Tragedy struck downtown Memphis on a sunny afternoon when rapper Sauce Walka and his artist, Say So P, were shot, resulting in the death of Say So P. Sauce Walka, who is currently in stable condition, was reportedly targeted in an incident that unfolded outside the Western Hotel near the FedEx Forum around 2:40 p.m. on Tuesday. Memphis police have confirmed that the shooting was not random but rather a targeted attack.

The shooting took place shortly after the duo exited the hotel, with eyewitnesses reporting that the assailants emerged from a vehicle and opened fire on the group. Say So P, who was described as being heavily built and not able to flee quickly, suffered a fatal head injury in the barrage. Police have identified a suspect vehicle and are actively pursuing leads, emphasizing the need for public vigilance.

Rumors surrounding the incident have circulated, stating it may have stemmed from a dice game or robbery; however, law enforcement has dismissed these claims, clarifying that the motives behind the shooting were not related to theft. Sauce Walka, who has previously faced violence in his career, reportedly felt secure in Memphis, a city tied to his artist’s roots. However, his affiliations within the local rap scene may have placed him in jeopardy amidst ongoing tensions between rival factions.

The incident has reignited discussions about the culture of violence within the hip-hop community. Critics argue that artists like Sauce Walka must confront their roles in perpetuating this culture, especially when such violence impacts their lives directly. As investigations continue and the community grapples with this tragic event, many are left questioning the broader implications of gang affiliations and the safety of artists in volatile environments. The Memphis police are expected to release further details as they work to apprehend those responsible for this devastating shooting.