In the Brewerytown neighborhood of Philadelphia, on the evening of March 17, 2024, Derrick Gant, a 28-year-old Black man known in the music world as Phat Geez, was shot and killed. The incident occurred shortly after 10 p.m. on the 1200 block of North Taney Street. Police officers, responding to reports of a person with a gun, discovered Gant lying in the street with multiple gunshot wounds.
He was transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Surveillance footage captured the final moments of Gant's life. The video shows him approaching a parked vehicle and engaging in a conversation with at least one individual inside. An argument appears to have ensued, culminating in an arm extending from the passenger side of the car, firing multiple shots that struck Gant in the chest. The vehicle then fled the scene. Investigators recovered several handgun cartridge casings from the area.
At the time of the incident, Gant had recently released a song titled 'No Gunzone,' which aimed to speak out against the gun violence plaguing his city. His death was mourned by many, including fellow Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill, who expressed his sorrow and frustration with the violence in the city. Family and friends remembered Gant as a kind-hearted and genuine person who was actively trying to make a positive impact. He was also a practicing Muslim, and his death occurred during the holy month of Ramadan.
As of the latest reports, no suspects have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been made in connection with the murder of Derrick Gant. The Philadelphia Police Department is actively investigating the homicide and has offered a $20,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for his death. Hundreds of mourners attended his funeral services to pay their respects.
