Birmingham Rapper “PaperChaser Zay” Fatally Shot on Graymont Avenue West, Leaving Community Heartbroken

Birmingham Rapper “PaperChaser Zay” Fatally Shot on Graymont Avenue West, Leaving Community Heartbroken

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — On Thursday night, the normally quiet stretch of Graymont Avenue West was thrown into chaos when a burst of gunfire broke the silence, claiming the life of a young Birmingham rapper affectionately known to fans and friends as Zay, also recognized in the music scene as PaperChaser Zay. The tragic shooting has left the city’s music community reeling, as tributes pour in for an artist whose passion, ambition, and creativity were only beginning to blossom.

According to the Birmingham Police Department, officers responded to reports of multiple gunshots shortly before midnight. Upon arrival, they discovered a male victim suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite lifesaving efforts by emergency responders, Zay was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have since launched a full investigation into the shooting, though details about potential suspects or motives have not yet been released.

Witnesses describe the scene as both chaotic and heartbreaking. “You could hear people screaming, crying — everyone was just in disbelief,” said a nearby resident who wished to remain anonymous. “Zay was well-known around here. He wasn’t just some rapper; he was someone who gave people hope, who wanted better for himself and his community.”

Zay, believed to be in his early 20s, had been steadily building a name for himself within Birmingham’s vibrant hip-hop scene. Known for his raw storytelling, charismatic flow, and community-centered lyrics, he had earned respect from peers and listeners alike. His songs often reflected both the struggles and strength of growing up in Birmingham’s inner neighborhoods — balancing pain, perseverance, and purpose.

“Zay was the kind of artist who made you believe you could make it too,” said fellow local musician Dre Woods. “He was proud to represent Birmingham, and he talked about turning pain into progress. To lose him like this — it’s senseless.”

Friends say Zay had recently been working on new music, with plans to release an EP later this year. His social media pages were filled with uplifting messages, motivational quotes, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of studio sessions. Just days before his death, he had posted a video thanking his supporters and promising that “2025 was going to be my year.”

The news of his passing has spread quickly across Birmingham, sparking an outpouring of grief online and in the streets. Fans and fellow artists have organized a candlelight vigil at the site of the shooting, where dozens gathered Friday evening to pay respects, play his music, and share stories about his impact. Balloons, flowers, and handwritten notes now line the sidewalk — a somber tribute to a life cut tragically short.

Community leaders and anti-violence advocates have condemned the incident, emphasizing the urgent need to address gun violence that continues to plague neighborhoods across Birmingham. “We’ve lost another promising young man to senseless violence,” said activist Tanya Larkin of the Stop the Violence Coalition. “We cannot continue to bury our artists, our brothers, our future. Something has to change.”

As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. “We need the community’s help,” said Birmingham Police spokesperson Officer Truman Fitzgerald. “Someone out there knows something — and speaking up could prevent the next tragedy.”

For now, the city mourns. The echo of gunfire on Graymont Avenue West has faded, but its impact lingers deeply. In the words of one fan at Friday’s vigil, “Zay was more than music — he was movement, he was motivation. Birmingham won’t forget him.”