The Murder of Big Jook: Memphis Rap’s Darkest Hour and the Internet’s Wildest Theories.
In January 2024, Memphis hip-hop suffered another devastating blow. Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, the older brother of rap mogul Yo Gotti and a key figure behind the scenes at Collective Music Group (CMG), was killed outside a funeral.
The city was instantly thrown into chaos, with grief, anger, and speculation swirling through the streets and across social media.
As rumors spread, shocking claims began to link Moneybagg Yo—CMG’s biggest star—to the murder. But what’s the real story behind Big Jook’s death, and how did it become the latest chapter in Memphis’s long-running rap wars?
The Day Memphis Lost a Real One
When news broke that cold January morning, the entire hip-hop world was stunned. Memphis, a city already scarred by violence and tragedy, had lost one of its foundational figures.
Big Jook wasn’t just Yo Gotti’s brother—he was a mentor, a connector, and a driving force behind CMG’s rise.
He helped shape the careers of artists like Moneybagg Yo, Black Youngsta, and Glorilla, all of whom have gone on to achieve national fame.
Unlike his younger brother, Big Jook preferred to work in the shadows, quietly pulling strings and making major moves.
On January 13, 2024, Big Jook attended a funeral repast at Perinon Restaurant and Event Center, a gathering meant for peace and remembrance.
But the event turned into a crime scene when gunshots rang out in the parking lot. The attack was clearly targeted—a professional hit executed in broad daylight.
Big Jook was shot multiple times and rushed to the hospital, but he didn’t survive. Another man was wounded but managed to pull through.
The Investigation Stalls
Memphis police quickly released surveillance images of the suspected getaway vehicle—a white Ford Explorer with no visible license plates or identifying features.
Witnesses confirmed seeing the SUV fleeing the scene, but despite repeated appeals for information, the investigation stalled.
As of August 2025, no suspects have been named, no arrests have been made, and the case remains officially unsolved.
The lack of progress has left the Memphis rap community and Big Jook’s family frustrated and searching for answers.
Rumors, Theories, and Internet Speculation
With no official updates, the vacuum was quickly filled by the internet’s wildest theories. YouTube channels, Twitter accounts, and Instagram pages pumped out videos and posts speculating about who was responsible.
Some theories were rooted in the deep-seated rivalries that have plagued Memphis rap for years, while others seemed designed purely for clicks and views.
One name kept popping up: Moneybagg Yo. As one of CMG’s biggest stars, Moneybagg Yo’s close ties to both Yo Gotti and Big Jook made him a target for speculation.
Videos with explosive titles claimed he had been indicted or arrested for Big Jook’s murder, and some even alleged he had helped set up the hit.
These rumors spread rapidly, amplified by the echo chamber of social media, until many people started treating them as fact.
The Truth About Moneybagg Yo
But when you look at police records, court documents, and credible news reports, there is no evidence connecting Moneybagg Yo to Big Jook’s murder.
He was never arrested, indicted, or named as a person of interest. In reality, Moneybagg Yo publicly mourned Big Jook’s death and has always spoken highly of both Yo Gotti and his late brother.
To understand why Moneybagg Yo’s name was dragged into the drama, it’s important to know the landscape of Memphis street politics.
Yo Gotti is from North Memphis, while Moneybagg Yo hails from South Memphis—a neighborhood called Walking Homes.
Historically, these areas didn’t get along, and Moneybagg Yo’s decision to sign with CMG was controversial among some in his old neighborhood.
He lost friendships and relationships over it, but he saw the bigger picture and chose to pursue success rather than remain trapped in local beefs.
Despite rumors of internal disputes or betrayal, there is no credible evidence of any falling out between Moneybagg Yo and Big Jook.
Their relationship was one of mentorship and mutual respect.
The Memphis Rap Wars: A Decade of Violence
Big Jook’s murder didn’t happen in a vacuum. It was the latest in a long line of violent incidents tied to the rivalry between CMG and Young Dolph’s Paper Route Empire.
Young Dolph, who built his own independent label and refused to join CMG, was gunned down in 2021 while buying cookies at a local bakery. His murder was caught on surveillance cameras and shocked the city.
During the trials for Young Dolph’s murder, explosive testimony revealed that Big Jook had allegedly put a $100,000 bounty on Dolph’s head.
Witnesses claimed he recruited intermediaries to coordinate the hit, and phone records showed communication between the parties involved.
Big Jook was painted as a major player in the feud, taking it from rap beef to real-life violence.
But Big Jook was never formally questioned by police about these allegations.
He was killed before investigators could bring him in, and the timing of his death—just months after his name was mentioned in court—raised suspicions of retaliation.
Retaliation or Random Violence?
The most compelling theory, supported by court testimony and evidence, is that Big Jook’s murder was an act of revenge by Young Dolph’s camp or associates.
The timing, motive, and pattern of retaliatory violence in Memphis hip-hop all fit. However, without arrests or formal charges, this theory remains unproven.
Some have suggested Big Jook’s death could have been unrelated street violence, but given his high profile and the context of the ongoing rap wars, most observers find this less convincing.
Law Enforcement and Rapper Backgrounds
Moneybagg Yo’s documented encounters with law enforcement have been unrelated to Big Jook’s murder.
In 2016, he was arrested at a CD release party for drug and gun charges, but the case didn’t affect his career.
In 2017, he survived a shooting in New Jersey and was not charged. More recently, he faced unproven allegations from another rapper, Finesse Two Times, but no charges resulted.
Yo Gotti’s record shows cleared charges and a successful transition from street credibility to legitimate business.
He was involved in a high-profile nightclub shooting in 2010 but was never convicted. His associate was arrested in connection with a shooting of Young Dolph but was later released.
Big Jook, meanwhile, had no publicly documented criminal convictions before his death.
His main connection to law enforcement came from being named as a suspect in Young Dolph’s murder investigation based on trial testimony.
The Cycle of Violence and Silence
Federal investigations have touched various aspects of CMG and related entities, but no charges have been brought related to Big Jook’s murder.
Yo Gotti has remained largely silent, focusing on his business ventures and avoiding public comment on his brother’s death.
In a world where violence begets violence, and street codes discourage cooperation with police, the cycle continues.
## Conclusion: No Winners, Only Loss
The murder of Big Jook is a tragic chapter in the ongoing saga of Memphis rap. It highlights the dangers of street politics, the destructive power of rumors, and the pain of unsolved violence.
While internet speculation runs wild, the facts remain: Big Jook’s killer has not been found, and the city continues to mourn.
In the end, there are no winners—only grieving families, destroyed lives, and a community torn apart by a cycle of violence that shows no signs of ending.
As Memphis moves forward, the hope is that the music can rise above the bloodshed, and that justice, someday, will be served.
