New Orleans rapper Young Greatness was shot and killed early Monday morning (Oct. 29) in his hometown. He was 34.
The shooting was reported at 1:35 a.m. in the parking lot of a Waffle House located in the 2900 block of Elysian Fields Avenue, reports The Times-Picayune. The rapper, born Theodore Jones, died at the scene.
According to the New Orleans Police Department, Jones was fatally shot in the back. The two suspects also took the victim’s car. Authorities have not released a description of the suspects or a motive in the shooting.
His mother, Jeanine Rose, told WDSU that her son was in New Orleans for a funeral and was FaceTiming with his manager when the shooting occurred. Rose said her son graduated from Kennedy High School in 2002 and was never violent and did not carry a gun.
After Cash Money rapper Young Greatness was shot to death early Monday (Oct. 29) outside an Elysian Fields Waffle House, his car was stolen from the scene, New Orleans police sayhttps://t.co/vTs3ymKiWG pic.twitter.com/DFyfmxiT8E
— NOLA.com (@NOLAnews) October 29, 2018
Family members identify Theodore Jones, known by his rap name #YoungGreatness, as the victim of an overnight shooting. @HeathAllenWDSU spoke with Jones’ mother, Jeanine Rose. She says, “It’s too many mothers making slow walks to sad tombs.” @wdsu pic.twitter.com/5MZZ6E2eXC
— Kweilyn Murphy (@KweilynWDSU) October 29, 2018
NEW: NOPD says rapper @YoungGreatness7 was shot in the back. They also said the two suspects took his car from the scene on Elysian Fields. If you know anything at all, call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111. @wdsu #YoungGreatness pic.twitter.com/yoezTvqv4j
— Christina Watkins (@CWatkinsWDSU) October 29, 2018
The Cash Money signee was best known for his Jazze Pha-produced breakout hit “Moolah,” which was released in 2015 via Quality Control Music and went gold.
Young Greatness relocated to Houston in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. After gaining attention from rappers including Mike Jones, Trae Tha Truth, and Bun B, he signed with Cash Money in spring 2017.
“The first time I heard him, I knew he was going to be big,” Birdman previously said. “He’s got a grasp of melody that few artists have. It’s the sound of the future.”
His peers mourned his loss on social media. “Rest easy homie,” wrote Trae Tha Truth on Instagram, while Bun B also paid tribute to him. “Woke up to another phone call I didn’t wanna get. Another young brother shot down in the street. Prayers up for @younggreatness7.”