The mother of rising Memphis rapper Sayso P has broken her silence following his tragic death in a downtown Memphis shooting. In a heartfelt social media post, Toya Redwing spoke out against rumors surrounding her son’s death, calling the attack a setup and vowing to protect his legacy. The incident, which also left Houston rapper Sauce Walka injured, has shaken the hip-hop community and sparked further discussions about violence in the music industry.
The shooting occurred outside the Westin Hotel, near the FedExForum, just before 2:45 p.m. on Saturday. Witnesses described a sudden burst of gunfire coming from a white vehicle, hitting Sayso P and his fellow rapper Sauce Walka, a Houston-based artist. While Sauce Walka survived with a gunshot wound to his leg, Sayso P died at the scene.
The Memphis Police Department has since confirmed that the attack was not random and that the suspects and victims knew each other. Authorities are now reviewing surveillance footage and gathering information as they work to bring justice to Sayso P and his family.
Two days after the shooting, Toya Redwing made an emotional Facebook post addressing the rumors surrounding her son’s death. Some online speculation suggested that Sayso P had been involved in criminal activities, but his mother fiercely denied those claims.
“This is the type of lies and sh*t that keep mothers losing our sons,” she wrote. “My son never stole anything. Never ran off with anything. Didn’t have to. Haters set him up but not because he stole a dime.”
She described her son as a generous young man, saying he would instead give away his last dollar than steal. However, she admitted that his biggest flaw may have been his loyalty to the wrong people.
“Too loyal to the wrong people was his biggest downfall,” she said. “But I won’t let y’all steal his legacy.”
Redwing also spoke about her son’s jealousy, stating that his success made him a target.
“People see him with a stack and say anything. That was his NORM!”
Sayso P gained momentum in hip-hop as part of The Sauce Factory collective, founded by Sauce Walka. Before his passing, he was focused on growing his career, catering to fans who appreciated his energy and honesty. Sayso P was committed to delivering impactful lyrics that reflected real-life struggles, a theme common in Memphis rap.
Sauce Walka, who mentored Sayso P, posted a tribute video honoring his fallen friend. In it, he spoke about their bond and the places in Memphis that Sayso P had introduced him to.
“This city meant something to him. He was proud of where he came from,”
Sauce Walka said.
The killing of Sayso P is yet another example of the violence plaguing the rap community. His death comes in the same week as troubling news about other rappers facing violence and legal troubles, including Texas rapper Yella Beezy, who was recently indicted for allegedly orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot.
Fans on social media have been mourning Sayso P while also discussing the ongoing dangers that rappers face. Many have pointed out that Memphis, in particular, has seen a wave of violence against hip-hop artists in recent years.
One user commented:
“Can’t no rappers go to Memphis.”
Another wrote:
“Rappers had a bad week this week.”
As the police investigation continues, Sayso P’s mother remains determined to protect his legacy. She wants the world to remember her son not for rumors or tragedy but for his talent, loyalty, and generosity.
