Ralan Styles (real name Michael Robinson), a rap artist best known for his rendition of ‘Baby Shark,’ has died aged 22.
‘Baby Shark,’ originally a catchy children’s tune, has evolved from a simple nursery rhyme into a viral sensation, thanks to its irresistibly catchy melody.
With its repetitive lyrics and upbeat tempo, the song captivated kids worldwide, leading to the infamous ‘Baby Shark Dance’ challenge and billions of views on YouTube. However, its transformation didn’t stop there – ‘Baby Shark’ has entered the world of hip-hop.
In recent years, rappers and producers have embraced the song, remixing it with trap beats and rap verses. The song’s viral nature and repetitive structure make it an unexpected fit for rap remixes.
One such remix was created by 22-year-old rapper Ralan Styles.
But today, it’s been tragically confirmed that the young musician has died.
Friends and fellow rappers paid tribute to Styles online.
Rapper Lil Goat, who referred to Robinson as his brother, wrote on Instagram: “Not my lil brother man. I’m still waiting for you to call me and tell me this whole thing is a joke. My heart is f****** broken, I’ll never be the same.
“We went from rapping at the lunch table together in middle school to becoming superstars. We slept on the floor together, we ate together, we fought together, [and] signed our first deal together. I love you bro, and as long as I’m alive you’ll never die.”
Styles’ fans also paid tribute in the comments section with @sweet_nye writing: “May he rest in peace. I’ve been watching y’all for a long time and I loved the chemistry that y’all had when doing music. I don’t know him personally, but this really hurt my heart.”
Another pens: “This really just broke my heart. These young men’s videos were good and entertaining. RIP to @ralanstyles this is unbelievable.”
“This is devastating love you both hit me,” adds a third.
Styles, born Michael Robinson on May 23, 2002, was a rapper and songwriter from Tallahassee, Florida, who gained prominence with his viral remix of the children’s song.
His version of the song became a sensation, racking up millions of views on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
Beyond ‘Baby Shark,’ Styles had other popular tracks such as ‘Glocks and Raris’ and ‘Hocus Pocus,’ which also amassed millions of streams.
Signed to Republic Records, he was known for blending melodic trap with contemporary R&B, reflecting influences from artists like Drake and Lil Wayne.
His untimely death has been announced on a GoFundMe page, which reads: “Hey family, friends, associates, and supporters of Ralan Styles,
“We are reaching out to everyone whose life was touched by Michael ‘Ralan Styles’ Robinson, a talented artist and kind-hearted soul who left an unforgettable mark on everyone he met. Born and raised in Tallahassee, FL, Ralan was the beloved only child of Juanita Coy.
“We ask for your support in helping the family with funeral expenses and accommodations for his many fans. Any contribution, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated and considered a true blessing during this challenging time.
“As we celebrate the incredible life that Ralan lived, we kindly request privacy and understanding while we navigate this difficult period. Together, we honor his legacy, not just as a rising star but as a person who made the world brighter.”
The 22-year-old rapper was shot and killed in what is believed to be a robbery gone wrong.
Styles was killed on Saturday morning in Columbus, Ohio, during an attempted robbery where the suspect allegedly tried to steal his chain, Metro reported.
According to The Daily Mail, Columbus Police said officers were alerted to the incident just before 5 a.m. A man flagged them down and directed them to a house where the shooting appeared to have occurred.
Robinson, originally from Tallahassee, Florida, was found with multiple gunshot wounds, and the suspect had fled the scene, Metro stated.
Emergency crews attempted to save Robinson, but he was pronounced dead at approximately 5:10 a.m.
Mahamood Abdi Hassan, 24, was later arrested and charged with Robinson’s murder, Columbus Homicide Detective Keith O’Connor told The Independent.
Witnesses reportedly identified Hassan from a lineup.
Franklin County court records show Hassan has four prior arrests, dating back to 2018, for offenses such as trespassing and theft.
Hassan is currently being held in Franklin County Jail, and Detective O’Connor indicated that additional charges are expected later this week.
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Written by Annie Walton Doyle
Annie Walton Doyle is a content editor at IGV who specializes in trending, lifestyle, and entertainment news. She graduated from Goldsmiths, University of London, with a degree in English Literature. Annie has previously worked with organizations such as The Huffington Post, The Guardian, The Telegraph, Harvard University, the Pulitzer Prize, and 22 Words.
