Memphis rapper Big Scarr has died at the age of 22. His family confirmed that he died from an accidental prescription drug overdose on Thursday, December 22.
Born Alexander Wood, Big Scarr, who is also Pooh Shiesty’s cousin was an up-and-coming rapper signed to Gucci Mane’s 1017 record label. Following his record deal, he dropped his the Big Grim Reaper mixtape last year, and was set to accompany fellow Memphis native Key Glock on his upcoming “Glockoma” tour in March.
Gucci Mane, Big Scarr’s label boss, confirmed the heartbreaking news of his passing in an Instagram post.
“This hurt [crying emoji] I’m a miss you @bigscarr [broken heart emoji],” Gucci wrote alongside a carousel of images of Big Scarr.
Big Scarr’s 1017 labelmate, Enchanting, also confirmed the news with a series of posts on her Instagram Story.
“Ion wanna talk. Sorry if I don’t answer. I just can’t,” she wrote, adding a broken heart emoji. “I can’t take it bro please just leave me alone I ain’t never felt like this.”
The last post showed Enchanting sharing a deep embrace with Big Scarr. “I’ll do anything to hug you one more time,” she added.
Key Glock, who was set to tour with Big Scarr next year also took to his Instagram Stories to pay tribute. “Lost for words smh” he wrote alongside a photo of Big Scarr. “deeper than rap.”
Scarr was a part of the XXL Freshman Class in 2022 after securing the most fan votes to be the list’s 10th featured artist. He was also scheduled to perform at Rolling Lound LA in March.
Is Big Scarr Dead: How Did He Die?
Big Scarr passed away on Thursday, December 22, after overdosing on prescription pills at his girlfriend’s home in Memphis. According to his uncle, Arthur Woods, who spoke with TMZ, the exact timing of Scarr obtaining the medication is unclear. Woods believes his nephew used drugs to cope with past traumatic experiences, including being shot and sustaining severe injuries in a car accident.
The rapper derived his stage name from a car accident at age 16, which left a significant scar after he was thrown through a windshield. In a 2020 shooting, Big Scarr was hit by a bullet that traveled up his spine, necessitating surgery to remove his appendix.
The uncle also says Big Scarr suffered from depression due to the death of his grandmother, who raised him and his eight siblings.
As law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances of Big Scarr’s death, TMZ reports his uncle is remembering him as a nice young man and a beautiful person who was very passionate about music.
Big Scarr Biography
Born April 7, 2000, Alexander Woods also known as Big Scarr grew up in the Magnolia community of South Memphis. He had eight siblings and was raised under his grandmother’s guidance. Scarr began his rap career in 2019, when he released ‘Make a Play’ which is said to have received over 50,000 views on YouTube in one week. His growing popularity caught the attention of the East Atlanta Santa, who signed Big Scarr to his 1017 record label in 2020.
Though Big Scarr never released a solo album, he released his first mixtape under 1017 in April last year. The tape peaked at number 25 on the Billboard 200, and sold 22,000 copies in its first week.
His death comes after the killings of two other Memphis rappers, Young Dolph and Snootie Wild. Young Dolph was killed in November 2021 while in Memphis, while Snootie Wild was shot in February while in Houston.
Condolences go out to his family, Gucci Mane & 1017.