Ralan Styles, born Michael Robinson, a talented young rapper famed for his unique rendition of the viral hit Baby Shark, has sadly passed away at the age of 22. Known for transforming the infectious children’s tune into a hip-hop sensation, his untimely demise has left fans and friends reeling.
The Viral Phenomenon of Baby Shark
Originally a playful nursery rhyme, Baby Shark captured global attention with its catchy melody and repetitive lyrics. What began as an entertaining children’s tune evolved into a global cultural moment, bolstered by the wildly popular “Baby Shark Dance” challenge, amassing billions of YouTube views. Over time, it also found an unexpected home in hip-hop, with artists remixing the track into dynamic compositions featuring trap beats and rap verses. Ralan Styles was among the artists who embraced this trend, creating his own viral version.
Ralan Styles’ Rise to Fame
Hailing from Tallahassee, Florida, Michael Robinson, known professionally as Ralan Styles, was born on May 23, 2002. He rose to prominence after his creative remix of Baby Shark, which quickly gained millions of views across platforms like YouTube and TikTok. His innovative style blended melodic trap beats with contemporary R&B influences, reminiscent of artists like Drake and Lil Wayne. In addition to Baby Shark, Styles was known for other popular tracks, including Glocks and Raris and Hocus Pocus, both of which garnered millions of streams. Signed to Republic Records, his music demonstrated a seamless ability to merge the playful with the poignant, captivating listeners worldwide.
A Life Cut Short
Tragically, Ralan Styles was shot and killed on Saturday morning in Columbus, Ohio, during what authorities believe was a robbery gone wrong. Reports indicate that the suspect attempted to steal the rapper’s chain, leading to a confrontation. According to Columbus Police, officers were alerted to the scene around 5 a.m., where they discovered Robinson suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite emergency responders’ efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after.
The suspect, Mahamood Abdi Hassan, 24, was later arrested and charged with Robinson’s murder. Witnesses reportedly identified Hassan in a lineup, and further charges are anticipated. Court records reveal that Hassan has a criminal history, including prior arrests for theft and trespassing dating back to 2018. He is currently held in Franklin County Jail as the investigation continues.
Tributes Pour In
The news of Styles’ death has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, friends, and fellow artists. Rapper Lil Goat, a close friend of Styles, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing his devastation:
“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 in middle school to becoming superstars. We slept on the floor together, ate together, fought together, and signed our first deal together. I love you, bro, and as long as I’m alive, you’ll never die.”*
Fans also flooded social media with tributes. One commenter shared, “I’ve been watching y’all for a long time and loved the chemistry y’all had when doing music. This really hurt my heart.” Another wrote, “These young men’s videos were good and entertaining. RIP to @ralanstyles—this is unbelievable.”
Honoring His Legacy
In a statement shared on a GoFundMe page, Styles’ family described him as a “kind-hearted soul” whose life and artistry left a profound impact. The page reads:
“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. As we celebrate the incredible life that Ralan lived, we kindly request privacy and understanding while we navigate this difficult period.”
A Rising Star Remembered
Ralan Styles’ tragic passing at such a young age marks the end of a promising career that was only just beginning to flourish. His ability to transform a playful children’s song into a viral hip-hop sensation showcased his creativity and talent, cementing his place as a standout artist in the industry. His legacy will live on through his music, cherished by fans and remembered for its originality and vibrancy.