Rapper Michael Robinson, better known by his stage name Ralan Styles and best recognized for his co-writing of the children’s song “Baby Shark,” was shot and died in Columbus, Ohio, at the age of 22 in what looks to have been a robbery.
The incident took place in the Victorian Village neighborhood early on Saturday morning. Styles was attacked. Witnesses said that the alleged shooter tried to rob Styles of a chain before shooting him. When Styles attempted to fight back, the attacker opened fire, starting the altercation.
Officers found Styles with a gunshot wound when they got on the scene just before five in the morning, according to the Columbus Police Department.
The rapper was declared dead despite efforts at resuscitation. After being identified by witnesses who gave a thorough description of the assailant, Mahamood Hassan, 24, was taken into custody. Hassan is being held at the Franklin County Jail while he awaits trial on the murder accusation against Styles.
In a sad Instagram post, Styles’ brother, Lil Goat, who is also a rapper, conveyed his grief: “No, my little brother. I’m still waiting for you to call me and tell me this is all a joke. I’m heartbroken, I’ll never be the same. We went from rapping together in high school to becoming superstars. I love you brother, and as long as I’m alive you will never die.”
Styles’ admirers also honored him by leaving a number of remarks on his brother’s post: “May you rest in peace. I’ve been following them for a long time and loved the chemistry they had making music. I don’t know him personally, but this really hurt my heart,”
