JULIO Foolio was celebrating his 26th birthday poolside in Tampa when tragedy struck.
The Floridarapper’s attorney confirmed that Foolio, an independent artist with nearly one million monthly listeners on Spotify, was shot and killed during his birthday celebrations early Sunday morning.
Who was rapper Foolio?
Charles Jones, known by his stage name Julio Foolio, was a rising star in the rap world.
Foolio, born on June 21, 1998, was raised in and around Jacksonville, Florida.
The rapper had a large social media following, including:
- One million followers on Instagram, @julio_foolio
- 647,000 subscribers on YouTube, @Julio_Foolio
- 302,000 followers on Facebook, @TdbFoolio
- 55,000 followers on TikTok, @foolio666
- 63,000 followers on X, formerly Twitter, @Espn_Foolio
Along with over one million monthly listeners on Spotify, Foolio also had nearly 100,000 followers on SoundCloud.
His rap style is described as a blend of “quick-hitting beats with a melodic style,” according to Apple Music.
Foolio began pursuing a rap career in 2016, and by the following year, he was ranked 13th on the Top 20 Florida Rappers Fall List by Say Cheese TV, a hip-hop platform.
In 2018, Foolio released his breakout mixtape, 6Toven, a collaboration with the legendary producer Zaytoven.
His most famous songs include:
- Crooks
- Reach the Top
- When I See You
- Beatbox Remix
- List of Dead Opps
- Play With Me
- Voo Doo
According to Wealthy Gorilla, Foolio’s net worth was reportedly around $1 million due to his lucrative rap career.
What happened to Foolio?
Police confirmed a shooting occurred at a hotel in Tampa, Florida early Sunday morning.
Three people were injured, and one person – Foolio – was confirmed dead.
The shooting happened shortly before 5 am ET in the parking lot of a Holiday Inn.
“What we have learned, and this is early in the investigation, two cars were shot at,” said Joneé Lewis, public information officer of the Tampa Police Department, as reported by Fox 2 Now News.
“The victim in this morning’s shooting is believed to be Charles Jones,” Tampa Police Public Information Officer Jonee’ Lewis wrote in a press release, as reported by News4JAX.
“Positive identification is pending confirmation from the Medical Examiner’s Office.”
Foolio’s attorney, Lewis Fusco, also confirmed the rapper’s death on his own Instagram Stories.
“Fusco Law Group has been honored to represent Charles Jones, professionally known as Foolio, for several years.”
“It is with deep sadness that we confirm Mr. Jones passed away early this morning.”
Foolio had reportedly been celebrating his birthday with a party at a nearby Airbnb.
The party, which was advertised on the rapper’s social media accounts, quickly became overcrowded, and police stepped in to shut it down, kicking out partygoers.
Foolio and his friends then set out to find an alternate location to continue their celebrations, which led them to the Holiday Inn.
“While the events involving our client, Mr. Charles Jones, have been disclosed by law enforcement, we are unable to provide further comments at this time until additional details become public record,” Fusco’s statement continued.
“We kindly request that the privacy of Mr. Jones and his family be respected during this difficult time.”
In a chilling tweet sent just days before he was shot and killed, Foolio appeared to be in good spirits on his birthday.
“God thank you for allowing me to see another Year & To celebrate another birthday,” he tweeted, alongside multiple celebratory emojis, adding: “appreciate all the birthday wishes so far.”
The rapper’s alleged girlfriend, Mani B, also expressed her grief on social media.
“Y’all took my boyfriend from me. I hate y’all & I won’t be the only one crying,” she tweeted, alongside a small, broken heart emoji.