Aspiring rapper Matthew Rodgers, who performed as Young Affishal, gunned down in Wicker Park drive-by

Jeff Mayes — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 12:07:14 -0600

By JEFF MAYES
Chicago Sun-Times Wire

Chicago Police investigate a fatal shooting early Sunday in the 1300 block of North Moorman. | NVP News

Chicago has lost another up-and-coming young musical star. Aspiring rapper Matthew Rodgers, who performed and recorded videos under the name Young Affishal, was fatally shot early Sunday in the Wicker Park neighborhood.

Ald. Joe Moreno said on Facebook that Rodgers had just left the Esso nightclub at 1270 N. Milwaukee, and the alderman wants that venue closed permanently.

He said he met Monday with the owner and the 14th District police officials, and spoke with the Commissioner on Business Affairs and Consumer Protectionabout the club, which was also the scene of a shooting last winter in which three men were injured.

"The owner has agreed to not to reopen Esso and to concentrate on selling the establishment," Moreno wrote, adding that he will put the club up for "Deleterious Impact Hearings with the City's Law Department."

"I am strongly supporting and communicating to the CPD and the City's Law Department that I want them to enact Summary Closure. In short, this would officially close the business."

Rodgers, 24, was walking about 3 a.m. in the 1300 block of North Moorman when someone in a red Nissan Pathfinder fired shots, according to Chicago Police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

Rodgers was struck multiple times, and was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:48 a.m., according to the medical examiner’s office.

Fellow musician Gee Webster put together a tribute video in honor of Matthews.

Matthew Rodgers | Homicide Watch Chicago

Aspiring rapper Matthew Rodgers, who performed as Young Affishal, gunned down in Wicker Park drive-by