Troy Ave accused of faking robbery for social media clout

Was the San Diego Shootout Real or Just Rap’s Latest Clout Chase?

Two days ago (July 15, 2025), a dramatic video surfaced on Instagram. It was shared by celebrity chef Geoff Cole, appearing to show Brooklyn rapper Troy Ave heroically defending his friend from an attempted robbery outside Cole’s San Diego home. The footage quickly went viral. Thus, it depicted a masked man approaching the duo as they exited a Bentley, only for Troy Ave to pull out a gun and fire multiple shots. Therefore, seemingly scaring the suspect away.

The post was accompanied by Cole’s caption praising Ave for “holding it down.” Therefore, it garnered over 45,000 likes and initially painted the rapper as a real-life hero. However, within days, sources revealed the entire incident was allegedly staged. Therefore, igniting a firestorm of controversy in the hip-hop community and beyond.

The Viral Video and Initial Reactions

The video, posted on Geoff Cole’s Instagram, captured what seemed to be a high-stakes moment. Cole and Troy Ave, whose real name is Roland Collins, were seen exiting a vehicle in high spirits, celebrating the success of Cole’s sold-out Chef Fest event. A masked figure emerged from an alley, appearing to charge at Cole. In response, Ave drew a firearm and fired several shots, carefully avoiding his friend. Cole’s caption read, “I came home after Celebrating the success of a sold out Chef Fest with Love & support from all over the West Coast! And a hater from the SAME CITY tried 2 take it all away! This the 2nd time but it WON’T be a 3rd! s/o 2 my BROTHER Ave for Holding it Down in a situation where most woulda RAN or FOLDED.”

The clip spread rapidly across social media, with many fans praising Troy Ave’s quick thinking and bravery. Comments on social media hailed him as a “real one,” with some users speculating the video could be a promotional stunt for new music. Others, however, were immediately skeptical, noting the theatrical nature of the footage, which one fan described as feeling “like a scene in a TV show.”

The Allegations Surface

By July 16, cracks began to appear in the narrative. Sources close to the situation told TMZ that the entire shootout was fabricated. According to these sources, no live rounds were fired, and the supposed robber was not a threat. Instead claiming, the robber was part of a staged act. Local law enforcement, specifically the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, corroborated this. Thus, confirming they had no reports of a shooting or attempted robbery in the area on the date in question. This revelation shifted the public’s perception, with many accusing Troy Ave and Geoff Cole of orchestrating the incident for social media clout.

The backlash was swift. Some X users criticized the duo, with one user, @leeman24, tweeting, “Rappers now making their version of TikToks… This cornier than Drake coming out on stage with the bullet holes in the hoodie.” Another user, @THEJAMAICA43834, pointed out that Troy Ave appeared to grab his gun before the masked figure approached, suggesting the event was choreographed. The criticism extended beyond X, noting Troy Ave’s history of stirring drama in the hip-hop world.

Troy Ave’s Response and Contradictions

Adding fuel to the fire, Troy Ave posted on Instagram claiming he wasn’t even in the video. That’s a statement that directly contradicted Geoff Cole’s narrative and the visual evidence. This denial only deepened skepticism, as sources close to the situation reiterated to TMZ that both Ave and Cole were fully aware of the staged nature of the event. The rapper’s attempt to distance himself from the video raised questions about his motives. Also, whether he was trying to mitigate potential legal repercussions.

As of this afternoon, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office announced they were investigating the incident to determine its authenticity. Currently, no charges have been filed. However, the police are examining whether the staged event violated any laws, particularly given the use of a firearm—real or not—in a public setting. The investigation could take time. However, it underscores the potential consequences of such stunts in an era where social media virality often blurs the line between reality and performance.

The Controversial Past of Troy Ave

This isn’t the first time Troy Ave has found himself embroiled in controversy. The Brooklyn rapper, born November 23, 1985, in Crown Heights, has a history of legal and public disputes that have kept him in the headlines. In May 2016, he was arrested for attempted murder and illegal weapon possession following a shooting at a T.I. concert at Irving Plaza in Manhattan. During the incident, four people were shot, including Ave’s friend Ronald McPhatter. His friend, McPhatter, later died. Ave was also injured and claimed self-defense. Thus, alleging an unnamed assailant was responsible. He pleaded not guilty and was later released from Rikers Island. However, the incident cemented his reputation as a polarizing figure in hip-hop.

Ave has also clashed with fellow rappers, including Joey Badass and Casanova 2x. He accused Casanova of being a “snitch” in a 2021 Instagram post. His 2016 sextape leak further fueled media scrutiny, with some outlets framing it as part of his ongoing quest to “restore the feeling” of New York hip-hop. These incidents have painted Ave as a rapper who thrives on attention, whether positive or negative, making the staged shootout allegations less surprising to some observers.

Hip-Hop and Clout Chasing

The Troy Ave and Geoff Cole controversy taps into a larger conversation about authenticity and clout-chasing in hip-hop culture. In an industry where social media presence can make or break an artist’s career, staged stunts are not uncommon. The video’s theatrical elements—complete with dramatic music and a well-timed “robbery”—drew comparisons to TikTok-style content. As a result, critics argue that rappers are increasingly resorting to scripted drama to stay relevant. On X one user remarked, “Sad state of affairs that y’all need this to care about artists.” Thus, reflecting frustration with the blurring lines between genuine street credibility and performative antics.

This incident also highlights the risks of such stunts. Beyond potential legal consequences, staging a fake shootout can erode an artist’s credibility, particularly for someone like Troy Ave. After all, he has long positioned himself as a “real” voice in hip-hop. Fans and commentators have speculated that the video was meant to promote an upcoming single, a theory bolstered by the music playing in the background of the footage. However, the backlash suggests that the stunt may have backfired, alienating fans who value authenticity over viral moments.

Final Thoughts: Legal and Cultural Implications

The ongoing investigation by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office could have serious implications for both Troy Ave and Geoff Cole. Even if no live rounds were fired, staging a public incident involving a firearm—real or replica—could violate local laws. California has strict regulations on firearms. As a result, any misuse, even in a staged context, could lead to charges like reckless endangerment or public disturbance. The police’s involvement signals that authorities are taking the matter seriously, especially given the potential for such videos to incite panic or inspire copycat behavior.

Culturally, the incident raises questions about the lengths artists will go to for relevance in a crowded digital landscape. Hip-hop has always grappled with authenticity, with fans and critics alike valuing “realness” over manufactured personas. By allegedly faking a violent encounter, Troy Ave risks being labeled as inauthentic, a blow to his reputation that could overshadow his musical output. The comparison to Drake’s bullet-hole hoodie stunt underscores how performative antics are increasingly scrutinized in the social media age.