RAPPER TROY AVE TRIES TO KILL ARMED THEIF WHO STOLE FROM HIS FRIEND

On June 15, 2025, in San Diego, California, rapper Troy Ave, whose real name is Roland Collins, was allegedly involved in a shooting incident following an attempted robbery targeting him and celebrity chef Geoff Cole. A video circulating on social media shows an individual, reportedly Troy Ave, firing at a suspect who attempted to rob Cole during a celebration of Chef Fest, a culinary event held in the city.

Incident Details

According to reports, the incident occurred in mid-June, though the video surfaced publicly in July 2025. The footage captures a man, believed to be Troy Ave, reacting swiftly when a suspect approached Cole, appearing to fumble with a weapon. Troy Ave is seen drawing a handgun and firing at least two rounds, chasing the suspect into an alley. It remains unclear whether any of the shots struck the suspect. Geoff Cole later praised Troy Ave on Instagram, stating, “S/o 2 my BROTHER Ave for Holding it Down in a situation where most woulda RAN or FOLDED,” crediting the rapper for his quick response.

The incident took place after Troy Ave and Cole were celebrating the success of Chef Fest. While details about the suspect and the outcome of the police investigation are limited, the video has sparked significant discussion online, with posts on X highlighting the event and describing Troy Ave’s actions as protective of his friend.

Context and Background

Troy Ave, a Brooklyn-based rapper, has previously been involved in high-profile incidents, including a 2016 shooting at Irving Plaza in New York City, where he was charged with attempted murder and weapons possession. In that case, he testified that he acted in self-defense, ultimately receiving a one-year sentence in exchange for his testimony against another individual involved. He was released from Rikers Island in August 2024. The 2025 San Diego incident marks another chapter in the rapper’s controversial history, raising questions about self-defense and the use of firearms.

Legal and Social Implications

As of now, no official statements from San Diego police or Troy Ave’s representatives have clarified the legal status of the incident. The lack of information on whether the suspect was apprehended or if charges have been filed against Troy Ave leaves the situation unresolved. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some users praising Troy Ave for protecting his friend, while others question the implications of such actions.

This incident underscores ongoing debates about gun violence, self-defense, and the responsibilities of public figures in high-risk situations. As the story develops, further details from authorities or those involved may provide clarity on the circumstances and consequences.

On May 25, 2016, a tragic shooting at Irving Plaza, a popular Manhattan concert venue, left one person dead and three others injured, including Brooklyn rapper Troy Ave, whose real name is Roland Collins. The incident occurred during a concert headlined by rapper T.I., with Troy Ave scheduled to appear as a guest performer. The event sparked a heated debate about violence in hip-hop and safety at concert venues, leading to significant legal and personal repercussions for those involved.

The Incident

The shooting took place in a third-floor green room at Irving Plaza, just before T.I. was set to perform. According to reports, the incident began as a fistfight in the VIP area, escalating into gunfire within minutes. Ronald "Banga" McPhatter, a 33-year-old bodyguard and longtime friend of Troy Ave, was fatally shot. Troy Ave was wounded in the leg, and two others—a 26-year-old woman and an uninvolved concertgoer downstairs—sustained non-fatal injuries. Surveillance footage released by the NYPD showed Troy Ave firing at least one shot inside the venue, though he and his legal team maintain he acted in self-defense after being shot at by another individual.

The NYPD investigation suggested the conflict stemmed from a longstanding feud between Troy Ave and podcaster/rapper Daryl "Taxstone" Campbell. Prosecutors later alleged that Taxstone, motivated by years of escalating tensions on social media and podcasts, brought a firearm into the venue and initiated the shooting. The lack of security checks at the VIP entrance allowed the weapon to enter undetected, a point that became central to subsequent legal actions.

Legal Consequences

Troy Ave was arrested the day after the shooting and charged with attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon. In June 2016, he was indicted on five felony counts, including one count of attempted second-degree murder and four counts of criminal possession of a weapon. He pleaded not guilty, with his attorney, Scott Leemon, asserting that Troy Ave was a victim who fired the gun only after wrestling it from an assailant in self-defense. Leemon emphasized that scientific evidence would show Troy Ave did not shoot himself and that McPhatter was not killed by his client.

In March 2023, Troy Ave testified against Taxstone in exchange for a reduced sentence. He recounted the chaotic moments of the shooting, stating he fought to disarm Taxstone after being shot twice, fearing for his life. His testimony contributed to Taxstone’s conviction on manslaughter and assault charges, resulting in a 35-year prison sentence. Troy Ave, initially facing up to 15 years, negotiated a plea deal for one year in prison for attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. He began serving his sentence in February 2024 at Rikers Island and was released on August 22, 2024, after serving six months.

Lawsuit Against Irving Plaza and Live Nation

In August 2016, Troy Ave filed a lawsuit against Irving Plaza and its promoter, Live Nation, alleging negligence due to inadequate security measures. The lawsuit claimed that the venue failed to conduct proper pat-downs or use metal detectors at the VIP entrance, allowing an armed individual to enter the backstage area. Troy Ave’s legal team argued that this lapse directly led to the shooting, causing permanent injuries, emotional distress, and damage to his career. The lawsuit sought unspecified damages, citing the venue’s failure to protect Troy Ave as an invited performer. Live Nation declined to comment on the suit.

Aftermath and Career Impact

The Irving Plaza shooting had a profound impact on Troy Ave’s life and career. Already a rising figure in Brooklyn’s hip-hop scene, known for his 2013 debut album New York City: The Album and inclusion in XXL’s 2014 Freshmen Class, the incident stalled his momentum. Restrictions from his $500,000 bail prevented him from performing outside New York’s five boroughs, limiting his ability to tour. Despite these challenges, he continued releasing music, including multiple mixtapes and singles, and maintained an active presence through his podcast, The Akademy.

Upon his release from Rikers Island, Troy Ave celebrated with an Instagram post featuring a red Lamborghini Urus and a bag of cash, captioned “Ya Boi Home!” He expressed a desire to focus on personal growth during his incarceration, stating he aimed to “recharge the battery” and avoid trouble in prison. His resilience was further tested by another shooting on Christmas Day 2016, when he was shot twice in Brooklyn, surviving injuries to his shoulder and head.

Broader Implications

The Irving Plaza incident reignited discussions about violence in hip-hop and safety at concert venues. Live Nation canceled several hip-hop shows at Irving Plaza and another New York venue in the wake of the shooting, reflecting heightened concerns about security. The event also underscored the personal toll of feuds amplified by social media, as seen in the years-long conflict between Troy Ave and Taxstone.

Troy Ave’s experience highlights the complex interplay of self-defense, legal accountability, and public perception in high-profile incidents. While he maintained his innocence and framed himself as a victim, the legal system and public opinion remained divided. His decision to testify against Taxstone drew criticism from some quarters but ultimately secured a lighter sentence, allowing him to return to his career and family.

As Troy Ave moves forward, his story serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by artists navigating fame, rivalries, and systemic issues within the music industry. His focus on rebuilding his life and career reflects a determination to overcome the setbacks caused by the tragic events at Irving Plaza.