Rapper Foolio Shot and Killed on 26th Birthday

The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of Jacksonville rapper Foolio, who was fatally shot during his 26th birthday celebration early Sunday morning.

Authorities confirmed that the tragic incident took place at the Holiday Inn located at the intersection of Fowler Avenue and McKinley Drive.

The series of events began with a pool party at an Airbnb, as documented on Foolio’s Instagram Stories. The party, attended by friends and fans, was relocated to the Holiday Inn after police intervention. Around 4:40 a.m., gunfire erupted in the hotel’s parking lot, resulting in Foolio’s death and injuring three others.

Tampa police responded to a 911 call reporting the shooting. Public Information Officer Joneé Lewis stated, “Two cars were shot at, and four people were shot in total.

Three were transported to hospitals, and one was pronounced deceased at the scene.” The deceased was identified as Foolio, born Charles Jones, a rising star in the hip-hop world.

Investigators believe the victims were trying to secure a room at the hotel when the shooting occurred. As of now, no arrests have been made, and police are reviewing surveillance footage to identify potential suspects. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear.

Foolio, born June 21, 1998, rose to fame in 2018 with his hit single “Coming Up.” He was a prominent member of the hip-hop collective KTA and had a substantial following, with over 900,000 Instagram followers and approximately 604,000 YouTube subscribers.

His music, which often depicted the harsh realities of street life, struck a chord with many fans. Notable tracks such as “Dead Opps” and “Bibby Story” highlighted his personal experiences with violence and loss.

This tragic incident is not Foolio’s first encounter with gun violence. In 2019, he lost his younger brother, Adrian Dennard, to a shooting. Despite these personal tragedies, Foolio continued to pursue his music career, gaining respect for his resilience and talent.

Foolio’s attorney, Lewis Fusco, confirmed his death, and his girlfriend, Blanco Mani, shared her grief on Instagram. Fans and other artists have posted messages online to express their sadness and pay tribute to Foolio.

As the investigation progresses, the community hopes for justice and some measure of peace for his family and friends.