A haunting video capturing the aftermath of a deadly drive-by shooting in Chicago has left the city’s drill rap community reeling and raised urgent questions about violence and police response. On September 12, 2025, 23-year-old rapper DMG Lil’ Duece was gunned down in broad daylight on the South Side, and graphic footage, mistakenly linked to rapper King Lil’ Jay, shows police officers frantically trying to save his life. The incident, which unfolded just blocks from a police station, has reignited debates about gang violence, social media’s role in fueling feuds, and the effectiveness of community safety measures.
The shooting happened around 10:30 a.m. in the 800 block of East 91st Street near Cottage Grove Avenue in the Chatham neighborhood. Lil’ Duece, an emerging artist tied to the Detro Money Glizzy Gang (DMG), a subset of the Gangster Disciples, was walking alone when a vehicle sped by, unleashing a barrage of gunfire. Reports suggest the attackers used a “switch,” an illegal device that turns a firearm into a rapid-fire weapon.
Struck multiple times in the chest and head, Lil’ Duece collapsed on the sidewalk. Despite quick efforts by Chicago Police Department (CPD) officers to perform chest compressions and apply pressure to his wounds, he was pronounced dead at the scene or shortly after being taken to a nearby hospital. Videos of the incident, which spread rapidly across platforms like X and YouTube, show the grim reality: Lil’ Duece lying motionless in a pool of blood as officers work to revive him. The footage, shared by street news accounts, captures the chaos of bystanders shouting and police issuing commands.
Many viewers criticized the lack of immediate aid from onlookers before police arrived. In contrast, others questioned why medical help wasn’t faster, given the shooting’s proximity to the CPD’s 6th District station, just 1.5 miles away. The location has fueled frustration, with community members arguing that such a bold attack so close to law enforcement signals deeper failures in preventing violence. Confusion surrounds the claim that King Lil’ Jay, a well-known Chicago drill rapper, recorded the footage. Lil’ Jay, whose real name is Mario Austin, is currently incarcerated or under supervision following a federal gun charge conviction earlier in 2025.
No evidence connects him to the video, and the mix-up likely stems from early social media rumors. Instead, the clips appear to come from bystanders or local accounts like those posting under “GangHits” or “Trenches News.” These videos, while graphic, have become a stark reminder of the dangers tied to Chicago’s drill scene, where music and street rivalries often collide with deadly consequences. Lil’ Duece, also known as Big Scoom or DGM Lil’ Duece, gained traction with his raw lyrics and ties to rapper Lil’ Zay Osama. Just 24 hours before his death, he posted on Instagram about leaving gang life behind, a move some believe made him a target.
Unverified claims suggest he may have bragged online about involvement in the 2023 killing of THF Teezy, a rival rapper, escalating tensions with opposing gangs like the Black Disciples or STL/EBT. This tragedy echoes the losses of other drill artists, like FBG Duck in 2020, highlighting how social media taunts can spark real-world retaliation. The incident has prompted calls for action. Local leaders, including aldermen from the South Side, are pushing for more youth programs and violence interrupter initiatives.
Fans and friends, including Lil’ Zay Osama, have flooded X with tributes, while vigils were planned for September 14. Yet the spread of the graphic videos has also drawn criticism, with some arguing they exploit tragedy for views.
