Memphis police believe Sauce Walka was targeted in shooting
Houston rapper Sauce Walka was injured in a targeted shooting in downtown Memphis that claimed the life of his close associate, Sayso P. The attack, which Memphis police confirmed was not random, happened outside the Westin Hotel near the FedEx Forum—a high-traffic area in the city, per TMZ.
Authorities say multiple gunmen arrived in a four-door white vehicle and opened fire without warning before speeding away. Sauce Walka, was shot in the leg and rushed to the hospital, where he is expected to make a full recovery. Sadly, Sayso P did not survive the attack.
This violent incident has shaken both the Memphis and Houston rap communities, reigniting concerns about artist safety, rising violence in hip-hop, and the growing trend of targeted attacks against rappers.
Inside the Shooting: What We Know So Far
Authorities believe Sauce Walka and Sayso P were deliberately targeted by the shooters. The incident occurred outside a luxury hotel in downtown Memphis, just steps from where NBA games and major concerts are held.
Key details from the investigation:
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The gunmen did not exchange words with Sauce Walka or Sayso P before opening fire.
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Sayso P was fatally wounded and pronounced dead at the scene.
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Sauce Walka was shot in the leg and is expected to make a full recovery.
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Police have identified the vehicle involved but have not yet made any arrests.
Law enforcement officials say they are pursuing multiple leads, but they have not disclosed a motive at this time.
Who Was Sayso P? A Rising Talent Cut Short
Sayso P was an artist signed to Sauce Walka’s The Sauce Factory (TSF) record label. He was part of a new wave of Houston rappers making noise in the underground scene.
Facts about Sayso P:
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He was an emerging artist with a growing fan base.
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He had multiple collaborations with TSF artists and was gaining momentum.
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His music reflected Houston’s raw and unfiltered rap style.
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He had plans to release new music in 2024.
His untimely death mirrors a tragic pattern of rising artists being taken too soon. Fans and fellow rappers have flooded social media with condolences and tributes.
Why Was Sauce Walka Targeted? Theories & Speculation
While police have not released an official motive, there are several theories about why Sauce Walka may have been targeted.
1. Rap Beefs & Industry Drama
The rap industry has become increasingly dangerous, with public feuds turning into real-life violence. Sauce Walka has been vocal in the past about rivalries in Houston and beyond. Could past tensions have played a role?
2. Robbery Attempt? Flashy Lifestyle Makes Rappers a Target
Sauce Walka is known for flaunting his expensive jewelry, cash, and designer clothing. Unfortunately, rappers showing wealth on social media have often become targets of robbery attempts.
Similar incidents include:
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Pop Smoke’s murder (2020) – Targeted in Los Angeles after revealing his location.
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PnB Rock’s shooting (2022) – Killed at a restaurant in a high-profile robbery.
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XXXTentacion’s murder (2018) – Ambushed for his bag of cash.
Could Sauce Walka have been targeted for his valuables?
3. Street Ties & Past Conflicts
Many rappers maintain connections to the streets, and sometimes those ties come with risks. Sauce Walka has always embraced a street persona, and it’s possible that past conflicts caught up with him in Memphis.
Memphis: A Growing Hotspot for Hip-Hop Violence
Memphis has become one of the most dangerous cities for rappers in recent years. The city has seen multiple high-profile shootings involving hip-hop artists.
Notable incidents in Memphis:
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Young Dolph’s assassination (2021) – Gunned down at a cookie shop in broad daylight.
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Big Scarr’s passing (2022) – Another tragic loss for Memphis rap.
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Gang-related shootings involving local artists have been on the rise.
With crime rates increasing, many artists are taking extra precautions when visiting Memphis.
How Rappers Can Stay Safe in High-Risk Areas
With the rise in hip-hop violence, artists are being forced to prioritize security more than ever.
Safety tips for rappers traveling to dangerous cities:
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Travel with professional security – Not just friends or crew members.
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Don’t post real-time locations – Many rappers have been targeted after sharing their whereabouts.
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Stay aware of city dynamics – Understand local tensions before traveling.
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Move in armored vehicles – Many high-profile artists have started using bulletproof SUVs.
Even major rappers like Drake, Lil Baby, and 21 Savage now invest heavily in security when touring.
The Bigger Picture: Rap Music & Violence
Rap music has always been a reflection of street life, but the growing violence against artists has become a major issue.
Why is violence increasing in hip-hop?
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Social media beefs escalate quickly
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Artists flashing wealth online attract the wrong attention
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Street ties make some rappers vulnerable
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Lack of proper security measures
Many believe record labels and promoters need to do more to protect artists, especially in cities with high crime rates.
What’s Next? The Search for Justice
Memphis police are actively investigating the shooting. While they have identified the suspect vehicle, no arrests have been made.
What happens next?
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Sauce Walka is expected to fully recover from his injuries.
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Police will continue tracking down the suspects.
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Fans and artists will continue mourning Sayso P’s tragic loss.
Sauce Walka has yet to make a public statement, but his supporters are eagerly awaiting updates.
A Wake-Up Call for Hip-Hop
This tragic incident serves as another reminder of how dangerous the rap industry has become. Artists are constantly at risk, and many are now rethinking how they move.
With the rise in targeted attacks, the need for better security, awareness, and caution has never been greater.
Stay tuned for further updates as police continue their investigation.
