Memphis Police Seek Suspect in Targeted Shooting That Killed Yo Gotti's Brother

Photo Credit: bigjookcmg/Instagram

The heartbeat of Memphis' music scene fell silent on Saturday when Anthony 'Big Jook' Mims, brother of renowned rapper Yo Gotti, was ruthlessly targeted and fatally shot outside Perignons Restaurant & Event Center in the home of the blues.

The assailants struck during a repast service at 4:15 p.m., leaving Big Jook and another attendee with gunshot wounds. Despite immediate medical attention, Big Jook succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the second victim is fighting for survival in critical condition.

Deputy Chief Paul Wright, addressing the media in a press conference, asserted, "We believe the individual shot was targeted." While investigators work to unravel the details, Wright urged witnesses to step forward, emphasizing the community's pivotal role in this ongoing investigation.

The motive and identity of the assailants remain elusive, but surveillance footage capturing a white Ford Explorer with black wheels and dark tints leaving the scene is now a focal point in the quest for justice.

The news of Big Jook's untimely demise reverberated through the music industry, casting a shadow over Collective Music Group (CMG), where he played a crucial behind-the-scenes role.

CMG artist GloRilla shared a poignant Grammy Awards photo featuring Yo Gotti and Big Jook, captioned simply, 'Get your rest' with a crying emoji."

Labelmate Est Gee penned a touching tribute, posting a photo with Big Jook and recalling their connection: "Kept it real wit me I could never forget," wrote Gee.

Big Jook's final Instagram post, dated Friday, now carries an eerie resonance. A self-portrait is accompanied by a seemingly prophetic caption: "They don't want to face you they wanna snake you. Stay alert 2 stay alive watch your back at all times."

This devastating loss compounds the grief for Yo Gotti and his family, who had already laid another relative to rest earlier that day. The Grammy-nominated rapper's silence speaks volumes about the tragedy's impact, shining a harsh light on the human cost of violence within the artist community.

The Memphis Police Department implores anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Crime Stoppers can be reached at 528-CASH (2274) or online at crimestopmem.org.

Watch: Usher Unleashes 30 Years of Hits in Super Bowl LVIII Trailer Extravaganza

Move aside, confetti cannons; Usher has just raised the halftime bar by weaponizing an oven door. The King of R&B dropped the trailer for his highly anticipated Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show today, delivering a star-studded, genre-bending spectacle that promises to redefine the halftime experience.

Picture LeBron James belting out "Yeah!" from the window of his car, BTS' Jung Kook seamlessly gliding through Usher's signature moves alongside the artist himself, and a Latin twist on the iconic synth riff courtesy of J. Balvin — all ingeniously crafted using a squeaky oven door.

This isn't just a sneak peek; it's a 30-year musical odyssey set to explode on February 11th, showcasing why Usher rightfully claims a spot on the R&B Mount Rushmore.

The electrifying trailer kicks off with a gospel-infused rendition of "Yeah!" sung by an impassioned fan chorus, instantly transporting viewers through Usher's illustrious career. James joins the chorus, belting out the lyrics from his car window. Jung Kook, drawing from their viral TikTok duet, effortlessly glides through Usher's iconic moves alongside the artist himself.

Then comes the unexpected twist: J. Balvin, the Latin sensation, brings the playful spirit of Las Vegas to life by transforming a squeaky oven door into the iconic "Yeah!" synth riff, infusing a Latin flair into the sonic tapestry. But this is no mere nostalgia trip.

The trailer expertly weaves together glimpses of Usher's genre-bending prowess, from the early days of "Climax" to the pulsating beats of "OMG." Marching bands, a lone busker's flute, and a soulful gospel choir flash by, each a testament to the artist's multifaceted musical DNA.

Usher, in declaring earlier this year, "It's an honor of a lifetime to finally check a Super Bowl performance off my bucket list," has set the stage for a show that promises to be unlike anything the world has seen from him before.

Witness the spectacle unfold in the trailer below, and decide for yourself if Usher is on the brink of redefining the Super Bowl halftime experience.

Hip-Hop's New Year Revolution: 50 Cent and GloRilla Embrace Celibacy

In a striking departure from the typical "dry January" resolutions, an increasing number of hip-hop heavyweights are opting for a more radical form of self-improvement: celibacy.

This unexpected wave of abstinence, emerging amidst a recent string of industry sex scandals involving everyone from billionaire Bad Boy Diddy to Atlanta power couple T. I. and Tiny and a spate of other examples to numerous to cite here, has sent shockwaves through the music world and sparked conversations about self-mastery, spiritual exploration, and redefining masculinity within the often hyper-sexualized genre.

Leading the charge is rap mogul 50 Cent, whose Instagram post declaring his newfound commitment went viral. "My new idea is so big, I don't have time to be distracted," he wrote, citing meditation and celibacy as tools for laser focus on his goals. "I hope this New Year helps you excel to the next level."

This pledge carries particular weight for 50 Cent, a figure whose own past is deeply intertwined with themes of hyper-masculinity and sexual exploits. Notably, his rise to fame came after surviving nine bullet wounds in a 2000 shooting, an experience that later inspired his hit album "Get Rich or Die Tryin'."

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His music and public persona often portrayed a toughened image, with lyrics celebrating materialism and sexual conquest. Yet, this recent embrace of celibacy suggests a potential shift in his priorities and a willingness to challenge the expectations traditionally associated with hip-hop masculinity.

Following suit is rising star GloRilla, who updated her followers with a relatable struggle: "Started my 90-day celibacy little thing for New Year's or whatever; I'm on the 9th day & my vision blurry af !!!!! Send help." In an exclusive interview with Billboard, GloRilla opened up about the challenges, stating, "It's not easy, but I'm committed to it. I think it's important to take a break from intimacy and focus on other aspects of life. It's a way to reset and refocus."

Started my 90 day celibacy lil shit for new year’s or wtv, I’m on da 9th day & my vision blurry af !!!!! Send help😭

— GloRilla 🦍 (@GloTheofficial) January 9, 2024

GloRilla's journey is particularly intriguing. Gearing up for her highly anticipated album release in early 2024, she's building on the success of a remarkable 2023. A Grammy nomination, a memorable Coachella performance, and a third Billboard Hot 100 entry with Moneybagg Yo's "On Wat U On" paint a picture of an artist on the rise. Now, she navigates the uncharted territory of celibacy, potentially redefining her narrative within the hip-hop landscape.

Beyond 50 Cent and GloRilla, whispers of similar commitments are spreading through the industry. Some artists cite the desire for spiritual growth, while others seek personal transformation or a refuge from the pressures of fame and tabloid scrutiny.

This trend's potential impact remains unclear. Could it be a temporary blip or a lasting shift in hip-hop culture's hypersexualized image? Will it inspire fans to follow suit or ignite debates about masculinity, relationships, and mental health within the industry? One thing is certain: hip-hop's New Year's resolutions are no longer limited to ditching the booze. As these stars trade the hustle for holiness, they raise intriguing questions about the future of sex, relationships, and self-discovery in the world of hip-hop.