Abdul Vixx, the alleged leader of a violent West Philadelphia-based gang and a popular rapper, was shot in the city’s Olney section on Friday. According to local US reports, the 25-year-old musician, who performed as “Yabkdul,” was shot multiple times in the chest and right arm at 3:34 p.m. on the 5500 block of N. 6th Street.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, although the alleged ringleader was rushed to Einstein Medical Center for medical attention, he eventually died at 3:55 p.m. Wicks’ stage nickname was likely derived from an abbreviation of the gang’s name that fully referred to the Young Bag Chasers (YBC). He was also known by his other nickname: “Mr. Disrespectful.”
Further details about the shooting have not yet been released. The official source who released minimal information about Wicks’ death reportedly requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly about it.
Police said no arrests have been made in the shooting of Abdul-Wicks. Authorities urged anyone with information to contact the homicide unit at 215-686-3334 or the police department’s tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).
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More background on Abdul Vixx aka Yabkdul’s ties to Philly gangs
Kwamere Hall, 22, another rapper who goes by the stage name “Mere Pablo” and is suspected of being a “Vix associate,” was arrested earlier this month. He is linked to the shooting death of a 34-year-old man last year, who eventually died from his injuries.
Hall was arrested at the Criminal Justice Center, where he is said to have been supporting fellow YBC member Arshad Curry, who was due to be sentenced for shooting five people, three of whom died, in 2021. Curry was later sentenced to up to 85 years in prison.
In addition to Wicks, Hall and Curry, three other YBC gang members were convicted of murdering two teenagers last year.
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In February, “Mr. Disrespectful” notably went viral on social media for digging an enemy’s grave. During an appearance on his “No Jumper” podcast in early 2024, he admitted he had indeed done the deed. “You know that was me,” he said and laughed afterward.
Wicks admitted that he was trying to find his rival’s grave, saying, “He doesn’t have one, though. He’ll never find one.”
“I will not give any power to people anymore,” he added. “I will not do that anymore. I will not take any names.”
