Birmingham Mourns Rising Rapper “Zay” Fatally Shot Inside Vehicle on Graymont Avenue

Birmingham Mourns Rising Rapper “Zay” Fatally Shot Inside Vehicle on Graymont Avenue

Published: October 11, 2025

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A late-night shooting has claimed the life of a 28-year-old man in Birmingham, Alabama, sending shockwaves through the local music community and the city at large. The victim has been identified as Xavier Brandon Clark, known to many by his stage name “Zay.”

The fatal incident occurred late Thursday night, October 9, when officers with the Birmingham Police Department were alerted to possible gunfire in the area through the city’s ShotSpotter gunfire detection system — a real-time alert network designed to rapidly identify and respond to shootings.

Police were dispatched to the 1600 block of Graymont Avenue West, a heavily traveled residential corridor, and arrived on the scene at approximately 11:25 p.m.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a man slumped inside a vehicle, unresponsive and suffering from gunshot wounds. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service personnel responded shortly thereafter and pronounced the victim dead at the scene.

Authorities later confirmed the victim as Xavier Clark, a well-known figure in Birmingham’s underground rap scene. His sudden and violent death has left family, fans, and community members grappling with grief and searching for answers.

Investigation Ongoing, No Arrests Made

As of Friday evening, no arrests have been made, and police have not publicly identified any suspects or disclosed a possible motive behind the shooting. Investigators are reviewing nearby surveillance footage and speaking to potential witnesses.

“This is still an active investigation,” said Sgt. LaQuitta Wade of the Birmingham Police Department. “We are urging anyone with information about this incident to come forward. Even the smallest detail could help lead us to those responsible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Birmingham Police’s homicide unit or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

A Local Talent Silenced

Zay, whose real name was Xavier Clark, was known locally for his raw and energetic style, gaining traction in recent years within Birmingham’s music community. Just days before his death, he had released a new music video on YouTube titled “Jezzy Flow,” showcasing his lyrical talent and ambition to rise in the southern rap scene.

Friends and fans flooded social media early Friday morning with tributes and messages of disbelief, many noting that Zay had recently celebrated his marriage, marking what should have been a joyful new chapter in his life.

“He was finally getting his moment,” one fan wrote on Instagram. “New video out, just got married, and now this. Rest easy, Zay. You didn’t deserve this.”

Others remembered him not just as an artist but as a loyal friend, a community figure who stayed connected to his roots despite his rising profile.

“Zay was always good energy, always had a word of encouragement, always real,” said one Birmingham resident who knew Clark from high school. “He loved his people, and his people loved him.”

Growing Concerns Over Gun Violence

Thursday night’s killing marks another grim addition to the ongoing rise in gun violence affecting Birmingham and other cities across the nation. Clark’s death follows several other shootings in the area in recent weeks, prompting renewed calls from residents and leaders for enhanced community engagement and violence prevention programs.

Local activist and community organizer Tonya Ricks commented on the tragedy, saying:

“We’re losing too many young men, too many dreams, too much potential. It has to stop. Zay was somebody’s husband, somebody’s son, somebody’s friend. We cannot let his name be just another statistic.”

Remembering Zay

Plans for a public memorial or vigil have not yet been announced, but community members say they intend to gather in his honor in the coming days. Meanwhile, fans continue to share his music as a way to keep his voice alive, with “Jezzy Flow” gaining hundreds of new views within hours of the news breaking.

Xavier “Zay” Clark leaves behind his wife, a close-knit group of family and friends, and a growing fan base who believed he was destined for something greater.

As the investigation continues, the city of Birmingham mourns the loss of a local artist and a life cut tragically short.