,” Johnson continues. “It's just sad. Senseless, yes, but mostly sad. Many in the hip-hop community are preserving KL's honor and spirit by vowing to remove violence from their lyrics. Esi Juey, and others. I think KL's friends are doing a beautiful job honoring their friend's memory."

A GoFundMe.com account has also been created to help surviving family members with unexpected costs.

Russ adds friends in the industry are preparing a benefit for Durham's family at Over There Off Hampden Bar and Grille Tuesday, Nov 25.