What Happened to Skilla Baby? Details on His Shooting, Car Accident, and More

The Breakdown: Detroit rapper Skilla Baby was injured in a drive-by shooting in late May 2025. Skilla sustained minor injuries and has been released from the hospital, but a suspect has not yet been apprehended.

Detroit has no shortage of chart-topping rappers. The city has produced MCs like Eminem and Big Sean. It’s also home to one of the rap game’s newer voices, Skilla Baby. The “Bae” rapper has been steadily building his career and growing his fan base since signing with Geffen Records in 2022.

But things took a scary turn for the rap star back in May when he was injured in a drive by shooting on the iconic 8 Mile Road. Here’s everything you need to know about what happened to Skilla Baby.

On May 22, 2025, news outlets reported that Skilla Baby had been shot in a drive-by shooting in Detroit’s Redford Township. The rapper, whose real name is Trevor Gardner, was driving alone in an SUV when an unidentified suspect opened fire.

According to police, at least 20 shots were fired. Skilla was hit three times. He was grazed in the head, hit in the back, and shot once in either the leg or the hand (according to conflicting news stories).

The shooting resulted in a minor car accident after Skilla’s SUV crashed into a nearby building. An eyewitness on the scene later drove Skilla to the hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

It is still unknown who shot Skilla Baby and police continue to investigate. Authorities have confirmed that they believe the shooting was targeted.

Detroit is a vibrant city, but it does have a reputation for being rough around the edges. Skilla Baby experienced his fair share of challenges growing up in The Motor City. In an interview with Detroit Metro Times, he recalled being a “troubled kid but not a troublemaker.” He shared stories of his childhood mischief and getting kicked out of schools.

As a young adult, Skilla Baby continued to find himself in trouble. In 2021, he served a brief jail sentence after pleading no contest to an assault charge. The next year, Skilla would find himself in another altercation, but this time he was the victim. Skilla suffered minor injuries in a 2022 shooting.

Jail time and gunshot wounds can both be badges of honour for rappers. For Skilla, both boosted his credibility and popularity with fans. But he’s since worked hard to distance himself from his troubled past.

Skilla has always been ambitious. A talented basketball player, he once dreamed of joining the NBA. When that goal didn’t pan out, he set his sights on music. After the death of his father when he was just 17, Skilla worked a full-time job to take care of himself and fund his recording sessions and mixtape releases.

Skilla’s hustle soon caught the attention of fellow Detroit rapper Sada Baby. With Sada’s mentorship and support, Skilla sharpened his focus and earned a deal with Geffen Records. The “Tay B Style” rapper has continued to make a name for himself in the industry, landing on the Billboard charts with his 2024 mixtape The Coldest, and securing features with Flo Milli, DaBaby, and Polo G.

Though his recent shooting could have been deadly, Skilla Baby seems to have made a full recovery. Just two days after the incident, he took to the stage alongside 42 Dugg at a concert in Detroit. Despite wearing a sling, Skilla delivered a high-energy performance. It’s clear Skilla won’t let anything get in the way of his passion for music.