Rapper Skilla Baby has been very open about how violence has impacted his life, especially after surviving a shooting in May 2025. Skilla was reportedly shot in the leg and grazed in the head during the incident. Since then, he’s been very vocal about counting his blessings, thanking God and making changes in his life. More than a year later, he’s sharing how the experience changed his outlook on street life.
RELATED: Still Standing! Skilla Baby Breaks Silence After Detroit Shooting (WATCH)
Skilla Baby Denounces Street Life As He Embraces A New Chapter
Skilla Baby is going viral after talking about how being shot impacted his life during a recent TikTok Live. “They shot the gangster out of me… I’m a civilian; you see me on TikTok. I ain’t on none of that sh**.”
Skilla continued to stand on his comments even after his friend chimed in and disagreed. The rapper made it clear that he wants no part of street life and is focused on being happy.
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“I ain’t really with the sh**. I want to be happy. They shot the gangster out of me, yes, sir.”
When his friend claimed he was still a “street politician,” Skilla pushed back on the label. Skilla also spoke about his faith and wanting to live life on his own terms.
“I ain’t no street nothing. I don’t do nothing street. Nothing. I walk in the street and I get back on the sidewalk. It is what it is. I support God. I ain’t really with nobody having control over me. I live my own life. I ain’t really with none of that.”
Social Media Reacts
Social media users quickly weighed in on Skilla Baby’s recent live comments. While many praised him for choosing to leave the streets behind, others questioned the change and admitted they wanted the old Skilla back.
Instagram user @lingg.lee wrote, “Realest ish I’ve heard a rapper say, after being shot😂”
Instagram user @erickaxv2_ added, “Yessir😂😂 he not playing about his life no more I love that.”
While Instagram user @lleeeahhh._ wrote, “Shidd he just like me if I ever get shot tf.”
Instagram user @fma_bravoo added, “Dam we need the old skilla back that new album was a 5/10.”
While Instagram user @tredilion wrote, “But if a bullet made you reconsider that were you ever to begin with? Or were you just putting up a facade?😭”
Instagram user @candypaintash added, “This why i be sayin street dudes be suicidal, cuz how you keep losing yo freedom, witnessing death and havin near death experiences. And still wanna be in the streets??”
While Instagram user @honhollyhood wrote, “Y’all laughing but i bet he last the Longest 💯”
Instagram user @dimples_902 added, “Tik Tak did it for me 😂 but I love this for him💖 smart man!”
While Instagram user @ky.theprettiest wrote, “He’s the smartest rapper in the room whole • time!! He also saw death and now he knows not to take life for granted ❤️ I’m proud of his growth and the spiritual journey he’s on. There will be no Skilla slander. That man doesn’t bother anyone.”
Skilla Baby Reflects On His Faith & Growth Through His Music
Skilla Baby has also brought his faith and personal growth into his music since surviving the shooting back in May 2025. In August, he released his 22-track project ‘The Price of Fame,’ featuring Bryson Tiller, Nas, Erica Campbell The cover art showed Skilla sitting in a wheelchair, while the project touched on his shooting, faith and changing outlook on life.
Also, Skilla used his music to speak about violence and its lasting impact on people growing up around the street life. In a video for ‘West to East’ featuring 42 Dugg, he shared a message explaining the meaning behind the song.
“I wanted to use this song to showcase how violence is normalized where I’m from… and how one situation can follow you for the rest of your life… I am not condoning violence and I do think this is a problem in our culture. As a Black man from the ‘hood’ we are taught to handle certain things in certain ways where temporary situations affect us permanently.” He continued: “I also wanted this video to show reality. The reality is, dreams cost… What was your price?”
Skilla later sat down with ‘The Breakfast Club’ and addressed fans who still expected him to continue making “crash-out music.” During the conversation, he explained that his sound, mindset and message have evolved as he continues moving forward with his life. Earlier this year, Skilla also thanked gospel singer Erica Campbell while explaining how visiting her church helped him through a dark time.
“For the kids who don’t know, this is THE Mrs. Erica Campbell gospel Icon (Mary Mary)… let me tell you how God works. Certain things happened that led me to a church in California (California Worship Center) last year. I just felt like I needed God in my life. Not knowing, The Pastor and the First Lady were music legends, I just appreciated the word because it wasn’t forced and I didn’t feel judged. Long story short they got me out a dark place I was feeling evil… and now we’re family. I don’t even think they know how much they helped me… Thank you @imericacampbell ❤️”
