Rapper Skilla Baby involved in non-fatal shooting

Someone fired 25 rounds at the artist, who played in Phoenix twice last year, as he was driving through a Detroit neighborhood

By Amy Young

May 23, 2025

Detroit rapper Trevon Gardner, aka Skilla Baby Phoenix Arena Facebook photo.

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Detroit rapper Trevon Gardner, who goes by Skilla Baby, was involved in a non-fatal shooting on Thursday, May 22, while driving in a Detroit neighborhood. TMZ obtained information from Edward French, the lead investigator on the case in Michigan's Redford Township.

French told the entertainment news outlet that the suspect's car pulled alongside the rapper and fired about 25 rounds. The shooting caused Gardner to crash into a building after being hit with bullets in the hand, head, back, and thigh.

Skilla Baby played two shows in Phoenix in 2024, one at the Celebrity Theatre prior to the election to encourage people to vote, and another gig at The Van Buren. In another area appearance, he was photographed Jan. 9, 2025, at Phoenix Arena while taking in a Suns vs Hawks game.

He is expected to make a full recovery and told police that he wanted to send gratitude to his supporters.

Amy Young is the Music Editor at Phoenix New Times. She joined the New Times staff in May 2025 after more than a decade of covering arts and music for the publication. In her role, Amy writes about music, searches for compelling news and works with writers who are also dedicated to bringing quality music and music-related stories to readers across the Valley and beyond. Previously, Amy worked for the Arizona Republic, Hearst Connecticut Media Group and Newsbreak.

A message from Music Editor Amy Young: If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of Phoenix's music, events and entertainment scenes.

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