Detroit Rapper Skilla Baby Injured in Targeted Drive-By Shooting

Rapper Skilla Baby was reportedly shot in a drive-by shooting on Thursday

Detroit rapper Skilla Baby, born Trevon Gardner, was injured in an apparent targeted drive-by shooting on Thursday while driving in a black SUV along Eight Mile Road in Redford, a suburb just outside Detroit. The 26-year-old artist sustained multiple gunshot wounds and crashed into a nearby building as a result of the attack.

Sources indicate that Gardner was hit in the hand by one bullet, while two other shots grazed his head and back. He was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he is receiving treatment and is expected to recover.

According to law enforcement sources, Gardner was alone in the vehicle at the time of the shooting. Redford police have launched an investigation into the incident, although no suspects have been identified as of Thursday night.

Detroit rapper Skilla Baby was reportedly sent to the hospital after being targeted in a drive-by shooting

Fans flooded Skilla Baby’s Instagram with prayers and well-wishes following news of the shooting. Many expressed concern and pleaded for updates on his condition, with heartfelt messages like “Heavenly Father please bring this man a safe healing and easy recovery” and “I love you, heal up.”

Skilla Baby began making music in 2015 after choosing to pursue a rap career over college. His passion and persistence caught the attention of fellow Detroit rapper Sada Baby, who mentored him and introduced him to manager Juan, offering early support that helped launch Gardner’s career.

Sources say the rapper was grazed twice in the head and back, shot in the hand, and taken to a local hospital, where he is alert and expected to be okay.

In 2019, he released the mixtape Push That Shit Out Skilla, which helped him build a solid fanbase. The following year, his breakthrough single Womack solidified his reputation as a rising voice in the Detroit rap scene. In 2022, he released We Eat The Most, his first major label mixtape, featuring standout tracks like Icky Vicky Vibes and Tay B Style.

Skilla Baby has also made headlines for his outspoken views. In a July interview on Keke Palmer’s podcast, he challenged the idea that Eminem is Detroit’s best rapper. “Number-wise, Eminem is the best Detroit rapper,” he said, “but the gag is, nobody would say that in Detroit.” He listed Sada Baby, Tee Grizzley, 42 Dugg, Babyface Ray, Veeze, and others as artists who’ve each had a turn being Detroit’s favorite rapper but emphasized that consistency remains lacking in the city’s rap scene.

While acknowledging Eminem’s legacy and influence, Skilla claimed, “Nobody in Detroit plays Eminem right now,” suggesting a generational and cultural gap between Detroit’s mainstream and underground scenes.

As fans and fellow artists await further updates on his recovery, the incident highlights the ongoing violence affecting artists and communities in Detroit.