Skilla Baby Gets Serious About Acting, Lands Gig In 50 Cent’s “Power” Universe

Skilla Baby is building an acting career while making his mental health a priority after surviving a shooting that changed how he wants to live.

The Detroit rapper told The Hollywood Reporter he spent two years in acting classes and now has a role in 50 Cent’s Power: Origins. The prequel tells the story of Ghost and Tommy’s early years and expands the TV franchise that 50 Cent helped build.

“I have a newfound respect for actors and how many hours they work, how serious they take it,” he said. “When I go to a set, I go as Trevon. I’m on time, I try to make everyone comfortable and do the best that I can do.”

His screen work includes a guest appearance in Diarra from Detroit and playing Meechie in Moses the Black alongside Omar Epps, Wiz Khalifa and Quavo.

Skilla had discussed acting classes and auditions with AllHipHop in 2024, when he also credited 50 Cent with offering advice and opening doors.

Born Trevon Gardner, he built his Detroit following with songs including “Bae” and “Mama” before widening his reach through work with Tee Grizzley. Projects such as We Eat the Most, The Coldest and Crack Music 3 helped establish his mix of street tales and songs aimed at women.

Then came the May 22, 2025, attack in Redford Township, Michigan, where police said he suffered three gunshot wounds while driving his SUV. Police said someone fired more than 20 rounds at his vehicle from another SUV before he crashed and a witness took him to a hospital.

Skilla has since spoken about depression and the need to share his struggles with listeners who might assume success shields him from pain.

“The worst thing for our mental health is to go through things alone,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.

He said sharing his experiences could help others because he understands what it feels like to struggle, even while worrying about how people might react.

His latest comments also show how far he wants to move from street life, with happiness and faith now among his stated priorities.

“They shot the gangster out of me,” he said in a video covered by AllHipHop on October 5.

“I want to be happy,” he said. “I ain’t no street nothing. I don’t do nothing street.”

That shift also shaped The Price of Fame, his August album featuring Nas, Chris Brown, Bryson Tiller and gospel singer Erica Campbell.

Before its release, Skilla said he wanted to share progress alongside the low points he had already discussed publicly about his mental health.

He credited the project with helping him recover, saying “this album really saved my life and now I’m in a good head space.”

The 22-track album addresses the attack on “No Tears” and brings in Campbell for “Strength in Numbers,” which calls for unity against poverty and violence.

Skilla’s focus on growth extends to what he wants young listeners to learn about money, education and the choices available to them.

“I think it’s powerful to showcase that we can be more than just entertainers, rappers or athletes,” he said. “It’s important to showcase financial literacy, intelligence, and really embrace that more often within our culture.”

As he takes on new roles, Skilla said he wants his own goals to guide the work instead of letting outside expectations shape it.

“What I’ve learned now that I’m older is I create to produce what I want,” he said. “To stay true to myself, my lane and not about how anybody receives it. That’s why I do this.”

Skilla begins The Price of Fame Tour on October 21 at Irving Plaza in New York.