The 28-year-old rapper – real name Renetta Lowe – was found inside a vehicle in New Orleans on Monday (December 21).

Police also found the body of 25-year-old Jerome 'Man Man' Hampton in the vehicle. Both had multiple gunshot founds to the head and body.

Shorty was affiliated to Lil' Wayne's Cash Money, and the rapper paid tribute to his late friend in a message on Twitter.

"R.I.P to my big sister Magnolia Shorty...this is a krazy world," he wrote.

Police have launched an appeal for potential witnesses, according to NOLA.com.

(by Jason Gregory)