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Hailing from Detroit, Skilla Baby has consistently demonstrated his dedication to his neighborhood. From visiting schools to distribute sneakers and being present in critical situations, the Geffen Records musician is intent on creating a positive influence. His latest initiative – spearheading a gun buyback program – represents a courageous endeavor that showcases his commitment to curbing violence and elevating Detroit.
At the 2024 REVOLT WORLD, during a live recording of “Big Facts,” Skilla Baby shared the motivations that drive his actions. Reflecting on his past, he confessed he admired the local drug dealer — not due to the narcotics, but because “the dope man cared for the community.” He has carried that same ethos of looking after his neighbors into his successful career. “Once I achieved success, I didn’t merely continue to benefit from my community. I desire for those who invest in me… to feel they can succeed as well,” he acknowledged.
The rapper’s role in the gun buyback initiative is deeply rooted in his personal experiences. As a victim of gun violence, Skilla understands the severity of the situation. “We are facing a lot of violence. I’m a casualty of gun violence, which made this matter significant for me,” he revealed on “Big Facts.” The annual buyback program, commencing in February 2024, is not just a token gesture – it’s a genuine effort to combat the gun violence crisis plaguing Detroit.
Collaborating with the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence and local officials, the emerging star aimed to transition firearms off the streets and into safer environments. The program incentivized participants with $100 for handguns and non-automatic firearms, while providing $200 for semi-automatic and automatic rifles, all while advocating for responsible gun ownership and storage. Yet Skilla envisions this as merely the start. “In future editions, I plan to introduce gun safety workshops, and other engaging activities,” he expressed.
Recognizing the multifaceted nature of gun violence, particularly within Black communities, Skilla Baby’s ongoing efforts come at a pivotal juncture. Current Brady statistics reveal that African Americans constitute 60 percent of firearm-related homicides in the U.S., despite representing only 14 percent of the population. Moreover, the last five years have witnessed close to a 98 percent increase in firearm-related suicides among Black youth. These alarming figures highlight the immediate need for initiatives like this.
What distinguishes this buyback initiative is the comprehensive strategy that Skilla and the organizers are adopting. Besides collecting firearms, the event features a job fair accessible to individuals with felony records and services for record expungement. Skilla is aware that his influence extends beyond merely removing guns from the neighborhood. “I recognize that with my platform, I can motivate individuals to clear their criminal records, secure employment, and reduce firearms in our community,” he affirmed.
While the artist may not be physically present at these events, his vision and guidance remain integral to the initiative. He quickly clarifies that this effort transcends his celebrity status; it’s about actual transformation. “I don’t want this to become a Skilla Baby fan event. I’m prominent in my community, so the focus shifts when I am there,” he noted. “I’ll be there in spirit. My support, funding, outreach, and organization have driven this event.”
Skilla’s dedication to Detroit extends beyond music or fame — it’s driven by action. Skilla Baby is actively working to foster a safer and more nurturing atmosphere for future generations while utilizing his platform to provide resources and effect change where it is most critically needed. With the gun buyback initiative, he’s not just showing up for his community – he’s investing in its future.