In the early hours of Sunday, April 13, 2025, a harrowing incident unfolded outside the StarBar in East Raleigh, North Carolina. Rising rap artist OMB Peezy, born LeParis Dade, became the target of a drive-by shooting that has since sent shockwaves through the hiphop community and raised concerns about the safety of artists in the industry.
The Night of the Incident
According to a report from CBS 17, the shooting occurred around 4 a.m. as patrons were leaving the StarBar nightclub. Witnesses recounted a chaotic scene where over 20 shots were fired at Peezy’s sprinter van as it attempted to exit the parking lot.
“I would say about 4 a.m. is when we heard shots fired outside the club, and everybody pretty much ran outside,” one witness stated. “We couldn’t really tell where the shots were coming from.”
In addition to Peezy’s vehicle, four other cars were struck by gunfire. Further damage ensued when Peezy’s driver, in a desperate attempt to flee the scene, collided with several parked vehicles. Miraculously, no injuries were reported. The Raleigh Police Department is currently investigating the incident as an aggravated assault.
A History of Violence: Peezy’s Past Encounters
This is not the first time OMB Peezy has found himself amidst gunfire. Back in 2021, he was arrested in connection with a shooting at a music video set in Atlanta, Georgia. The video shoot, featuring artists Roddy Ricch and 42 Dugg, turned violent, resulting in three individuals sustaining injuries. Peezy was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. He was released on a $60,000 bond, under the conditions of wearing an ankle monitor and surrendering his passport.
Despite the serious charges, Peezy maintained his innocence, stating in an interview with HipHopDX:
“I was just trying to figure out what the f*** was going on, why the police at my door for. Because if I done did anything, I would have been gone. If I was guilty of anything, you wouldn’t have caught me at my muthafin’ house, straight the f up.”
He was eventually acquitted of all charges, but the incident left a lasting impact on his career and public image.
The Mobile, Alabama Shooting
In 2019, Peezy was shot in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama, following a performance at the Soul Kitchen with Boosie Badazz and JD Daigotti. Videos from the scene showed emergency personnel tending to victims on the street. Peezy later confirmed the incident on Instagram, assuring fans of his well-being.
Social Media Reactions
The recent Raleigh shooting has elicited a wave of reactions on social media platforms:
- @HipHopNewsDaily: “Prayers up for OMB Peezy. The streets are wild. Glad he’s okay.”
- @MusicLover23: “Another day, another rapper targeted. When will this cycle end?”
- @RealTalkRap: “OMB Peezy’s music speaks truth, but the violence needs to stop. Stay safe out there.”
The Broader Implications
The targeting of OMB Peezy raises broader questions about the safety of artists and the prevalence of violence in the hip-hop community. While the genre has often been a reflection of societal issues, the real-life consequences for artists are becoming increasingly dire.
Industry experts suggest that the glamorization of violence in music may inadvertently contribute to real-world incidents. However, others argue that artists are merely narrating their lived experiences, and the root causes lie in systemic issues such as poverty, lack of education, and limited opportunities.
Moving Forward
As OMB Peezy recovers from this latest incident, fans and fellow artists alike are calling for increased security measures and a reevaluation of the culture surrounding hip-hop. While the music continues to evolve and inspire, ensuring the safety and well-being of its creators remains paramount.
