Bronx Drill Rapper ‘Suave Drilly’ Shot and Killed in Mott Haven
THE BRONX, NEW YORK — Rising drill rap artist John Martinez, known by his stage name Suave Drilly, was shot and killed Wednesday evening in the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx, according to the New York Police Department.
The 27-year-old rapper, who lived on Mosholu Parkway in Bedford Park, was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds at the intersection of Alexander Avenue and Bruckner Boulevard around 5:50 p.m.
Police said EMS transported Martinez to NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Shooting Captured on Video, Bystanders Shocked
Video circulating online shows officers performing chest compressions on Martinez as bystanders watch in shock. Other clips show the crime scene taped off, with police working to secure evidence near the busy intersection.
Several local outlets, including Norwood News, confirmed that Martinez had been living in the Bedford Park area and was active in the Bronx drill music scene.
Bronx Roots and Drill Scene Legacy
Born in the Dominican Republic, Suave Drilly moved to the United States at age 3 and grew up in the Norwood and Gun Hill Road neighborhoods. In interviews, he described his music as “for my people” and said he was determined to keep the Drilly name alive in memory of his late brother, Dumout Drilly, who died in 2018.
His breakout single, “Opp Spotter,” featuring Spazz Drilly and Good Day Ray, gained over 900,000 YouTube views before his release from prison in early 2024. Suave later dropped another single, “Back on My Bully,” in mid-2024, marking what fans hoped would be the start of a new chapter.
In a past interview, Suave said,
“I’m willing to work with any artist, upcoming or signed. I’m just getting back into the studio and trying to perfect my craft.”
Ties to Bronx Gang Case
Court records show Martinez was among 20 alleged G-Side/Drilly gang members arrested in 2022 in connection with multiple shootings and stabbings in the Norwood and Gun Hill Road areas.
The Bronx District Attorney’s Office previously charged members of the group with murder and conspiracy, though Martinez’s own case status has not been made public. He was presumed innocent at the time of his death.
Online Tributes and Community Reaction
Following news of his death, fans and fellow artists flooded social media with tributes. RapHouseTV wrote that Suave was “reportedly shot and killed while leaving his parole office”, though police have not confirmed that detail.
Music journalist @pphilms_kf posted a YouTube tribute video featuring clips of Suave performing around Norwood, noting that the rapper was also a father.
“He had energy and passion — people saw a comeback story,” one Bronx fan commented under the tribute video.
Broader Context: Violence in Drill Rap
The killing adds to the list of violent deaths among New York drill artists, a subgenre of rap often tied to street conflicts and rivalries. Drill rap, which originated in Chicago before spreading to Brooklyn and The Bronx, is known for its raw lyrics about survival, street life, and revenge.
City officials, including Mayor Eric Adams, have met with drill rappers to discuss balancing artistic freedom and community safety. Adams has said he is not calling for bans on drill music but wants to discourage artists from using songs and videos to glorify violence.
“Violent people who are using drill rap to post who they killed and antagonize others — that’s what the problem is,” Adams said in 2022.
Investigation Ongoing
As of Thursday, no arrests had been made in the fatal shooting of Suave Drilly. Detectives with the NYPD’s 40th Precinct continue to investigate, reviewing surveillance footage and witness accounts from the scene.
Anyone with information is urged to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or submit tips anonymously online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org.
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