The outpouring continued Monday for Lor Scoota, the local rapper who was killed following an event promoting peace at Morgan State University over the weekend.
Lor Scoota, born Tyriece Travon Watson, was killed following a charity basketball game where he called for peace in the streets of Baltimore. He was shot and killed about a mile from Morgan State’s arena. The man wearing a white bandana stepped into the street and fired on Scoota’s car. Police spokesman T.J. Smith said the incident is being investigated as a targeted killing due to the brazen nature of the attack. In an update on Monday, police said they received an unusual amount of tips, but are seeking additional pictures and video from both the street and inside the basketball event.
In life, Lor Scoota was among a handful of emcees on a shortlist of up-and-coming Baltimore rappers. Writing in Noisey last year, Lawrence Burney said the debate about Baltimore’s top street rapper was down to Scoota and Young Moose. The hit that propelled the 23-year-old’s notoriety was “Bird Flu,” which also became a dance craze. Smith asked if his death could be a wake-up call to those who may seek retribution.
We have to be tired of this. Can #Scoota be a wake up call for us? He entertained many, now gone, just like that. We are better than this.
— T.J. Smith (@TJSmithSocial) June 26, 2016
The rapper also called for peace following Freddie Gray’s death last year. At the focal point of the unrest that followed at Penn and North on Sunday, members of the community gathered to remember Lor Scoota. On social media, rappers like The Game and Meek Mill tweeted remembrances, as well as athletes like former Ravens wideout Torrey Smith.
