Rising Birmingham Artist “PaperChaser Zay” Killed in Late-Night Shooting on Graymont Avenue West
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A late-night burst of gunfire shattered the quiet of Graymont Avenue West on Wednesday night, ending the life of a young man known in the community as PaperChaser Zay — a local artist whose ambition, creativity, and determination had made him a rising name in Birmingham’s vibrant music scene.
According to Birmingham Police, officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 1200 block of Graymont Avenue West shortly before midnight. When they arrived, they found a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite emergency responders’ efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim has since been identified by loved ones and fans as 25-year-old Isaiah “PaperChaser Zay” Williams, a well-known figure in the local rap community.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene — neighbors emerging from their homes, flashing police lights illuminating the street, and a heartbreaking sense of loss settling over the area as word spread about who had been killed. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet released information about potential suspects. Detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that every detail, no matter how small, could be crucial in helping solve the case.
For many who knew Zay personally, the tragedy feels deeply personal. Friends describe him as a young man with a big heart and an even bigger vision — someone who constantly spoke about using his music to uplift others and inspire hope in communities that often felt overlooked. His songs, often laced with stories of struggle, perseverance, and faith, had started gaining attention on social media platforms, earning him a loyal following both locally and beyond.
“He wasn’t just another rapper,” said longtime friend and collaborator Malik “Tone” Jefferson. “Zay had a message. He wanted people to believe that no matter where you come from, you can make it out. He had plans to open a studio for kids in the neighborhood — that’s the kind of person he was.”
Neighbors say Zay was often seen in the community, greeting people with a smile and taking time to talk with local youth. His humility, they said, stood out even as his reputation began to grow.
“He was always respectful, always talking about his next project,” said one resident who asked not to be named. “He wasn’t into trouble. It’s heartbreaking to see a life like that cut short.”
The loss of PaperChaser Zay adds to a growing list of young lives taken too soon by gun violence in Birmingham — a city that, like many others across the country, continues to grapple with rising homicide rates and the toll such violence takes on families and neighborhoods.
Community leaders and activists are once again calling for unity, peace, and renewed investment in programs aimed at addressing the root causes of gun violence. “Every time we lose someone like Zay, we lose a piece of our city’s potential,” said local organizer Angela Morris. “He represented hope — and that’s what we need to protect.”
Tributes have flooded social media, with fans, fellow artists, and friends sharing photos, memories, and music clips under the hashtag #LongLivePaperChaserZay. Many posts reflect disbelief and sorrow, while others vow to carry forward his legacy through community work and creative expression.
A candlelight vigil is being planned for the weekend near the site of the shooting, where supporters are expected to gather to honor Zay’s life, celebrate his music, and call for an end to the violence that claimed him.
As the investigation continues, one thing remains clear — PaperChaser Zay was more than just an emerging artist. He was a symbol of determination, creativity, and hope for Birmingham’s youth. His absence will be deeply felt, but his voice, through his art and impact, will continue to echo through the streets he called home.
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