In a tragic incident that highlights the dangers of urban violence, rapper Sayso P was shot and killed outside a hotel in downtown Memphis on March 22, 2025. The 27-year-old artist was reportedly targeted in a brazen daylight shooting shortly after he posted his location on social media, drawing attention from potential assailants.
The shooting occurred around 2:40 PM near the Westin Hotel, situated just across from the FedEx Forum, home of the Memphis Grizzlies. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as gunfire erupted, leaving Sayso P lifeless on the ground. A blue tarp was placed over his body as police and paramedics responded to the emergency. Alongside him, Houston-based rapper Sauce Walka, 34, was shot in the leg but is expected to survive after being listed in stable condition.
Authorities believe the shooting was a targeted attack. According to law enforcement, the assailants emerged from a white vehicle and opened fire while the rappers stood in the hotel’s valet area. Detectives utilized real-time traffic cameras to track the vehicle as it fled the scene, but the investigation is ongoing with no suspects yet apprehended.
Sayso P, whose real name was Lorian Hunt, had deep roots in Memphis, having grown up in the Raleigh neighborhood and begun recording music at the age of 11. He faced significant challenges throughout his youth but found a foothold in the music industry after signing with Sauce Walka’s label, TSF, in late 2022. Despite his success, he had previously experienced legal troubles and had moved around the country, residing in Las Vegas and Miami before returning to Memphis.
The circumstances surrounding his death have drawn comparisons to other tragic events in the music industry, underscoring the risks artists face when returning to their hometowns. A song released by Sayso P prior to his death, titled “Back in Memphis,” features lyrics that eerily reflect his fate. The song recounts the struggles he faced and the dangers of returning to his roots, highlighting the complex relationship many artists have with their hometowns.
While security was reportedly hired for their earlier outing at a local bar, it appears that Sayso P and Sauce Walka did not have protection when they returned to the hotel. This lapse has raised questions about the safety measures taken by artists in environments known for violence.
As news of the shooting spread, the focus shifted from Sauce Walka, who survived, to the untimely death of Sayso P. Many fans and fellow artists have expressed their condolences, recognizing the tragic loss of a young talent who had just begun to carve out his space in the music industry.
Memphis has a history of violence that has claimed the lives of numerous individuals, including artists, further emphasizing the need for awareness and safety in urban environments. As the investigation unfolds, the community mourns the loss of Sayso P and reflects on the broader implications of violence in the music scene.
In light of this heartbreaking event, it serves as a poignant reminder of the precarious nature of success in the hip-hop industry and the importance of navigating fame with caution. The music community continues to grapple with the loss and the lessons that come with it, hoping for peace and healing in the wake of such senseless violence.