Memphis rapper killed in shootout encouraged others to stop ‘throwing your life away’
Two rising rap artists were killed within days of each other in separate violent incidents that have shaken Atlanta and Memphis hip-hop communities, highlighting the ongoing crisis of gun violence affecting young musicians in major Southern cities.
Memphis Rapper FastCash CMoney Shot Dead in Frayser
Memphis rapper FastCash CMoney, whose real name was Cordney Smith, was killed in a weekend shootout in the Frayser neighborhood after midnight Sunday. Police reported that dozens of rounds were fired near Macaulay Drive and Macaulay Cove, with Smith found shot to death about a half-mile away.
Smith, a member of the rap duo FastCash Boyz, had been working to turn his life around and encourage young people to abandon street life. In a prescient Facebook post from June, he warned his followers: “Throwing your life away is not gangster, that’s being stupid. Going to jail is not cool, doing time is not cool, having 1000 opps is not cool. Get you some money, have some kids and build you a legacy, live for something and set you some goals.”
The 33-year-old rapper released his debut single “Wave” six years ago and had built a following with his evolving musical message. His final release was “Stars and the Moon,” dropped last month. Family members described Smith as a father and friend who was actively working to inspire positive change in Memphis.
Atlanta Rapper T-Hood Killed in Domestic Dispute
In a separate incident Friday, Atlanta rapper T-Hood, born Tevin Hood, was shot and killed at his Snellville, Georgia residence. The 33-year-old artist, known for tracks like “Ready 2 Go” and “Big Booty,” was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
According to police reports obtained by TMZ, Ky Lasheed Frost, 24-year-old son of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta stars Kirk and Rasheeda Frost, has been named as the prime suspect in T-Hood’s killing. The incident allegedly stemmed from a domestic dispute involving T-Hood and Kelsie Frost, 30, who is Kirk and Rasheeda’s daughter and was dating the rapper.
Kelsie Frost addressed speculation about her involvement on social media, stating: “I don’t even have time to grieve or say my respects in the right manner because I am defending myself, being attacked by people who are creating weird and sick rumors.”
One person was detained and interviewed by police, though official charges have not been announced. The case is being investigated as a possible self-defense shooting.
Hip-Hop Community Responds to Violence
The deaths have prompted renewed calls for action against gun violence in hip-hop communities. Memphis rapper Juicy J, whose own nephew Patrick Houston Jr. was killed just one month ago, addressed the crisis in his song “Stop the Violence,” rapping: “So much evil in my city. I’m trying to turn his life around. We gotta stop the violence if you wanna save our town.”
Both incidents underscore the persistent challenge of violence affecting young artists in Southern hip-hop scenes. FastCash CMoney’s advocacy for leaving street life behind and T-Hood’s rising career trajectory demonstrate the potential lost when promising artists become victims of the violence they often rap about escaping.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help cover FastCash CMoney’s funeral costs as his family and fans mourn the loss. The Memphis hip-hop community has rallied around his message of positive change, with many citing his June Facebook post as evidence of his commitment to inspiring others.
The two deaths within the same week have amplified ongoing conversations about the intersection of hip-hop culture, street violence, and the responsibility of artists to model positive change while remaining authentic to their experiences and communities.
