Who Is Top5? The Truth Behind the Canadian Rapper Stabbed in London After Recent Arrest

Top5 (Image via Instagram/@top5)

A Canadian rapper named Top5 is said to have been stabbed in London.

According to a recent HotNewHipHop incident, a man clad in a mask reportedly assaulted the artist around his neck as he was engaged in a discussion with several of his followers.

The good news is that he didn't suffer life-threatening wounds, and he has begun his path to healing.

Although he is widely recognized as Top5, his actual name is Hassan Ali.

Here's all the information available regarding the reported knife attack involving Top5

The source verified that Top5 traveled to London to participate in the highly anticipated Wireless Festival and mix with the audience for Drake's concert. Finsbury Park in London will be the venue for this lively event taking place between July 11 and 13, 2025.

HotNewHipHop information cited from DJ Akademiks and Keep6ixsolid mentioned an individual disguised as someone else causing a deep wound to their neck.

A Toronto-based news source, Keep6ixsolid, covered the surprising event, noting,

Top5 narrowly escapes an assassination attempt in London following severe stabbing injuries to his neck." "Top5 survives a deadly attack in London after being stabbed in the neck." "A failed murder attempt leaves Top5 with serious neck wounds in London." "After sustaining critical stab wounds to his neck, Top5 lives through an assassination plot in London." "The individual known as Top5 endures an unsuccessful killing attempt in London, resulting in neck injuries.

The post further added,

A Toronto-based rapper was speaking with a fan when a person wearing a mask rushed past and attacked him with a knife." "A Toronto hip-hop artist was conversing with a supporter when a masked individual sprinted by and inflicted a stabbing injury." "While engaging with a follower, a Toronto rapper was suddenly approached by a masked assailant who lunged at him with a blade.

Some hours ago, the publication added an update to the post's description, Around two hours prior, the source provided an additional comment in the post's caption, Not long ago, the website revised the post's caption with more information, An hour or so back, the channel included another statement in the post's description, Earlier today, the platform issued a follow-up message within the post's caption, Just a short time ago, the outlet modified the post's caption with extra details, Within the last few hours, the site appended an addition to the post's description, About two hours previously, the publisher released an updated version of the post's caption, Sometime in the past, the outlet made changes to the post's caption, In the recent past, the source introduced an amendment to the post's description.

I was informed that he is fine and that none of his major blood vessels were damaged during the attack.

To date, there have been no verified reports regarding who inflicted the stabbing, the motive for the violent attack, or when he was assaulted by an unidentified individual. Additionally, regional media has not uncovered any reliable information concerning the incident.

Top5 has been arrested before

As of May 2025 HotNewHipHop The rap artist was taken into custody by officers from the York Regional Police department.

Posting on X (previously known as Twitter), RTN (@RTNCanada) posted a video of the event on May 17, 2025.

At the start of this year, in January, Complex cited The Toronto Star Confirming Top5's detention following a firearms inquiry. According to reports, law enforcement officials apprehended him in Markham, Ontario, and filed five allegations against him. He was found in possession of a prohibited firearm along with bullets, which he kept carelessly.

In October 2021, Top5 faced charges of first-degree murder for the killing of Hashim Omar Hashi, who was 20 years old then. As reported by the source, Hashi was shot in a parking lot adjacent to a building situated at 40 Falstaff Avenue.

Last September, the involved judge declared social media evidence not acceptable and directed the release of the rapper from jail. Information posted online attempted to suggest his connection to the crime.

Following the last ruling, the artist exited the courthouse alongside his lawyer, Gary Grill. He addressed the press, saying,

A blameless individual has returned to his residence." "A person without guilt has recently arrived back home." "The gentleman who was wrongly accused has finally come back." "A pure-hearted man has now gone back to his house." "One who had done nothing wrong has just returned home.

He referred to himself as "a businessman" and expressed hope that officials would be able to identify those responsible for the killing. In explaining the situation, he also stated that he had nothing to do with the Go Getem Gang criminal organization.

Gary Grill also shared his views on the event, mentioning,

It was extremely weak from my perspective. The issue with charging artists such as Mr. Ali because of their music lies in not grasping what the medium entails, what it represents, and how drill performers engage with their listeners. … It’s crucial for every drill artist to present themselves as the toughest, most fearsome gangsters around. That’s what resonates. That’s what every drill performer does.

Following his release from prison, Top5 posted an image on Instagram showing him standing beside his attorney and credited Drake for his support. He added a caption to the post, saying,

Big shoutout to my brother @champagnepapi for covering the legal fees and to Gary Grill for being the top attorney in Toronto.

Gary Grill posted a screenshot, expressing appreciation for the Hotline Bling star and further noting,

Top 5: Drake thanks his lawyers for covering their costs after winning a case in court today.

Here's what is known about Top5

In an interview with Vice In 2015, Ali revealed the origin of his stage name, Top5. He described,

That was my nickname back when I played sports. Everything I did was ranked in the Top 5. People would watch me and say, 'He's number one, he's number one.'

He additionally shared details regarding his shift from athletics to music, expanding on,

Playing basketball in high school made it clear whether you'd end up in the NBA or not. I eventually understood that I wasn't meant to play professionally. I started with rap as a lighthearted thing, but watching Drake really take off motivated me. I'm about to release a few tracks, and you'll find out who's truly making an impact. It will come as a shock when you watch this video.

He gained recognition following his connection with the internationally renowned rapper, Drake. More than ten years ago, the Childs Play artist shared an image featuring Top5. In their conversation, the young rapper remembered the time he went to his school after Drake acknowledged him publicly.

He expressed:

Everybody rushed over to me and said, 'You're my favorite. I want to watch you perform at the BET Awards!' This all took place the next day, and I was pretty worn out since I stayed up all night. My instructors approached me and mentioned, 'He's going to call Drake.' Actually, about five different teachers came up to me. Drake attended Vaughan Road Academy; that's the same school I go to.

During the interview, he also talked about his initial encounter with Drake and said,

The first time I encountered Drake, I wasn't sure who he was. I sort of recognized him, but I couldn't tell if he was a kind person or someone with a different side. However, once I removed my shirt and he jumped into the photo, things changed. From that moment forward, I'm convinced he's kept an eye on me. He understands these neighborhoods well. I plan to release a few more tracks, and after that, everything will be clear. The night Drake shared my photos online was something else—I had never experienced anything quite like that before. I really appreciate Drake; he's a great guy for posting them. I respect him and am grateful for what he did. While I already had a following, he helped expand it significantly.

Top5 also showed his appreciation for Chris Brown and Drake, adding them to his "personal top five" list, and continued on,

First place goes to Drake. Second would be Chris Brown. Third, even though Chief Keef isn't known for his lyrics, his charisma really enhances the music. After that comes Rihanna and Nicki Minaj.

Furthermore, he wanted to work with Chris, adding his input,

One musician I'd really enjoy collaborating with is... some may not like me saying this, but Chris Brown. I truly appreciate his music.

When discussing his musical goals, the emerging musician also shared insights into the types of projects he has been involved in and the expanding audience that supports him. He explained how older listeners have begun to appreciate his work, saying,

Now I'm being listened to by older individuals. That wasn't the case before. Previously, I only interacted with people of my own age.

Subsequently, he also openly discussed encountering his fans, stating,

But now when I visit schools for basketball games or head to the cinema, people approach me for photos at Yorkdale Mall or the Eaton Centre. My current fan base is solid; I'm not looked down upon wherever I go.

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