Baton Rouge’s rap scene is once again surrounded by tragedy and rising tension after the fatal shooting of TBG Records CEO West Clark, better known as Cleezy5 — a longtime associate and close friend of rapper Fredo Bang.
Authorities say the 46-year-old music executive was gunned down in broad daylight outside a gym on Woodcrest Drive in Baton Rouge. According to police, two masked shooters allegedly approached Clark, opened fire, and quickly fled the scene in a waiting vehicle. Investigators are reportedly treating the killing as a targeted attack.
The shocking murder has sent waves throughout Louisiana’s hip-hop community, especially among those connected to Top Boy Gorilla (TBG), the rap collective closely tied to Fredo Bang and the late rapper Gee Money.
Fredo Bang later shared an emotional statement mourning Clark’s death, describing him as one of the most loyal and selfless people he had ever known.
“West was one of the most genuine people you’ll ever meet,” Fredo wrote. “He would do anything for the people he loved. Without him, me and Gee Money’s music would never have reached as far as it did.”
As fans mourn the loss of Cleezy5, police are also raising concerns that the murder could be connected to ongoing tensions between rival Baton Rouge rap factions.
Lt. L’Jean McKneely stated investigators believe there may be “some association involving certain groups here in Baton Rouge,” although officials have not publicly named any suspects or organizations due to the ongoing investigation.
The killing comes during an already volatile period for Baton Rouge’s rap scene. Just days after Clark’s death, NBA YoungBoy’s brother, Kendell Gaulden, was jailed in Houston on a $500,000 bond after allegedly pistol-whipping a woman and attempting to shoot Baton Rouge rapper Lil Dump during a violent confrontation.
Police reports claim Gaulden pointed a semi-automatic firearm at Lil Dump and pulled the trigger, but the gun failed to fire after the magazine reportedly fell out during the altercation.
The timing of both incidents has fueled speculation online about escalating street tensions connected to long-running rivalries between TBG and NBA YoungBoy’s Never Broke Again crew — a conflict many trace back to the 2017 killing of TBG affiliate Gee Money, a murder that still remains unsolved.
Authorities say they are now closely monitoring social media and local activity for signs of possible retaliation or further violence.
As the investigation continues, fans across the hip-hop world are mourning another devastating loss tied to Baton Rouge’s troubled rap history — while many fear the violence may be far from over.
