Violent Weekend Rocks Hip-Hop World; Sauce Walka Injured, Morrison Arrested, NBA YoungBoy Freed Early

Mark Morrision

In a turbulent weekend for the music industry, three notable figures from hip-hop and R&B faced significant legal and personal incidents, spotlighting ongoing tensions and controversies surrounding artists in the urban music scene.

Houston rapper Sauce Walka and his TSF artist Sayso P were shot Saturday in downtown Memphis while shopping, with opps shooting three times.
The incident occurred around 2:42 p.m. on Lt. George W. Lee Avenue near the FedExForum. According to his father, Albert Walker, known as… pic.twitter.com/0x4hjEEi9c

— T_CAS videos (@tecas2000) March 23, 2025

Houston rapper Sauce Walka, born Albert Walker Mondane, was wounded during a targeted shooting in downtown Memphis on Saturday, March 22. The incident, near the Westin Hotel and FedExForum, tragically resulted in the death of Sauce Walka's protégé, Memphis rapper Latorian Hunt, known as Sayso P. Memphis police stated that suspects exited a white sedan and opened fire around 2:42 p.m. Sauce Walka sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh but is expected to recover. The suspects fled the scene and are still being sought. Authorities believe this was not a random attack. Sauce Walka addressed fans via social media, expressing grief and frustration over the loss of his close associate.

On the same day, British R&B singer Mark Morrison, famous for his iconic 1996 hit "Return of the Mack," was arrested in Palm Beach, Florida. Morrison, 52, faces simple battery charges after reportedly shoving Nicola Lavacca, general manager of Le Bar à Vin, twice in the torso following an argument about music volume involving another singer performing at the venue. Witnesses, including nightlife manager Fabrizio Riillo, described Morrison as "irate," asserting he appeared intent on confrontation. Morrison was arrested shortly afterward, released early Sunday morning on a $1,000 bond, and is scheduled to appear at the Palm Beach County Courthouse on April 15. Morrison's past legal troubles include a conviction for firearm possession, failure to appear in court, suspicion of kidnapping and car theft, and previous assault charges.

Looks like NBA YOUNGBOY has been released from federal prison and either transferred to a half way house or is headed home. I’ll confirm soon pic.twitter.com/iQVFyYZUag

— DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) March 24, 2025

Meanwhile, rapper NBA YoungBoy, whose real name is Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, has reportedly been released from federal custody ahead of schedule. Initially sentenced to 23 months in prison in December 2024 for federal gun charges, his early release was reported by DJ Akademiks and confirmed through online prison records, though an official statement from his representatives is pending. NBA YoungBoy, recognized by the RIAA as the only rapper of the past decade with eight platinum albums, faced additional charges in April 2024 relating to identity fraud and prescription drug forgery, culminating in a plea deal including prison time and a $25,000 fine. Despite incarceration, he continued releasing music, most notably the "More Leaks" mixtape. Fans eagerly await his official comments and possible new projects following this unexpected release.

These events underscore ongoing complexities and hazards faced by prominent artists navigating fame, personal safety, and legal matters in the music industry.

Boxing Legend George Foreman Passes Away at Age 76​

In this courtesy photo, heavyweight boxing legend George Foreman, who died Friday at age 76, shares a moment with Houston radio personality J Mac of 97.9 The Box. Foreman, a Texas native known for his powerful punches and iconic grill endorsements, leaves behind a legacy spanning sports, entrepreneurship, and pop culture. (Courtesy of J Mac)

George Foreman, the towering two-time heavyweight boxing champion who later became an iconic pitchman for his namesake grills, has died at the age of 76, his family announced Friday.

Foreman's powerful punches first propelled him to Olympic gold in 1968 and a world title in 1973. While he famously lost the crown to Muhammad Ali in the historic "Rumble in the Jungle" in 1974, Foreman staged a remarkable comeback two decades later, regaining the heavyweight championship at age 45 — the oldest ever to do so.

Born in Marshall, Texas, Foreman's early life was marked by poverty and trouble with the law before boxing became his saving grace. Known for his devastating power, Foreman had a unique pre-fight ritual, notably refusing to look directly into his opponent’s eyes during referee instructions. He later explained, “I didn't want to see a person; I just wanted to see another target.”

His first reign as champion saw him dispatch numerous challengers, but after his loss to Ali, Foreman experienced a profound spiritual awakening following a near-death experience in 1977. This led him to become a born-again Christian and ordained minister, delivering sermons backstage before fights and at his gym.

After a brief retirement, Foreman returned to boxing in 1987, embarking on an improbable journey back to the top. His stunning 1994 knockout of Michael Moorer for the WBA and IBF titles cemented his legendary status as a figure of endurance and resilience.

Foreman’s personality outside the ring was as big as his reputation inside it. Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee once considered Foreman for the role of "The Incredible Hulk" due to his impressive physique and intimidating presence, though the role eventually went to Lou Ferrigno. Additionally, Foreman humorously credited luck for his grill endorsement opportunity; it was first offered to wrestler Hulk Hogan, who missed the agent's call — an error Hogan jokingly lamented as costing him millions.

Beyond boxing and business, Foreman was passionate about animals, often joking, “I spent my childhood avoiding dogs; now I spend my adult life feeding them,” reflecting his lifelong affection for raising German Shepherds.

Foreman's legacy resonates deeply, transcending generations and cultural shifts. His early dominance aligned with the funk and soul era of the 1970s, while his later comeback coincided with the alternative rock wave of the 1990s, a testament to his universal appeal.

Details regarding funeral arrangements were not immediately released. Foreman is survived by his wife and several children. His impact on sports, culture, and entrepreneurship will long be remembered.

Yella Beezy Arrested, Accused of Murder-for-Hire in Mo3 Killing

Markies Conway (Mugshot: Dallas County Jail)

Dallas rapper Yella Beezy, born Markies Conway, has been arrested and charged with capital murder in connection with the 2020 shooting death of fellow rapper Mo3, whose real name was Melvin Noble.

A Dallas County grand jury indicted Conway, 33, on Tuesday, alleging he hired Kewon Dontrell White to carry out the fatal shooting. The indictment accuses Conway of engaging in the murder-for-hire plot, resulting in the charge of capital murder while remuneration.

The incident occurred on November 11, 2020, when Noble, 28, was driving on Interstate 35 in Dallas. According to authorities, White approached Noble's vehicle armed with a firearm, prompting Noble to exit his car and flee on foot. White allegedly chased Noble and shot him multiple times in the back. Noble was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

White was arrested a month after the shooting and charged with murder. He is currently serving a nine-year federal prison sentence for firearm charges related to the incident.

Conway was taken into custody on Thursday and is being held in the Dallas County Jail without bond. Court records do not list an attorney who could speak on his behalf, and representatives for Conway have not immediately responded to requests for comment.

Noble's mother, Nichole Williams Noble, expressed her relief following Conway's arrest. In a Facebook post, she wrote, "Justice for my baby!!!!" ​

Conway gained prominence with his 2017 single "That's On Me," which charted on the Billboard Hot 100. He has also collaborated with artists like Quavo and Gucci Mane on the 2019 track "Bacc At It Again." ​

The investigation into Noble's death is ongoing, and authorities have not disclosed a possible motive for the alleged murder-for-hire plot.​