On August 23, 2024, West Philadelphia rapper YBC Dul, also known as Abdul Vicks, was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting in the Olney neighborhood of Philadelphia. The 25-year-old rapper, who gained notoriety as “Mr. Disrespectful” for his provocative lyrics and social media presence, was struck in the chest and hand while in a car at a stoplight on the 5500 block of North Fairhill Street around 3:30 PM.
Details of the Incident
YBC Dul was driven to Einstein Medical Center by a passenger in his vehicle, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The shooting was captured on video that circulated widely on social media, showing a white SUV pulling up next to Vicks’ vehicle and opening fire before fleeing the scene.
Suspect and Charges
On September 6, 2024, authorities announced that a 16-year-old named Aiden Waters had been charged with homicide in connection to YBC Dul’s death. Waters is being charged as an adult and faces additional charges related to other shootings in August, including another homicide. Police recovered the firearm allegedly used in the shootings from Waters’ basement.
Background on YBC Dul
YBC Dul was a prominent figure in Philadelphia’s drill rap scene, known for lyrics that glorified gang violence and mocked rivals. He was considered the leader of the West Philadelphia gang “Young Bag Chasers” (YBC), whose members have been implicated in numerous shootings over the years. The rapper had built a significant following, with over 30,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and millions of views on his YouTube videos.
Controversy and Media Attention
Just one day before the shooting, a documentary-style video featuring YBC Dul was released by YouTuber Brandon Buckingham. Titled “The Most Hated Rapper in Philadelphia — Life as Mr. Disrespectful,” the video showed Vicks bragging about his violent reputation and flaunting guns. While police investigated whether the video’s release was connected to the shooting, Buckingham later clarified that the interview was filmed months earlier.
| Incident Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | August 23, 2024 |
| Location | 5500 block of North Fairhill Street, Philadelphia |
| Victim | YBC Dul (Abdul Vicks), 25 years old |
| Cause of Death | Gunshot wounds (chest and hand) |
| Suspect | Aiden Waters, 16 years old |
| Charges Against Suspect | Homicide and related charges |
| Connection to Gang | Leader of “Young Bag Chasers” (YBC) |
| Social Media Following | 30,000 monthly listeners on Spotify; millions of YouTube views |
Ongoing Issues
This incident highlights the ongoing issues of gun violence and gang activity in Philadelphia, with prosecutors urging parents to search for and report illegal firearms in their homes to prevent further tragedies. The community mourns the loss of a young talent whose life was cut short by violence, raising questions about the impact of music culture on youth and the pervasive issues of gang affiliation.
