UPDATE (JUNE 9): Ottawa Police have charged an 18-year-old man with second-degree murder in connection with the shooting. Click here for more information.

UPDATE (2:20PM): We’ve learned more details about what happened to Jahiant Jahh. We’re told Jahiant got word that his teenage daughter was being harassed in Ottawa’s ByWard Market and went down there after his interview on CHUO to protect her. The attack occurred shortly after he arrived. He was unarmed.

Everyone we’ve spoken to knew Jahiant as a loving, respectful and peaceful man. That’s how we remember him too.

The HalfSizeGiants have released a statement regarding the sudden and tragic loss.

We have some really sad news coming out of Ottawa.

Markland Anthony Campbell, known professionally as Jahiant Jahh of the Ottawa rap group HalfSizeGiants (HSG), was killed last night during a shooting just days after the release of his group’s new album, Life Moves Fast.

The eight track project was released independently by HSG last Friday (May 31); after a hiatus as a group that spanned 15 years.

Local Ottawa media reported that Jahiant was in critical condition when police responded to Ottawa’s ByWard Market between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., but he later passed away when from his injuries.

“Postmedia photographer Wayne Cuddington who was nearby said he heard at least two shots around 9:30 and someone screaming that a person had been shot. The victim was quickly surrounded by passersby offering assistance. Paramedics arrived a few minutes after and began treatment before loading the victim into an ambulance.” (Ottawa Sun)

Authorities say they do not have any suspects in custody.

Earlier in the evening, Jahiant could be heard on Ottawa airwaves during an impromptu interview with DJ Daddy Rich, co-host of CHUO 89.1 FM weekly show, Freestyle.

The brief exchange focused largely on HSG’s new project, and single with Danny Fernandes, as well as plans to return to Toronto for future recording sessions. The Freestyle show airs between 8 p.m and 10 p.m. (and again on Saturday nights), and the shooting occurred before the show had even wrapped up. Jahiant was featured during the first hour.

We reached out to Daddy Rich for a statement:

“It is with a heavy heart that I send condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Jahiant. This talented man was taken from us too soon. Big things were on the horizon for HalfSizeGiants: a performance at Ottawa’s Glowfest and the upcoming release of a new video with Danny Fernandes. While our interview last night on CHUO 89.1FM Freestyle was brief, we had the plans to expand on all the great things in store for him. He will be greatly missed.”

Audio from the exchange between Jahiant and DJ Daddy Rich can be found on the CHUO website.

It was just six months ago when the HalfSizeGiants had announced that they would be reuniting after 15 years apart. They marked the occasion with a new single and video (“Life Moves Fast”), and getting back to performing, opening for Detroit vet Obie Trice.

HSG, once known as BMW (Black, Mexican and White), first made their mark back in 1996 with their debut, Maple Flava On Cruise Control, featuring the Maestro Fresh Wes-produced “Tell Me Kids.” The group, which also includes Ironic (Chris Weins) and Memo Moreno (William Moreno), originally came together during high school in the 90’s.

Along with the group’s other members, Jahiant had also put in a ton of great work as a solo artist. His 2016 video for “Them Shoot The Youths” has been viewed over 75K to date.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Jahiant’s family and friends, and the whole HSG movement.

Rest In Peace Jahiant Jahh

You can follow @HalfSizeGiants on Instagram.