The tragic death of Tevin “YBT” Burney, better known as Young Boss Tevo or simply YBT, has sent shockwaves through Durham’s hip-hop community and beyond. The 23-year-old rapper, a key member of the once-promising group 83 Babies, was fatally shot in a late-night incident on March 14, 2026, in his hometown of Durham, North Carolina. Authorities discovered YBT and two others inside a vehicle riddled with gunfire on Roxboro Street. Two men—YBT and another unidentified individual—were pronounced dead at the scene, while a woman in the car sustained injuries and was rushed to a local hospital, where she is reported to be in stable condition and expected to recover. Police have not yet named any suspects, and the investigation into the double homicide remains ongoing, with no motive publicly confirmed.

YBT rose to prominence as part of 83 Babies, a Durham-based rap trio that captured regional and national attention in the late 2010s. The group—consisting of YBT (Tevin Burney), Antonio “Lil Tony” Davenport Jr., and Tyrese “Set It Off” Taylor—first exploded onto the scene with their viral track “No Cap” in 2018. The hard-hitting song, characterized by raw street narratives and energetic delivery, amassed millions of streams and views, sparking a bidding war among labels. Reports from the time described a “tug-of-war” for the group’s signature, with 83 Babies ultimately signing to Rich the Kid’s Rich Forever imprint. Their music often reflected the realities of life in Durham’s neighborhoods, blending trap beats with lyrics about loyalty, hustle, and the perils of street life.

The group’s ascent was short-lived. In August 2019, tragedy struck when Lil Tony was implicated in a drive-by shooting that killed 9-year-old Z’yon Person and injured the child’s 8-year-old cousin. According to federal prosecutors and court records, Davenport—along with associates Derrick Lamont Dixon Jr. (also known as “Smacc”) and others affiliated with the Eight Trey Gangster Crips—opened fire on a vehicle they mistakenly believed belonged to rival gang members. The incident occurred as Z’yon and his family were en route to get snow cones. Davenport, who rapped under the name Lil Tony and promoted gang-affiliated themes in his music, was convicted in 2022 on federal charges including murder, racketeering, and firearms offenses. He and Dixon were each sentenced to life in prison without parole. The high-profile case drew widespread outrage and scrutiny, linking the group’s music to real-world gang violence in Durham’s Braggtown area.

The fallout was devastating for 83 Babies. The record deal dissolved amid the controversy, and the remaining members pursued separate paths. YBT and Set It Off focused on solo endeavors. Set It Off (Tyrese Taylor) later served a prison sentence for several years on unrelated charges but has since been released and continues releasing music, occasionally paying tribute to his former collaborators.

YBT, whose real name was Tevin Burney, maintained a dedicated local following through his solo work and social media presence (@ybt83_ on Instagram). Friends and fans remembered him as a talented artist whose lyrics often grappled with the same gun violence that ultimately claimed his life. In the wake of his death, tributes poured in from across the hip-hop world. Set It Off broke his silence on social media, posting heartfelt messages honoring his “former partner” and expressing grief over the loss. Other local artists and supporters shared condolences, with many lamenting the cycle of violence in Durham that has claimed too many young lives.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence in the region. Durham police continue to urge anyone with information to come forward as they work to piece together the events leading to the shooting. Community leaders have called for greater efforts to address root causes, including gang activity and access to firearms, that continue to plague urban areas.

YBT’s death at such a young age marks yet another somber chapter for 83 Babies—a group that once symbolized hope and breakout success for Durham’s rap scene but has now been overshadowed by profound tragedy. As fans mourn, the question lingers: how many more promising voices will be silenced by the very streets they rapped about? Rest in peace, YBT.