Last Thursday, the entire music world was left in shock after news broke about a tragic incident involving rising rapper Trevon Gardner, better known as Skilla Baby. The young artist was reportedly injured in a drive-by shooting in Redford Township, Michigan, sending him to the hospital with multiple wounds. The entire entertainment world, including figures from the NBA, reacted with sympathy and concern. While most artists and public figures have sent prayers and well-wishes for Skilla’s recovery, even former NBA legends took to social media to express their support. And former pro Jalen Rose is one of them.

Trevon narrowly escaped death in a brazen drive-by shooting on May 22, 2025. While driving alone near 8 Mile and Beech Daly in Redford Township, a gunman pulled up and fired at least 20 or more rounds from a black SUV into Skilla’s car. Gardner was hit with three non-lethal bullets before crashing his car. Remarkably, he stayed conscious and is doing well. The suspect fled the scene, and the motive remains unknown. While police continue to investigate the incident, support has poured in from every corner. From the music industry to the NBA world.

Detroit native and former NBA star Jalen Rose also sent his prayers for this young talent. In his recent Instagram story, Jalen Rose shared a photo with young Skilla Baby, a reminder of their bond. The image spoke volumes about how deeply this unimaginable incident shook Rose. But what truly hit home was the caption. It simply read, “@skillababy, GET WELL SOON, SKILLA!” raw and straight from his heart.

The rhythm paused, but the melody isn’t over. There’s a whole verse of greatness still waiting to be written. Jalen made it clear where his love stands, and no doubt, more prayers and well-wishes will keep coming for the young star. Like Jalen, we too are sending strength and prayers your way.

From humble beginnings to rising rap star: the journey of Trevon Gardner aka Skilla Baby

Trevon Gardner, better known as Skilla Baby, is a 26-year-old rapper from Detroit who has quickly risen in the hip-hop scene. Growing up in a musical family, his father introduced him to a diverse range of artists from Luther Vandross to Lil Wayne and shared stories of Motown legends. This early exposure to music fueled Gardner’s passion for music and storytelling.

But his love for writing was sparked in fifth grade after memorizing Langston Hughes’ poem “Mother to Son,” which inspired him to chase a career in music. But don’t mistake by thinking that Skilla’s journey was without any hardship. He lost his father at just 15. The man who once ignited that fierce hunger for something greater inside Trevon was now gone. That loss hit hard, and with it came a wave of responsibility that could’ve crushed anyone. But Gardner faced it head-on, taking on jobs at McDonald’s and Walmart just to keep his dream alive.

His breakthrough finally came in 2019 with the mixtape Push That Shit Out Skilla, followed by his 2020 track “Womack,” which earned him wider recognition. From that point on, there was no looking back. In 2022, he signed with Geffen Records and released his debut album, We Eat The Most, featuring standout tracks like “Icky Vicky Vibes” and “Tay B Style,” which soared to No. 16 on the Heatseekers Albums chart.

From chasing a dream to making a name for himself, almost like Jalen Rose. However, Skilla Baby now lies in a hospital bed, healing from wounds that may stay with him forever. But the good news is, he’s recovering, doctors are hopeful for a full recovery, and so are his fans.