In a troubling turn of events, the mother of rising Memphis rap artist Sayso P has publicly defended her son against a wave of rumors following his tragic shooting death on March 22. Sayso P, whose real name was Cizop, was shot in broad daylight near the FedEx Forum, a busy area in downtown Memphis. Initial reports circulated that the shooting was a targeted attack, with speculation about whether it was connected to rivalries within the hip-hop community.

Cizop’s mother, Toya Redwing, took to Facebook to refute claims that her son was involved in any shady dealings or that he had stolen money from anyone. “My son never stole anything, never ran off with anything, didn’t have to,” she stated emphatically. Redwing expressed her belief that her son’s loyalty to the wrong people ultimately led to his demise, standing firm against the narrative that he was involved in illicit activities.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with the Memphis Police Department confirming that it was indeed a targeted hit. However, the motive behind the attack remains unclear. Some rumors suggest that Cizop may have taken approximately $200,000 from an unidentified group, prompting them to seek revenge. Others speculate that the intended target could have been fellow rapper Sauce Walka, who was present during the shooting but survived with a leg wound.

Sauce Walka, who is also from Memphis, has spoken out following the incident, revealing that he was not the target and was instead caught in a dangerous situation. Reports suggest that the assailants almost shot him but recognized him just in time. Sauce Walka’s presence during the shooting has led to speculation about a potential setup; some have accused him of being involved in orchestrating the hit on Sayso P, particularly given the nature of their recent interactions.

In the days following Cizop’s death, Sauce Walka continued to engage with fans and promote his music, leading some to question his emotional response to the tragedy. Social media reactions have been mixed, with many expressing skepticism about his behavior. He later posted a heartfelt tribute to Sayso P, lamenting that his friend should have heeded warnings to stay safe, suggesting he had prior knowledge of the potential dangers in Memphis.

The streets of Memphis are rife with speculation, and the ongoing investigation has left many unanswered questions. Cizop’s mother maintains that her son was a victim of envy and misinformation, asserting that he had no ties to criminal activity. As the narrative continues to unfold, the community is left grappling with the implications of loyalty, betrayal, and the often brutal realities of street life.

With conflicting accounts circulating and a community in mourning, the truth behind the tragic events remains obscured. As investigators work to piece together the details of the case, many are left wondering: Was this a calculated hit, a robbery gone wrong, or something more complex? The answers may take time to reveal themselves, but the impact of Sayso P’s death is already being felt throughout the Memphis music scene.