The Memphis rap scene is reeling after YNC Trai Slime, a rising star known for his raw talent and street credibility, was arrested on a first-degree murder charge just weeks after surviving a near-fatal shooting. The incident, which also left a six-year-old boy wounded, has sparked intense speculation about revenge and the dangerous intersection of fame and street life in Memphis. As Trai Slime’s bold online posts hint at a motive, his story serves as a stark reminder of how quickly life can spiral in a city where music and violence often collide.
In late March or early April 2025, YNC Trai Slime, whose real name remains undisclosed, was shot in the face at an apartment complex in Memphis, Tennessee. The attack, described as brazen, also injured a six-year-old boy caught in the crossfire. Social media reports, including a YouTube video posted on March 31, 2025, titled “Trai Slime Speaks Out After Getting Shot in Yo Gotti Hood With a Baby,” suggest the shooting took place in a neighborhood linked to local rivalries. Both Trai Slime and the child survived, with the rapper recovering in the hospital, as noted in an April 7, 2025, post about GloRilla facetiming him during his recovery.
Trai Slime took to social media to address the incident, displaying a mix of defiance and bravado. In posts that went viral, he claimed he “cut the bullet out” of his face himself, dismissing doctors as too slow. He used sports metaphors, telling followers to “put your cleats on” and “play ball,” signaling his intent to retaliate.
“Y’all done played with the wrong one. Get back is activated,”
He reportedly said, hinting at a desire for revenge. While these posts resonated with some fans, they may have drawn the attention of law enforcement, who often monitor public figures after such incidents.
The shooting wasn’t Trai Slime’s first brush with violence. Sources indicate he’s faced multiple attempts on his life, cementing his reputation in Memphis as a “shooter” who “doesn’t play around.” The March attack, however, stood out for its recklessness, with shooters firing indiscriminately in a residential area, leaving a young child wounded. While some online reports claim the shooter was apprehended, no official confirmation from the Memphis Police Department or local news outlets supports this, leaving the perpetrator’s identity unclear.
Less than a month later, in May 2025, Trai Slime was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, a development that stunned his growing fanbase. A social media post on May 27, 2025, broke the news, but details about the victim or motive remain scarce. No mainstream outlets, such as the Commercial Appeal or Fox13 Memphis, have reported specifics, and attempts to access police records yielded no results, suggesting the case is either recent or not yet public.
Speculation online points to a possible connection to the March shooting, with some believing Trai Slime sought “get back” against those responsible for the attack. “More than likely, it was somebody tied to that shooting,” one source noted, though this remains unverified.
Trai Slime’s social media activity, where he openly discussed revenge, has fueled theories about his motives.
“You cannot let the fans trick you out to a spot,”
One commentator warned that police closely watch individuals who publicize such intentions. The rapper’s posts, filled with quips about his survival and readiness to “stump” his enemies, may have complicated his legal situation. As he faces serious charges, the lack of clarity about the alleged murder leaves fans and observers piecing together the puzzle.
YNC Trai Slime has emerged as a standout in Memphis’s vibrant hip-hop scene, known for tracks like “Cant Catch Me” and “Playen Wit Me.” His music, blending emotional depth with street narratives, has racked up impressive numbers, with videos garnering a quarter to half a million views in weeks. Collaborations with artists like Pooh Shiesty and Key Glock have boosted his profile, positioning him as a rising star in the Memphis sound, a genre defined by its gritty authenticity.
Beyond music, Trai Slime is tied to the YNC crew, a group some associate with gang activity in Memphis. Online discussions, particularly on Reddit’s r/Memphis10, mention rivalries with groups like 700 WDG and EBG, with one post suggesting a figure named “Baby Walk” claimed involvement in the shooting.
These claims, however, lack verification, and details about the YNC crew’s structure or Trai Slime’s role remain speculative. His reputation as a street figure and his musical success have made him a polarizing figure in a city where fame often comes with danger.
Trai Slime’s story echoes the challenges faced by other Memphis artists, like Young Dolph, whose 2021 murder highlighted the risks of the city’s rap scene. The recent arrest of another rapper, Lil Durk, on a murder-for-hire charge in Florida underscores the broader trend of legal troubles plaguing hip-hop artists. Trai Slime’s rapid rise, marked by viral videos and high-profile collaborations, now hangs in the balance as he navigates serious charges.
With its history of vibrant music and persistent crime, Memphis provides a complex backdrop. Recent reports note a decline in the city’s murder rate in 2024, but incidents like Trai Slime’s shooting highlight ongoing challenges.