Hip-Hop Roundup: Diddy Lawsuit Ends, Sauce Walka Shooting Suspect Identified, Young Scooter Dead at 39

Rapper Young Scooter, seen here in a still from a YouTube video, died March 28 after sustaining injuries while fleeing police in Atlanta. His death is one of several major developments rocking the hip-hop world this week, alongside a lawsuit dismissal for Sean “Diddy” Combs and new details in the Sauce Walka shooting.

With less than two months until his federal trial on sex trafficking and racketeering charges, Sean “Diddy” Combs received some relief Monday as a federal judge dismissed one of numerous civil lawsuits filed against the embattled hip-hop mogul. U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed a 1995 rape lawsuit brought by an anonymous plaintiff, Jane Doe, after she failed to refile the complaint under her real name. Liman previously denied Doe’s request to remain anonymous, citing a lack of evidence of specific harm from public disclosure.

U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman in New York today dismissed a sexual assault lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs at the plaintiff’s request, following the judge’s order that the woman cannot proceed anonymously.

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— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff.bsky.social) March 31, 2025 at 4:16 PM

The dismissal was seen as a legal win for Combs, whose spokesperson claimed it was the second such lawsuit dismissed outright, criticizing plaintiffs for hiding behind anonymity. Attorney Tony Buzbee, representing numerous plaintiffs against Combs, acknowledged the dismissal, highlighting the emotional toll and fears plaintiffs face in high-profile cases. Combs remains incarcerated at New York’s Metropolitan Detention Center, awaiting his criminal trial beginning May 12. He continues to deny all charges against him.

In related hip-hop news, authorities confirmed Monday that Jayden Dandridge, a suspect in the March 22 shooting of rapper Sauce Walka (Albert Mondane) in Memphis, Tennessee, was found dead in Houston. Memphis police continue searching for a second suspect, Kevin Brown, who faces charges including first-degree murder. The targeted shooting critically injured Sauce Walka and resulted in the death of rapper Letorian "Sayso P" Hunt. Sauce Walka, known for hits like “Texas Cyclone” and collaborations with Megan Thee Stallion and Travis Scott, is currently recovering after being hospitalized.

Police have identified Jayden Dandridge, 21, as a suspect in the shooting that killed Sayso P🕊️ and injured rapper Sauce Walka🙏🏾.

A $6K reward is offered for tips leading to his arrest. 💰

The investigation used surveillance footage and a recovered stolen 2021 Dodge Charger. pic.twitter.com/NU6nkkJdh8

— Gang Hits (@GangHits) March 27, 2025

Meanwhile, the Atlanta hip-hop scene is mourning the loss of rapper Young Scooter, born Kenneth Edward Bailey, who died Friday night after sustaining injuries while fleeing police. According to the Atlanta Police Department, officers responded to reports of a domestic dispute and possible gunfire at a residence in the Lakewood Heights neighborhood. Bailey fled, injuring his leg severely after jumping fences during the chase. Despite immediate aid from responding officers and emergency personnel, Bailey died shortly after at Grady Marcus Trauma Center. No police gunfire was involved, and the exact cause of death remains under investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Young Scooter was known for influential mixtapes like "Street Lottery" and collaborations with artists including Future and Gucci Mane.