Another Young Rapper, Another Shooting
YTB Fatt — the 25-year-old Birmingham, Alabama rapper whose real name is Demetrius Lewis — is in critical condition after being shot multiple times in what police are describing as a drive-by shooting in the Ensley neighbourhood of Birmingham early Monday morning. The shooting occurred at approximately 2:30 AM local time, and witnesses reported hearing between 10 and 15 gunshots.
What Happened
According to the Birmingham Police Department, officers responded to a call of shots fired at an intersection near the rapper's known associates. Upon arrival, they found Lewis with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to UAB Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical but stable condition as of Monday evening.
No arrests have been made, and police have not identified any suspects. Detectives from the BPD's homicide and assault unit are leading the investigation, and they've asked anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers at 205-254-7777.
Who Is YTB Fatt?
YTB Fatt emerged from Birmingham's rap scene in 2022 and quickly built a following with his distinctive Southern drawl and street-narrative lyrics. His tracks "Tonight" and "Dey Talkin" accumulated millions of streams on Spotify and Apple Music, and he was widely regarded as one of Alabama's most promising emerging artists. He signed a distribution deal in 2024 and had been working on his debut studio album.
The shooting adds YTB Fatt's name to the distressingly long list of young hip-hop artists who have been victims of gun violence in recent years — a pattern that has prompted growing calls for the music industry, community leaders, and law enforcement to address the intersection of street culture and the rap industry.