(Press Release)

Last update: 13:00 a.m. EDT July 28, 2008

KILLEEN, TEXAS July 26, 2008 – Rodney Morris, Jr., better known as Lonestar; a FEDTYME Records artist, died July 25 as a result of injuries suffered from a car accident along HWY 195. He and his girlfriend, Samantha Chaffey, were returning from Schlitterbahn water-park when their car collided, head-on, with another motor vehicle. Morris was 21.

Lonestar was born on August 31, 1986 in Augusta, GA to proud parents Claudine Smith-Chandler and Rodney Morris. He was a dynamic artist with the ability to do virtually any lyrical or vocal stylization of hip-hop. His artistic attributes were a direct product of his childhood. Lonestar traveled extensively as part of a military family. Gratefully, because of his travels, he was able to have a lifestyle full of enriching experiences. By the age of 10 he had already visited 30 of the 50 states.

Lonestar began his road to stardom when he started hanging out with a group of kids in his neighborhood. "Daniel M, Q-Ball, Ferron, Scooter, Flavio, Bootsie, Eric, and Jerry J.," says Lonestar, "…those were the people who truly accepted me," said Lonestar. Initially, he began rapping his southern flows under the guise of Shinobi in a group called Tightworkz; the group would release three locally successful albums: Kausin Trouble, Texas Made, and Playtimes Over. As Rodney progressed, he would later change his moniker.

As a result of his given ability he was inducted as a member of the Bad Influence Click with FEDTYME Records alongside labelmates: Ktrain, FED5000, Young Fluid, and CEO Dirty B. Since that time he contributed to various local hits such as, "Sick Wit It," "Blockstar," and most notably "Make Moves" which recently garnered national attention by industry tastemaker Tony Neal, CEO of the Core DJs. On "Make Moves," Lonestar demonstrated his versatility by not only rapping but singing the infectious chorus of the chart topper.

Rodney Morris, Jr.'s name, Lonestar, was not only emblematic of the great state to which he called home, but described his wealth of talent. Indeed the young artist was an exceptional shining star. His songs created a huge impact in Central Texas pop culture and he will be dearly missed.

Condolence letters and donations can be sent to the family at the address listed below:

1714 Becker Drive, Killeen TX 76543