The Chicago hip-hop community is mourning the reported death of BloodHound Q50, a young rapper whose music and connection to the BloodHound collective had made him a recognizable name within the city’s drill scene.
Q50, whose real name was Mikquale Cooper, was 22 years old when he was fatally shot in Chicago in the early hours of Sunday, September 13, 2026.
According to reports citing the Chicago Police Department, a 22-year-old man was shot at approximately 3:58 a.m. in the Fuller Park neighborhood after two vehicles pulled alongside the vehicle in which he was sitting and opened fire. The victim suffered gunshot wounds to the chest and shoulder and was pronounced dead at the scene.
BloodHound Q50 Dies at 22
Reports identifying the victim as BloodHound Q50 were followed by tributes from figures connected to the hip-hop community.
Complex reported that police had confirmed the fatal shooting but had not publicly identified the victim in their initial statement. The report said Q50’s identity was subsequently connected to the incident through information circulating from the scene, while Rolling Loud and DJ Vlad later publicly paid tribute to the rapper.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation.
Police have not announced a motive or confirmed any arrests in connection with the killing.
Connection to BloodHound Lil Jeff
Q50 was closely connected to fellow Chicago rapper BloodHound Lil Jeff, who was killed in Chicago on June 8, 2024, at the age of 21. Music databases record Lil Jeff’s death and his Chicago roots, while Q50 later spoke publicly about his relationship with him.
In a 2025 VladTV interview, Q50 described Lil Jeff as a close relative and brother-like figure. He discussed the impact of Jeff’s death and explained how the loss influenced his decision to take his own music career more seriously.
The two artists also appeared together on recordings, including songs that were later released after Lil Jeff’s death.
A Young Artist’s Final Chapter
Q50 had been building his profile as a Chicago rapper and had continued releasing music following Lil Jeff’s death.
In August 2026, around the time of his 22nd birthday, he released the project Get Back or Die Trying, which included a guest appearance from the late Lil Jeff, according to current reporting.
His death now comes as another devastating loss for the circle of artists and fans surrounding the BloodHound scene.
Investigation Continues
Authorities have not publicly established why the shooting occurred, and speculation circulating online should not be treated as confirmed information.
There have also been numerous social-media discussions about the shooting, including claims about the vehicle, the number of shots fired and what may have happened before the attack. Those claims remain separate from the facts officially reported by police.
At the time of reporting, no arrest or confirmed motive had been announced.
Remembering BloodHound Q50
BloodHound Q50’s death at 22 represents another loss for Chicago’s music community.
He leaves behind music created during a short but increasingly visible career, including collaborations with artists connected to the BloodHound scene and recordings featuring his late cousin and close associate, Lil Jeff.
As authorities continue investigating the shooting, fans and fellow artists have taken to social media to remember Q50 and express condolences to those who knew him.
Funeral and memorial arrangements were not available in the reports reviewed and are expected to be announced by his family when appropriate.