CORDOVA, Tenn. — The Memphis music community is reeling after the tragic death of 18-year-old Antonio Sykes Jr., a young rapper who performed under the stage name Fbg Fatslime. Authorities confirmed that Sykes was found fatally shot inside a vehicle Friday evening, August 22, 2025, at a strip mall parking lot in Cordova.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) reported that deputies responded to the scene around 5:40 p.m. in the 1900 block of Berryhill Road, outside a smoke shop. Upon arrival, officers discovered Sykes inside a vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite efforts from emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene by Shelby County Fire paramedics.
Witnesses nearby described hearing between three and five gunshots before realizing something had gone terribly wrong. Several bystanders said they could see Sykes’ legs hanging out of the car before deputies secured the area with police tape. Initial confusion surrounded the victim’s age, as some witnesses estimated he was in his early twenties. However, officials later confirmed that Sykes was just 18 years old, underscoring the heartbreaking loss of a teenager whose future had only begun to take shape.
For those who knew him, Sykes was more than a victim—he was an up-and-coming rap artist with a growing following in the Memphis area. Performing as Fbg Fatslime, he had begun to carve a name for himself in the local music scene, using his music to share his experiences and aspirations. Friends and fans alike say his life was tragically cut short before he could see his dreams fully realized.
The shooting brought a heavy police presence to the normally busy Cordova shopping center. Though traffic on Berryhill Road was briefly affected, SCSO confirmed that roadways quickly reopened and the incident would not interfere with a nearby football game at Cordova High School. Still, the presence of flashing lights and the sight of crime scene investigators left a lasting impression on the community.
Authorities have not yet announced any arrests or identified suspects in connection with the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing, and law enforcement is urging anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.
As word of his death spread, tributes began pouring in on social media, with friends, family, and fans remembering Sykes for his talent, energy, and potential. Many expressed frustration at the violence that claimed yet another young life in Memphis, calling his death both senseless and preventable.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has extended condolences to the Sykes family, while members of the community have started planning vigils to honor his memory. For many, Fbg Fatslime’s death serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating toll of gun violence, particularly on young people with promising futures.
Sykes is survived by his grieving family and a circle of friends who say his light, though extinguished far too soon, will continue to shine through the music he left behind.