Chicago Rapper THF Bay Zoo Reportedly Shot and Killed in Little Village

Chicago’s hip-hop community is mourning the reported death of THF Bay Zoo, a longtime member of the city’s drill rap scene, after a shooting in Little Village on Saturday afternoon.

Bay Zoo, whose real name was Devonshe Collier, was 35 years old. According to reports from ABC7 Eyewitness News, Collier was among three people shot at around 3 p.m. in the 3100 block of South St. Louis Avenue, near a parking lot in the Little Village neighborhood. Police say an armed suspect in an unidentified vehicle opened fire at the group before fleeing the scene.

Collier was struck multiple times and transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he was initially listed in critical condition. Several local sources and social media outlets later reported that he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday evening.

While police have not officially confirmed the rapper’s death, multiple Chicago-based hip-hop news outlets — including WTW — have cited sources close to Collier’s family confirming that he has passed away.

A Veteran Voice in Chicago Drill

THF Bay Zoo was a respected figure in Chicago’s drill rap movement, a gritty subgenre of hip-hop known for its raw storytelling, street realism, and aggressive beats. Emerging from the city’s South Side in the early 2010s, the drill scene became a global phenomenon, propelling artists like Chief Keef, Lil Durk, and King Von to international recognition.

Collier carved out his place within that movement as a member of the THF (Tay Town Hustlers Family) set — one of the city’s influential rap collectives — and as a close associate of Lil Durk’s Only The Family (OTF) label.

Known for his deep, raspy delivery and street-centered narratives, Bay Zoo’s music often reflected the hard realities of life in Chicago’s neighborhoods. His tracks like “Beat Dat Body” and collaborations with fellow OTF artists drew strong followings on YouTube and streaming platforms, earning him a loyal underground fan base.

Though he wasn’t among the city’s most mainstream names, Bay Zoo was widely regarded as an authentic voice of Chicago’s streets — an artist who balanced loyalty to his roots with ambition in his craft.

A Violent Legacy in Chicago’s Music Scene

The reported death of THF Bay Zoo adds to a troubling list of tragedies that have haunted Chicago’s hip-hop community over the past decade. The city’s drill scene, while musically influential, has often been intertwined with real-life rivalries and violence.

Several notable artists — including FBG Duck, King Von, and Lil Mister — have been victims of fatal shootings, their deaths serving as stark reminders of the persistent dangers faced by many in the local music world.

Community advocates say that behind the headlines are deeper social struggles — poverty, limited opportunity, and long-standing neighborhood conflicts. “These young men use music as a way to express what’s happening around them,” said one local hip-hop promoter. “But too often, they’re still trapped in those same cycles they’re trying to rise above.”

Police have not announced any suspects in connection with Saturday’s shooting, and an investigation is ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Area Four detectives or submit anonymous tips through CPD’s online portal.

Fans React with Shock and Sadness

News of Bay Zoo’s reported death spread quickly across social media, where fans and fellow artists shared condolences and memories.

“DAMN RIP BAY ZOO,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another posted, “They really got Bay Zoo??? Can’t believe it.”

Others expressed heartbreak over what they saw as yet another loss for a music scene already marked by tragedy. “He was one of the real ones,” another commenter wrote. “Always stayed true to Chicago. Rest easy, Zoo.”

Members of the local rap community echoed those sentiments, noting that Bay Zoo’s presence had been constant in Chicago’s underground hip-hop for more than a decade. “He was part of the city’s DNA,” one collaborator said. “You couldn’t talk about drill without mentioning Zoo.”

A Complicated Legacy

THF Bay Zoo’s story reflects both the creative energy and the volatility that define Chicago’s modern rap landscape. His lyrics often blurred the line between art and autobiography — chronicling street survival, loyalty, and the relentless grind for respect and recognition.

As a member of OTF and the broader THF movement, Collier helped bridge the gap between street authenticity and mainstream exposure, appearing in collaborations that pushed Chicago’s distinctive drill sound into new markets.

But like many of his peers, his life was shadowed by the same violence he so often rapped about.

For fans, his music remains a raw chronicle of a city still grappling with loss and resilience.

Ongoing Investigation

Police have not provided further details on the motive behind the shooting or whether the victims were targeted. The two other men injured, aged 39 and 42, remain hospitalized.

Authorities are continuing to investigate, and no arrests have been made as of Sunday evening.

As the hip-hop world reacts, tributes continue to pour in online, celebrating the life and legacy of a rapper who, for many, represented the heart of Chicago’s drill movement — talented, complex, and unflinchingly real.

“Rest in peace, Bay Zoo,” one fan wrote simply. “Your voice will live on in the city forever.”