Durham rapper Billy Resio, a collaborator of NBA YoungBoy, has died on the age of 30 following a drive by taking pictures Sunday night time, marking a heartbreaking begin to 2026 for his household, pals, and supporters.

In line with native information, Resio was driving alongside Hillsborough Street in Durham at roughly 9 p.m. on Sunday, January 4, when one other car pulled alongside him and opened fireplace. He was transported to a close-by hospital, the place he later succumbed to his accidents.

A girl who was seated within the passenger seat on the time of the taking pictures was additionally struck and sustained critical accidents. Authorities haven’t launched her identification or offered an replace on her situation as of this writing. The investigation stays ongoing.

As information of Resio’s dying unfold, tributes poured in throughout social media from followers, friends, and those that labored intently with him. Among the many most emotional messages got here from Wealthy Nation CEO Michael Mitchell, who shared his grief publicly whereas honoring the artist’s legacy.

“Relaxation in energy Billy Resio,” Mitchell wrote. “I don’t even know tips on how to kind this. My coronary heart is damaged in methods I can’t clarify. Right this moment I misplaced my artist, my brother, my household.”

Mitchell went on to explain Resio as greater than only a promising musician, emphasizing his character, loyalty, and perception within the imaginative and prescient they shared. “He wasn’t simply expertise. He was pure coronary heart, uncooked reality, starvation, and loyalty. We created historical past collectively,” he wrote.

Billy Resio gained wider recognition with the discharge of “Labeled Me High Shotta,” that includes NBA YoungBoy, a collaboration that launched his voice to a broader viewers. He was additionally recognized for songs like “Lies” and “Bonnie And Clyde,” data that mirrored his lived experiences and emotional honesty. These near him say he poured himself absolutely into his music, approaching every launch with function and authenticity.

Mitchell closed his tribute by vowing to protect Resio’s legacy. “He gave the world his soul via his music. Now he’s gone, however his voice, his power, and his story won’t ever die,” he wrote.

Billy Resio is survived by his one 12 months previous son. His dying provides to the rising record of younger artists misplaced to gun violence, abandoning unanswered questions and a group mourning a life and profession minimize tragically brief.