“Originally a catchy children’s tune, ‘Baby Shark’ has transformed from a simple nursery rhyme into a viral phenomenon, largely due to its infectious melody.”
Featuring repetitive lyrics and an upbeat tempo, the song enchanted children across the globe, sparking the infamous ‘Baby Shark Dance’ challenge and accumulating billions of views on YouTube. But its evolution didn’t end there—‘Baby Shark’ has also made its way into the realm of hip-hop.
In recent years, rappers and producers have embraced the song, giving it new life through trap beats and rap verses. Its viral appeal and repetitive structure make it a surprising yet perfect candidate for rap remixes.
One notable remix was produced by 22-year-old rapper Ralan Styles.
Sadly, it has been confirmed that the young musician has passed away.
Friends and fellow rappers have taken to social media to pay tribute to Styles.
Rapper Lil Goat, who referred to Robinson as his brother, expressed his grief on Instagram: “Not my lil brother, man. I’m still waiting for you to call me and tell me this is all a joke. My heart is shattered; 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, shared meals, fought side by side, and signed our first deal together. I love you, bro, and as long as I’m alive, you’ll never die.”
Styles’ fans also shared their condolences in the comments section, with @sweet_nye writing: “May he rest in peace. I’ve been watching you all for a long time and loved the chemistry you had in your music. I didn’t know him personally, but this really hurts my heart.”
Another commenter expressed, “This truly broke my heart. These young men’s videos were good and entertaining. RIP to @ralanstyles; this is unbelievable.”
A third commenter added, “This is devastating. Love you both—hit me up.”
Styles, born Michael Robinson on May 23, 2002, was a rapper and songwriter from Tallahassee, Florida, who rose to fame with his viral remix of the children’s song.
His rendition of the song became a sensation, accumulating millions of views on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
In addition to ‘Baby Shark,’ Styles released other popular tracks, including ‘Glocks and Raris’ and ‘Hocus Pocus,’ which also garnered millions of streams.
Signed to Republic Records, he was recognized for his ability to blend melodic trap with contemporary R&B, drawing inspiration from artists like Drake and Lil Wayne.
The news of his untimely death was announced on a GoFundMe page, which stated: “Hey family, friends, associates, and supporters of Ralan Styles…
“We are reaching out to everyone whose life was touched by Michael ‘Ralan Styles’ Robinson, a talented artist and kind-hearted soul who left an unforgettable mark on all who knew him. Born and raised in Tallahassee, FL, Ralan was the cherished only child of Juanita Coy.
“We ask for your support in assisting the family with funeral expenses and accommodations for his many fans. Any contribution, no matter how small, is deeply appreciated and considered a true blessing during this difficult time.”
“As we celebrate the incredible life that Ralan lived, we kindly ask for privacy and understanding as we navigate this challenging time. Together, we honor his legacy, not only as a rising star but also as someone who made the world a brighter place.”
The 22-year-old rapper was shot and killed in what authorities believe to be a robbery gone wrong.
Styles was fatally shot on Saturday morning in Columbus, Ohio, during an attempted robbery in which the suspect allegedly tried to steal his chain, according to Metro.
The Daily Mail reported that Columbus Police were alerted to the incident shortly before 5 a.m. A man flagged down officers and directed them to a house where the shooting appeared to have taken place.
Robinson, originally from Tallahassee, Florida, was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds, while the suspect had fled the scene, according to Metro.
Emergency crews attempted to save Robinson, but he was pronounced dead around 5:10 a.m.
Mahamood Abdi Hassan, 24, was later arrested and charged with Robinson’s murder, as confirmed by Columbus Homicide Detective Keith O’Connor in an interview with The Independent.
Witnesses reportedly identified Hassan in a lineup.
Franklin County court records reveal that Hassan has four prior arrests dating back to 2018 for offenses including trespassing and theft.
Hassan is currently being held in Franklin County Jail, and Detective O’Connor has indicated that additional charges are expected to be filed later this week.
