The rapper had been in LA recording his debut album

US rapper Dolla has been shot dead outside a Los Angeles shopping mall after a fight reportedly broke out.

The rapper, whose real name is Roderick Anthony Burton II, was shot in the head at the Beverly Center mall and later died at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.

Police said a "person of interest" was detained on Monday at an LA airport over the incident.

The 21-year-old was in LA recording his debut album which was due to be released this summer.

The artist was killed while he and another rapper, DJ Shabbazz, waited outside the mall after a shopping trip.

Although a motive for the killing is unclear, police officer Karen Reyner said the victim and the gunman had been arguing before the attack. After the shooting, the gunman fled in a silver Mercedes-Benz.

The up-and-coming rapper caught the attention of R&B singer and producer Akon at the age of just 12 as he performed with friends at showcases around Atlanta.

The two collaborated on Dolla's first single which also featured rapper T-Pain.

Another single, Feelin' Myself, also featured on the soundtrack of 2006 dance film Step Up.

The rapper's publicist, Sue Vannasing, said a funeral service, to be held in Atlanta, would be announced later.