In a tragic incident on March 22, 2025, two prominent figures in the Memphis rap scene were shot outside the Westin Hotel in downtown Memphis, leaving one dead and another injured. The victims, Houston rapper Sauce Walka, 34, and his associate Sayso P, 27, were targeted in what authorities are describing as an ambush-style shooting.

According to eyewitness reports, gunfire erupted around 2:40 PM near the hotel, located across from the FedEx Arena. Video footage captured a man lying on the ground as police and paramedics rushed to the scene. While Sauce Walka sustained a leg injury and is currently in stable condition, Sayso P was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators believe the shooters, who emerged from a white vehicle, specifically aimed for Sayso P. According to family sources, Sauce Walka was not the intended target, raising questions about the motives behind the shooting. Law enforcement used real-time traffic cameras to track the getaway vehicle, which fled the area shortly after the shooting.

Sayso P, whose real name was Lorian Hunt, had a troubled past, growing up in poverty in Memphis and moving between cities in search of success in his music career. Recently signed to Sauce Walka’s label, Sayso P had returned to Memphis, where he previously faced warnings from friends about the dangers of coming back home.

The incident highlights the ongoing violence in Memphis, a city known for its high murder rate and its complex relationship with the music industry. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a young artist whose life was cut short, while Sauce Walka’s family expresses relief that he survived the ordeal.

This shooting serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by artists in the hip-hop community, particularly when returning to their roots. As condolences pour in for Sayso P, the fate of Memphis remains a stark warning about the consequences of a lifestyle intertwined with the dangers of street culture.