Who Is Skilla Baby? Detroit Rapper Survives targeted Drive-By Shooting

It’s been a tense few days for fans of Skilla Baby. The 25-year-old Detroit rapper, known for his raw lyrics and rising success, was the victim of a drive-by shooting late Thursday night near the city’s notorious 8 Mile Road. Despite being hit in the hand and grazed in the head and back, Skilla is alive, alert, and recovering in the hospital.

What Happened on 8 Mile? The Night Skilla Baby Was Shot

On May 22, 2025, just past nightfall, Skilla Baby—real name Trevon Gardner—was driving a black SUV alone near the intersection of 8 Mile and Beech Daly when gunshots rang out. Witnesses told police that another vehicle pulled up and opened fire in what authorities are calling a targeted attack.

The SUV was riddled with bullets and eventually crashed into a nearby building, damaging the structure. Police recovered several shell casings from the scene, suggesting a high-volume shooting. The attackers reportedly sped off in a dark blue Dodge Durango, believed to be stolen. So far, no arrests have been made, and the motive behind the shooting remains a mystery.

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Redford Township police are urging anyone with surveillance footage or eyewitness information to come forward. This wasn’t random. People close to Skilla suspect it was a planned hit, though nothing official has been confirmed.

Skilla Baby Is Expected to Recover: Fans Flood Social Media With Support

After being struck by gunfire, Skilla Baby was taken to a nearby hospital. He was conscious when emergency services arrived and is now in stable condition. He suffered a hand injury and graze wounds on his head and back. While he’s facing a painful recovery, sources close to him say he’s in good spirits and focused on healing.

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Fans, collaborators, and other artists quickly took to social media to show love and support. Though no formal statement has come from Skilla or his team, the outpouring of care from the hip-hop community has been overwhelming. Many are calling this a wake-up call for violence in the city and the dangers artists still face in their own neighborhoods.

From McDonald’s to the Mic: Skilla Baby’s Rise in the Rap Game

Skilla Baby’s story is one of perseverance. Born Trevon Gardner on October 2, 1998, he grew up in Detroit and was shaped by a mix of musical influences. His dad introduced him to artists from Luther Vandross to Lil Wayne. In fifth grade, he memorized Langston Hughes’ “Mother to Son,” which sparked his love for writing.

Before music took over, Skilla had hoop dreams and went by the nickname “Skillz.” But everything changed when he lost his father at 15. He pivoted from basketball to beats, eventually working jobs at McDonald’s and Walmart to fund studio sessions.

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His big break came when Detroit legend Sada Baby recognized his potential. Soon after, his 2019 mixtape Push That Shit Out Skilla and the 2020 track Womack started turning heads. In 2022, he signed with Geffen Records and dropped We Eat The Most, featuring tracks like Icky Vicky Vibes that made waves on the Heatseekers Albums chart.

Recent Success and The Coldest Album

Skilla’s career hit new heights in 2023 and 2024. He teamed up with Tee Grizzley for Controversy, opened for Travis Scott, and joined Lil Tjay’s Beat The Odds Tour. Then came The Coldest, his 2024 solo project with 19 hard-hitting tracks and features from major names like DaBaby, Flo Milli, Moneybagg Yo, and Polo G.

His voice also showed up on Forget Me Not by Bfb Da Packman alongside Drake and other Michigan heavyweights. In April 2024, BET named him an Amplified Artist, and he co-headlined the Vultures Eat The Most Tour with Rob49, kicking off in Orlando.

Giving Back: Skilla Baby’s Impact in Detroit

Skilla isn’t just known for his bars. He’s been doing work behind the scenes to uplift his community. In February 2024, he helped organize a gun buyback and expungement event in Detroit. The goal? Reduce violence and give folks a second chance.

He’s also worked to calm tensions between major Detroit rap figures, helping bring together artists like Tee Grizzley and Sada Baby. Skilla has made it clear that success isn’t just about the charts—it’s about leading with purpose.