Elementary School Shooting in Newtown, Connecticut: Hip-Hop and R&B Community React on Twitter

America is in a state of mourning as 27 people, 20 of them children and seven adults, died on Dec. 14 when a gunman invaded an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., and opened fire inside the building.

According to ABC News, the heavily-armed man, identified as 24-year-old Ryan Lanza, shot and killed his mother, who was a kindergarten teacher at the school, as well as children who were in the class when she was slain.

The heartbreaking story was deeply felt by artists in the R&B and hip-hop community. Many of them went on Twitter to send their condolences to the victim's families and expressed outrage of the senseless tragedy. Russell Simmons, Rihanna, Bun B, Kelly Rowland and Eric Benét sent their prayers to the families who lost loved ones in the massacre. The Roots drummer Questlove wondered if now was a good time to have "the conversation" about gun control in America.

But Taboo (of Black Eyed Peas) put everything in perspective by encouraging his followers to cherish the ones they love. "Be sure to tell your loved ones you love them. Life is precious," he tweeted.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families and the community of Newtown, Conn.