Detroit Rap Star Skilla Baby Shot on 8 Mile — Rap Beef or Street Chaos?
Rising Detroit rapper Skilla Baby, born Trevon Gardner, was injured in a shooting on the evening of Thursday, May 22, 2025, along the city’s iconic Eastbound 8 Mile Road near Telegraph.
The 25-year-old artist, known for his gritty storytelling and influence in the local hip-hop scene, sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including a graze to the head and a leg injury, according to posts circulating on social media local media reports. He is expected to survive.
Trending Now!!:
The shooting has sent ripples through Detroit’s music community, prompting an outpouring of support from fans and fellow artists. While police have not yet officially confirmed Gardner as the victim, several social media accounts with close ties to the hip-hop world — including @SaycheeseDGTL and @raphousetv2 — reported that Skilla Baby was indeed the target.
Witnesses say the chaotic scene unfolded on East 8 Mile, a well-traveled corridor known for both its cultural significance and history of violence. Multiple shell casings were recovered at the scene, and a vehicle reportedly crashed into a nearby building shortly after shots were fired. It remains unclear whether the crash is directly related to the shooting.
As of Friday morning, Detroit police had not released a public statement regarding the incident. No suspects have been named, and the motive remains unknown. Authorities are investigating whether the shooting was a targeted attack or the result of a broader conflict.
Skilla Baby, who grew up on Detroit’s west side, has become a notable voice for the city’s younger generation. With breakout songs like “Trevon” and “Gorgeous,” as well as critically acclaimed mixtapes such as Crack Music and Push That Bag Up, he has carved a niche with his raw authenticity and melodic delivery.
His rise has included collaborations with prominent artists like Sada Baby, Tee Grizzley, and Moneybagg Yo, and an association with Lil Baby’s “4PF” label has further raised his national profile.
His latest release, The Coldest (2023), showcased his artistic range and earned praise for its honesty and depth, securing his place as one of Detroit’s most promising emerging talents.
Reactions to the news flooded social media within hours of the reports. Fans and local artists expressed concern and sent prayers for Gardner’s recovery. “Skilla Baby is one of our brightest lights. Praying he pulls through,” read one post on social media. Another user pleaded, “Detroit gotta do better — we can’t keep losing our talent like this.”
The city’s hip-hop scene, while vibrant and influential, has increasingly found itself confronting issues of violence and safety. Skilla Baby’s shooting comes amid growing conversations about the vulnerability of artists who remain closely connected to the communities that shaped them.
As of now, Skilla Baby remains hospitalized. His injuries, while serious, are not believed to be life-threatening. The rapper has not yet issued a public statement, and his team has remained silent amid ongoing investigations. Fans continue to wait anxiously for an official update on his condition.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward as they work to piece together the events of that night.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
