Crime tape remains as Chicago police investigate the scene where an officer shot a man wanted on a warrant in the 100 block of South Kilpatrick Avenue on July 9, 2021. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Chicago is mourning another young life lost to gun violence, and the latest reports have sent shockwaves through the local hip-hop community. Bloodhound Q50, whose real name is Mikquale Cooper, is reportedly dead following a shooting early Sunday morning.
According to CBS News, the Chicago Police Department confirmed that a 22-year-old man was fatally shot around 3:58 a.m. in the Fuller Park neighborhood. Authorities say two vehicles pulled up alongside the victim as he was sitting in the drivers seat and opened fire before fleeing the area.
The victim reportedly suffered gunshot wounds to the chest and shoulder. Responding officers provided treatment at the scene, where the man was ultimately pronounced dead. While police have not publicly released the victims identity, dispatch audio that surfaced online reportedly identifies him as Cooper, Mikquale, with a date of birth listed as Aug. 6, 2004. The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, and additional details surrounding the circumstances leading up to the deadly incident have not been released.
Following news of the reported shooting, DJ Vlad also addressed Q50s death via X. Vlad, who interviewed the rapper last year, reflected on their conversation while offering his condolences to Q50s loved ones. Rest in peace Bloodhound Q50, who was shot and killed a few hours ago. I interviewed him last year. He was the most media-trained rapper I’ve ever spoken to at his young age. My condolences to his family, friends, and fans, he wrote.
The reported shooting comes just weeks after Q50 celebrated his 22nd birthday with the release of his latest project, ‘Get Back or Die Trying,’ which dropped on Aug. 6. The project also included an appearance from fellow Bloodhound artist Lil Jeff, who was fatally shot in 2024.
