Toronto Rapper Houdini Killed in Downtown Shooting

Tory Lanez, Meek Mill and more have paid tribute

Photo: @Houdini (Instagram)

BY Calum SlingerlandPublished May 27, 2020

Toronto rapper Houdini has been confirmed dead following a shooting in Toronto's downtown Tuesday afternoon (May 26).

CP24 reports that Toronto police responded to multiple calls about gunfire outside the Bisha Hotel at King Street and Blue Jays Way sometime after 4 p.m. A 21-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy were taken to hospital in critical condition, while a 27-year-old woman was transported in serious condition. The man was soon confirmed to be Houdini.

Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders told reporters Tuesday evening that the killing appears to have been targeted, while initial evidence indicates that the suspects were waiting in their vehicle β€” believed to be a blue Volkswagon Tiguan β€” for around 40 minutes prior to the shooting.

Police confirmed the 21-year-old victim died of his injuries at around 6:30 p.m., adding that both the 15-year-old boy and woman are expected to recover. "This was very brazen, this offence that took place," Saunders said. "However, it's very solvable."


Members of Toronto's hip-hop community soon confirmed Houdini as the deceased on social media. Last year, the fast-rising artist released projects HOU I AM and HOU WOULDA THOUGHT, the former of which featured collaborations with fellow Toronto upstarts Pressa, Burna Bandz, Tallup Twinz, Northside Benji and J Neat.

In March, Houdini released the five-track EP Underground, and teamed with Killy last month for new single "VV's."

Toronto police said yesterday that the relationship between the suspects and the victims targeted is currently unclear.

In a statement, Warner Music Canada wrote the label "would like to send our sincere condolences to the family of Dimarjio Jenkins, an exceptionally talented hip hop artist known as Houdini. We had the privilege to work with Houdini through our partnership with 6ixBuzz on an upcoming compilation album showcasing some of the city's rising stars."

Warner Music Canada president Steve Kane added, "Houdini had unlimited potential as an artist and we are incredibly saddened that his life was cut short. Our thoughts are with his family during this unimaginable time. We urge our elected officials to help address the root causes of gun violence and put an end to these tragedies."
 

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