Detroit rapper Skilla Baby survives 8 Mile drive-by-shooting after SUV ambush

Lights from police cruisers danced across shattered glass and bullet-ridden asphalt as Detroit's 8 Mile once again became the scene of violence, this time, involving one of the city’s rising hip hop stars. Skilla Baby, known offstage as Trevon Gardner, is recovering in hospital after surviving a targeted drive by shooting late Thursday, May 22.

The 25-year-old rapper was reportedly ambushed while riding in a black SUV near 8 Mile and Beech Daly, an area known both for its commercial strip and its gritty reputation. Multiple sources told FOX 2 that the vehicle was shot at numerous times before crashing into a building just off the roadway.

Also read: Rapper Qidere Johnson, who opposed gun violence, killed in shooting in Philadelphia

Drive-by-shooting on 8 Mile leaves Skilla Baby wounded

Authorities say Skilla Baby sustained a gunshot wound to the hand and was grazed twice, once in the head and once in the back. Despite the trauma, he remained alert when first responders arrived and was rushed to a local hospital for treatment. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Detroit police have not yet released suspect information, but Redford Township officers confirmed they are leading the investigation. Evidence markers dotted the crime scene Thursday night, marking where dozens of shell casings were recovered along 8 Mile. The extent of the damage to nearby buildings is still being assessed.

Skilla Baby has seen a rapid rise in the Detroit rap scene, known for his collaborations with artists like Tee Grizzley and his vivid street storytelling. Thursday’s incident is likely to intensify concerns over gun violence and the targeting of public figures in metro Detroit.

Redford Police investigate as motive remains unclear

While motives behind the attack remain under investigation, community members and fans expressed relief online after learning the rapper is expected to survive. There has been no official word from Gardner or his representatives.

Also read: Nashville School shooting: Teen opens fire on female student, then turns gun to himself | Trump 2.0

The 8 Mile shooting adds to growing concerns about gun violence in Detroit, where multiple high-profile incidents have occurred in recent months. Local law enforcement continues to urge residents to come forward with any information that might help identify those responsible for Thursday’s drive by shooting.

As of Friday morning, Redford police have not released surveillance footage or details on the suspect vehicle. Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or who has relevant video to contact the department directly.