In yet another blow to the already strained reputation of hip hop in the south, aspiring rapper Magnolia Shorty was brutally murdered in New Orleans last weekend.
According to web sources, the Cash Money Records recording artist was shot at least 26 times during an altercation in her hometown.
Although she grew up in the Magnolia housing projects — a federally funded housing community whose residents pay little or no rent — she had aspirations of rising above her street upbringing and making it big in the entertainment industry. “Shorty” is a street term referring to an attractive female. But aside from its obvious reference to her looks, her rap name is also derived from that of her long-time mentor ‘Magnolia Slim’. She described her personal musical style as New Orleans Bounce, and her work was characterized by attention to ‘danceability’ (as one critic put it).
Though Magnolia Shorty signed a contract to produce music for her label — Cash Money Records — she wasn’t yet considered a known star. Instead, the 28-year old was a minor local celebrity with little regional or national exposure.
However, all indications were that she had the chops to expand her personal brand beyond just the local market and break out into more widespread markets. There is some talk among promoters who deal mainly with female rappers and recording artists that, with more experienced management, she could have been more successful.
Investigation into Magnolia Shorty’s violent death is continuing, but law enforcement officials are keeping details from the public until the investigation clears the critical 48-hour period. In fact, officials are refusing to even release the identity of the victim who has been named as Magnolia Shorty by several independent sources and witnesses. There is no official press release or statement from Cash Money Records or from the decedent’s family.