Importance Score: 52 / 100 🔵
A prominent rapper is fortunate to be alive after surviving what authorities are describing as a “targeted” assassination attempt. This incident has raised concerns about artist safety and violence in the music industry.
Rapper Skilla Baby Targeted in Detroit Shooting
Skilla Baby, the 26-year-old rap artist recognized as a BET Amplified Artist in 2024, was ambushed in a shooting near 8 Mile Road by Beech Daly in the Detroit vicinity around 7 p.m. on Thursday. The assailant opened fire on his black SUV.
This section of Detroit is famously known as the area where rap icon Eminem, also known as Marshall Bruce Mathers III, spent his formative years in a trailer park before achieving stardom in the 1990s.
Details of the Attack
- According to TMZ, approximately 25 shots were fired at the vehicle.
- The rapper, whose legal name is Trevon Gardner, sustained injuries and lost control of his vehicle, crashing into a nearby commercial building.
- A witness reportedly assisted Gardner, transporting him to a medical facility and alerting emergency services.
Injuries and Recovery
The CFWM recording artist reportedly sustained graze wounds to his head and back, a gunshot wound to his hand, and a leg injury, but is anticipated to fully recover from his injuries.
Outpouring of Support for Skilla Baby
Following news of the assault, fans and supporters expressed their concern and well-wishes through social media.
- “Heavenly Father please bring this man a safe healing and easy recovery in Jesus mighty name we all pray amen!❤️,” remarked one fan on Skilla Baby’s Instagram page.
- “I’m praying for a quick recovery and move out of the D. God bless you, sweetheart ❤️,” shared another admirer.
- “Prayers to you. You will have a fast and healthy recovery and will continue to be shield(ed) by the most high,” added another supporter.
Background and Peacemaking Efforts
The motivation behind the violent act remains unknown. Gardner has previously been lauded for his efforts in promoting peace, notably mediating a reconciliation between Detroit-based rappers Tee Grizzley and Sada Baby in July 2023, as reported by Rap-Up.com.
Community Engagement and Initiatives
In 2024, the “Bae” performer engaged with Detroit city officials in a program to buy back firearms, concurrently focusing on offering employment opportunities to individuals with past convictions.
Early Career Highlights
Initially discovered by Sada Baby, Gardner launched his music career with the mixtape “Push That S**t Out Skilla” in 2019.
Mekhi Phifer, Eminem, Evan Jones, De’Angelo Wilson in ‘8 Mile’, the 2002 biopic about Eminem’s life growing up in Detroit.
According to TMZ, someone fired some 25 bullets into the CFWM rapper’s SUV, grazing him on the head and back and hand. He also received a thigh injury; Pictured in Los Angeles in June 2024
Skilla Baby, whose legal name is Trevon Gardner, is expected to make a full recovery. The suspect was still at large and the motive for the attack was unknown; Pictured in Los Angeles in June 2024
His breakthrough record, “Womack,” appeared in 2020, followed by his 2022 album, “We Eat The Most,” which featured the tracks “Icky Vicky Vibes” and “Tay B Style.”
Advocacy for Women
The artist is recognized for lyrics that celebrate female empowerment.
“I grew up around women. Everybody wants women to love them. Women are some of the strongest people on Earth,” he stated.
Describing his creative process, he mentioned, “I do it subconsciously. It’s not like I am trying to do it; it just happens naturally,” during an interview with Rap-Up in May 2024.