Troy Ave Establishes a Memorial Scholarship in Banga's Name

Less than a week after being indicted on charges related to a fatal shooting last month, Troy Ave has rolled out a memorial scholarship in Ronald "Banga" McPhatter’s name.

The rapper’s laywer Scott Leemon confirmed the scholarship was presented Monday at New Utrecht High School, which Troy and Banga both attended. According to DNA Info, the athletic scholarship will award one student $2,000 each academic year. The 2016 recipient was senior defensive end Gianni Penso, who has plans to play on Pace University’s football team as an outside linebacker.

"When my son suggested [the scholarship] from jail I thought it was brilliant," Tracey Collins, Troy’s mother, told DNA Info. "Edgar (McPhatter’s nickname) would love it, it’s such a good way to represent him."

McPhatter, who was a childhood friend of Troy’s as well as a member of his B$B crew, was killed in late May during a shooting at the Irving Plaza. Surveillance cameras show Troy’s involvement in the incident, which led to his arrest on weapons possession and attempted murder charges. But after police discovered the bullets used to kill McPhatter matched the ones found in Troy’s gun, speculation has pointed to him being charged with murder as well.

Troy remains behind bars but has repeatedly declared his innocence. He’s scheduled to appear in court on June 22.