Skilla Baby Survives Targeted Drive-By Shooting on 8 Mile Road in Detroit

In a shocking turn of events, rising Detroit rapper Skilla Baby, whose real name is Trevon Gardner, was injured in a targeted drive-by shooting on May 22, 2025. The incident, which took place on the iconic 8 Mile Road, has sent ripples of concern through the hip-hop community and beyond. As news spreads, fans and locals alike are grappling with relief over his survival and outrage over the persistent gun violence plaguing Detroit. Here's everything we know about this harrowing event that has thrust Skilla Baby into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

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Who Is Skilla Baby? A Rising Star in Detroit's Hip-Hop Scene

Before diving into the tragic events of May 22, let’s take a moment to understand who Skilla Baby is. At just 24 years old, this Detroit native has been making waves with his raw, unfiltered narratives of street life. Bursting onto the scene with projects like We Eat The Most (2022) and Crack Music 3 (2024), he’s collaborated with heavyweights like Tee Grizzley and earned the prestigious BET Amplified Artist designation in 2024. His music paints a vivid picture of the struggles and grit of Detroit, a theme that sadly mirrors the violent incident he recently endured.

The Shooting on 8 Mile: What Happened?

On the evening of May 22, 2025, around 7:00 PM, Skilla Baby was driving on eastbound 8 Mile Road near Telegraph Road when tragedy struck. According to reports from Fox 2 Detroit, he was allegedly targeted by unknown assailants in a drive-by shooting. His black SUV was riddled with bullets, eventually crashing into a building as a result of the attack.

First responders quickly transported him to a hospital, where it was revealed he suffered graze wounds to the head and back, as well as a gunshot to the hand. miraculously, he remained alert and is expected to survive. The sheer violence of the ambush has left many stunned, yet relieved that he escaped with his life.

Investigation Underway: No Suspects Yet

As of May 23, 2025, the Redford Police are actively investigating the shooting, though no suspect details have been released. Photos of Skilla Baby’s bullet-riddled SUV have surfaced online, painting a grim picture of the attack’s intensity, as reported by Hindustan Times. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by public figures, especially in areas struggling with gun violence.

Voices from the Scene: Shock and Concern

Media outlets have captured the gravity of the situation with chilling clarity.

“Preliminary information suggests he was allegedly targeted in a black SUV that was shot multiple times, eventually crashing into a building,”

reported Fox 2 Detroit. Meanwhile, the Economic Times highlighted the broader implications, stating,

“The 8 Mile shooting adds to growing concerns about gun violence in Detroit, where multiple high-profile incidents have occurred in recent months.”

as noted in their coverage on Economic Times.

The Symbolic Weight of 8 Mile

The location of the shooting, 8 Mile Road, carries significant cultural weight. Immortalized by Eminem’s iconic film and music, it symbolizes the divide between struggle and success in Detroit’s narrative. For Skilla Baby to be targeted here feels almost poetic, yet tragically fitting, given the themes of hardship that permeate his music. This connection has amplified public interest, as discussed in reports by XXL Mag.

Conclusion

✔️ Skilla Baby’s survival is a testament to resilience, but his targeting on 8 Mile Road underscores the harsh realities of gun violence in Detroit.
✔️ As investigations continue, this incident sparks renewed urgency to address safety concerns for artists and communities alike.

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