Chicago is mourning another young life lost to gun violence, and the latest reports have sent shockwaves through the local hip-hop community. Bloodhound Q50, whose real name is Mikquale Cooper, is reportedly dead following a shooting early Sunday morning.
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Chicago Police Share Details On Deadly Early-Morning Shooting
According to CBS News, the Chicago Police Department confirmed that a 22-year-old man was fatally shot around 3:58 a.m. in the Fuller Park neighborhood. Authorities say two vehicles pulled up alongside the victim as he was sitting in the driver’s seat and opened fire before fleeing the area.
Dispatch Audio Reportedly Identifies The Shooting Victim
The victim reportedly suffered gunshot wounds to the chest and shoulder. Responding officers provided treatment at the scene, where the man was ultimately pronounced dead. While police have not publicly released the victim’s identity, dispatch audio that surfaced online reportedly identifies him as “Cooper, Mikquale,” with a date of birth listed as Aug. 6, 2004. The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, and additional details surrounding the circumstances leading up to the deadly incident have not been released.
POLICE AUDIObConfirming the death of BloodHound Q50 💔 pic.twitter.com/qHIqTslFCz
— Akademiks TV (@AkademiksTV) September 13, 2026
DJ Vlad Speaks Out & Seemingly Confirms
Following news of the reported shooting, DJ Vlad also addressed Q50’s death via X. Vlad, who interviewed the rapper last year, reflected on their conversation while offering his condolences to Q50’s loved ones. “Rest in peace Bloodhound Q50, who was shot and killed a few hours ago. I interviewed him last year. He was the most media-trained rapper I’ve ever spoken to at his young age. My condolences to his family, friends, and fans,” he wrote.
Rest in peace Bloodhound Q50, who was shot and killed a few hours ago. I interviewed him last year. He was the most media-trained rapper I’ve ever spoken to at his young age. My condolences to his family, friends, and fans.
— DJ Vlad (@djvlad) September 13, 2026
Q50’s Last Public Moment Came Just Weeks Before The Shooting
The reported shooting comes just weeks after Q50 celebrated his 22nd birthday with the release of his latest project, ‘Get Back or Die Trying,’ which dropped on Aug. 6. The project also included an appearance from fellow Bloodhound artist Lil Jeff, who was fatally shot in 2024.
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