PHILADELPHIA (AP) — An 18-year-old rapper from Northeast Philadelphia has been charged with murder in connection with a shooting that resulted in the deaths of three teenagers and the injury of another earlier this year, according to the police.

Kyzir Reeves, known by his stage name HopOutBlick, was taken into custody on Thursday and now faces charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery, illegal gun possession, and other related crimes. Reeves had been evading authorities since July when a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The shooting occurred on April 28 in the Crescentville section of the city, on the 5900 block of Palmetto Street, where three teens were killed: Malik Ballard, 17, Salaah Fleming, 14, and Khalif Frezghi, 17. Another 16-year-old boy sustained an abdominal injury but survived.

In addition to Reeves, another individual named Tyree Lennon, 23, was arrested in July and charged with murder, conspiracy, and related offenses.

According to police documents, the shooting was the result of a gun trafficking sale that turned into an attempted robbery gone awry. Authorities stated that a group of young men had arranged to meet to purchase a firearm for $1,000. However, Lennon, Reeves, Frezghi, and others in the group had planned to rob them for the cash. The situation escalated when members of the purchasing group drew their own guns, leading to gunfire.

Reeves, a prominent figure in Philly’s drill rap scene, boasting nearly 20,000 Instagram followers and attracting tens of thousands of views on YouTube, was not discreet while on the run. He remained active on social media, releasing a new song called “Double Koffins,” which features him and others brandishing firearms. In an interview on YouTube, he openly discussed his life and music career. Three days after the interview, Reeves was apprehended.

Reeves is currently being held without bail at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in Philadelphia, and it is unknown if he has legal representation.

Drill rap, a popular subgenre originating from Chicago in the early 2010s, has gained traction in Philadelphia in recent years. Known for its explicit lyrics that frequently depict gun violence and street life, drill rap has prospered in under-resourced neighborhoods.

The utilization of music to document ongoing feuds and taunt rivals has contributed to a cycle of violence and retaliation, highlighted by the arrests of multiple drill rappers on murder charges this year. Lil Bape, whose real name is Aysir Clark, was charged with fatally shooting a 16-year-old, while Blumberg Geez, also known as Anthony Watson, was killed while on the run for a homicide.

The subgenre has prompted controversy, with calls for a ban due to its perceived glorification and perpetuation of violence. Activists and scholars debate whether drill rap serves as an outlet for young Black men to express their struggles and reality, or if it exploits and exacerbates the cycle of gun violence.

The investigation into the shooting in Crescentville continues as authorities seek to bring justice to the victims and determine the full extent of Reeves’ alleged involvement.