Hassan Ali, better known by his stage name Top5, found himself at the center of a violent attack in North London shortly after attending a high-profile concert. The Toronto-born rapper and close friend of global superstar Drake was stabbed in the leg in the early hours of July 14, 2025, following Drake's headline performance at the Wireless Festival in Finsbury Park.
The unsettling incident occurred around 12:15 a.m. when Top5 was driving his white Mercedes through the streets of North London. According to the Metropolitan Police, a group of roughly a dozen men surrounded the vehicle, smashing the windscreen and aggressively confronting the rapper. Distressing footage circulated widely on social media shows the mob climbing onto the car, stamping on the glass, opening the doors, and kicking Top5 as they attempted to drag him from the vehicle. Despite the chaos, the car was seen driving away from the scene with its boot open.
Emergency services were promptly called to the scene, and Top5 was rushed to hospital with injuries described as not life-changing. The Met Police confirmed the ongoing investigation but reported no arrests had been made so far. They have urged anyone with information to contact them via phone or social media, referencing the incident number CAD105/17JULY.
The attack has sparked widespread concern and speculation about its motive. Some fans and observers have suggested the violence may be linked to comments Top5 made earlier that evening during a livestream. He reportedly stated, "There is no real killers in London," a remark that may have stirred tensions within London's music and street communities.
Top5, aged 26, hails from Toronto's Lawrence Heights neighborhood, colloquially known as the "Jungle," a reference immortalized in one of Drake's songs. His rise to prominence began at 16 when Drake reposted his early track "Shirt off Shawty" on Instagram, dubbing him "Top Five" in the 6ix, a nod to Toronto's nickname. Since then, Top5 has built a solid following, boasting over 70,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and a top song that has amassed more than 4.7 million streams.
Despite his growing success, Top5's journey has been marked by legal challenges, including a charge related to a fatal shooting, from which he was cleared last year in Toronto. Following his acquittal, he publicly thanked his lawyer on social media. His Instagram profile also reflects connections with prominent figures in the music industry, including a birthday meeting with Kanye West and several posts featuring Drake, one captioned "The President & The Boy."
Earlier on July 13, 2025, Top5 shared videos on social media showing him enjoying Drake's performance from the VIP section of the Wireless Festival. Drake, who was on a three-night headline run at the festival, praised London MCs during his set, declaring them "the best lyricists in the world." He added, "No disrespect to America, but nobody in the world can out-rap London rappers," emphasizing the high caliber of the UK's hip-hop scene.
Drake's return to the UK stage was a major event, part of a multimillion-pound deal to headline each night of the festival. His setlist spanned hits from his extensive career, including "Nonstop," "Know Yourself," and "God's Plan," thrilling thousands of fans in attendance.
The violent episode involving Top5 has cast a shadow over the festival's success and raised questions about safety and rivalry within the music community. The Met Police continue their inquiries, appealing to witnesses and the public for any information that could shed light on the attack.
As of now, Top5 has not publicly commented on the stabbing. However, sources confirm he is alive and recovering, with many sending prayers and well-wishes for his speedy recuperation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges artists can face beyond the spotlight, navigating complex social dynamics even as their careers ascend.
While the investigation unfolds, fans and fellow artists alike are left grappling with the unsettling reality that violence can erupt even in moments meant for celebration and unity. For now, the hope remains that justice will be served and that Top5's recovery will be swift, allowing him to continue his promising trajectory in the music world.
