Skilla Baby performs at 42 Dugg’s show in Detroit after being shot [VIDEO]
Skilla Baby performs at 42 Dugg’s Detroit show after shooting
Skilla Baby survived a targeted drive-by shooting that occurred near 8 Mile and Beech Daly in Redford Township. The attack happened on Thursday, May 22, around 7 PM. Police are calling it a “targeted attempt on his life.”
The 25-year-old artist was driving alone when a vehicle pulled up beside him and opened fire. Around 25 rounds were fired, according to police, causing him to lose control of his vehicle. The SUV crashed into a commercial building, which was left with a gaping hole and had to be boarded up afterward.
Scene of the Shooting: What We Know
Lead investigator Edward French of the Redford Township Police Department shared that bullet casings were found scattered across the roadway, confirming the intense nature of the attack. After the suspect fled, a bystander at the scene quickly transported Skilla to a nearby hospital and alerted 911.
Skilla was hit in the hand, grazed on the head and back, and suffered a thigh injury. While serious, his injuries were thankfully non-life-threatening, and he’s expected to make a full recovery.
A Remarkable Return: Skilla Baby Back on Stage
In a move that surprised and inspired fans, Skilla Baby returned to the stage just two days later. On Saturday night, he performed at a concert in Detroit, brought out by fellow hometown rapper 42 Dugg.
Despite wearing a cast on his arm, Skilla exuded energy, delivering a full set and thanking fans for their support. The crowd roared as he stood resilient — a moment that underscored both his popularity and his toughness.
Skilla Baby’s Rise: From Local Artist to National Buzz
Skilla Baby has emerged as one of Detroit’s most influential young voices in hip-hop. He broke into the scene in 2019 with the mixtape “Push That St Out Skilla”**, later gaining national attention with singles like “Womack” and his 2022 project, “We Eat the Most”, released under Geffen Records.
In 2024, he was named to the XXL Freshman Class, a coveted nod for up-and-coming artists. The list has helped launch careers for artists like J. Cole, Megan Thee Stallion, and Lil Durk. For Skilla, it cemented his place among Detroit’s rap elite.
What Makes Skilla Baby Stand Out?
Skilla Baby’s sound blends the gritty realism of Detroit street rap with a melodic edge. His lyrics are deeply personal, often referencing life in under-resourced neighborhoods, systemic neglect, and survival.
His fans appreciate his raw delivery, but also his emotional honesty. Songs like “Tay B Style” and “Bae” show his versatility — able to switch from aggression to introspection. His work resonates with younger listeners navigating hardship, especially those from urban communities.
The Broader Issue: Gun Violence in Detroit
While the attack on Skilla Baby was shocking, it also reflects a larger pattern of violence affecting Detroit. According to FBI crime data and local reports, the city continues to struggle with:
- High rates of firearm-related assaults
- Underfunded community programs
- Ongoing gang activity
Artists, unfortunately, aren’t immune. In fact, their visibility often makes them targets. Similar incidents have occurred involving other Detroit artists, and tragically, some have not survived.
This situation isn’t unique to Detroit — cities like Chicago, Atlanta, and Memphis have experienced similar trends in violence affecting the music community.
Skilla Baby’s Community Impact: More Than Music
In February 2024, Skilla Baby made headlines not for music, but for giving back. In partnership with the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, he co-hosted a gun buyback program in Detroit. The event also featured:
- Record expungement clinics
- Job opportunities for felons
- Driver’s license restoration support
He described the initiative as a “healing-centered” approach to public safety — one rooted in economic opportunity and second chances. This sets him apart from many peers and signals a commitment to systemic change.
Detroit’s Hip-Hop Renaissance
Detroit is enjoying a musical resurgence, and Skilla Baby is at the center of it. Artists like Tee Grizzley, Babyface Ray, Sada Baby, BabyTron, and 42 Dugg are carving out space nationally. Each has their own distinct style, yet they share a raw, authentic energy that defines the Detroit rap aesthetic.
Skilla’s emergence alongside these artists reflects the city’s ability to renew itself through culture, even in the face of economic hardship and violence.
How This Affects Fans and the Industry
Skilla Baby’s survival and performance have become a symbol of resilience. Fans view him not just as an entertainer, but as someone who lives through — and rises above — the challenges he raps about. That authenticity fuels loyalty and separates him in an industry often criticized for superficiality.
Industry insiders are also watching closely. As Skilla continues to grow, many believe his blend of social impact, lyricism, and charisma could translate into longevity.
What’s Next for Skilla Baby?
Following this incident, Skilla Baby has signaled he’s ready to move forward stronger than ever. He’s expected to drop new music this summer and may address the shooting in future tracks. For many rappers, trauma becomes a theme they process artistically — and fans connect with that transparency.
He also plans to expand his community work, according to people close to the artist. With Detroit in need of more youth-centered programs and alternatives to violence, his platform could be a powerful force.
Strength in the Face of Adversity
What happened to Skilla Baby is tragic, but his response has been nothing short of inspiring. He’s become a symbol of survival, voice for change, and leader in his city’s music scene. As the investigation into the shooting continues, one thing is clear:
Skilla Baby isn’t going anywhere — he’s just getting started.