An upcoming rapper who went viral for his remix of “Baby Shark” in 2019 was tragically killed in Ohio after a man allegedly tried to snatch his chain.
Michael Robinson, known professionally as Ralan Styles, died from a gunshot wound a little before 5 a.m. Saturday morning while in Columbus. Officers made it to the scene minutes after following an unknown report. However, when they arrived at the 300 block of West Third Avenue, a person flagged them down, seeking help for a man who’d been shot. When police located Styles, they began performing life-saving measures. Sadly, the 22-year-old didn’t make it.
Styles made headlines in 2019 for his flip of the “Baby Shark” theme song. The video gained over one million views on YouTube and became a social media sensation. Styles signed with Republic Records in 2023. He confirmed his deal in a YouTube vlog and an interview with MusicXclusives TV. In June 2024, he attended the Republic Records BET Awards kickback alongside fellow Florida singer YK Osiris. That same month, he unveiled his last release, “Polyamorous,” featuring Justina Valentine, which attracted over 15,000 views on YouTube.
While a motive has not yet been released, multiple sources have reported that Styles was shot in the process of someone trying to rob him of his necklace. Officers have charged 24-year-old Mahamood Hassan with Style’s slaying.
