His scars showed that he was vulnerable; his songs showed that we are vulnerable too.
On this day, December 22, 2025, marks the third anniversary of Big Scarr’s death. The rapper from Memphis, Tennessee, died far too young at just 22 years old. Despite his short life, he left behind an impressive musical legacy – one that still resonates today and reflects the harshness, reality, and ambitions of the American South.
Scars Of The Streets
Big Scarr, born Alexander Woods, was born on April 7, 2000, in Memphis – a city with a rich but also rough musical history. Memphis is home to blues, soul, and hip-hop, but it is also shaped by poverty, violence, and social divides. This reality shaped Big Scarr’s view of the world and became the core of his music.
Unvarnished, Sober Words
Big Scarr began recording music seriously while recovering from his injuries. His songs were raw, direct, and unfiltered – shaped by trap beats, dark atmospheres, and honest lyrics about survival, loyalty, and the desire for a better life.
His breakthrough came when he caught the attention of Gucci Mane, who signed Big Scarr to his label 1017 Records in 2020. This made him part of a new generation of Southern rappers who brought Memphis back to the center of U.S. hip-hop. Mixtapes such as Big Grim Reaper and Big Grim Reaper: The Return cemented his reputation as an authentic voice of the streets.
Big Scarr was not a rapper of grand gestures. His strength lay in uncompromising honesty, a sober tone, and the ability to portray the harshness of his surroundings without romanticizing it. It was precisely this authenticity that made him credible to many young listeners
Escaping Old Patterns
As his success grew, so did the pressure. Touring, studio work, and the expectations of the label took their toll. Big Scarr spoke openly about how difficult it was to remain loyal to his roots while at the same time trying to break free from old patterns. His music consistently remained a reflection of his inner conflict between ascent and origin.
On December 22, 2022, Big Scarr died unexpectedly as a result of an unintentional medication overdose. His death shocked fans, fellow artists, and the entire hip-hop community – especially because he was only just at the beginning of a promising career.
Someone Who Knew His Roots
Big Scarr never saw himself as a political activist, but his commitment showed itself in other ways. He gave a voice to people from his neighborhood, spoke openly about trauma, violence, and loss, and showed that where you come from does not have to be a final verdict. For many young people in Memphis, he was proof that breaking out of difficult circumstances is possible – even if the path remains dangerous.
His lyrics were both a warning and a source of hope: success comes at a price, and not every dream has a happy ending.
Three years after his death, Big Scarr’s name remains present. His songs continue to be streamed, quoted, and shared. Today, he stands as a symbol of a generation of young artists who project their reality outward without filters – without masks, without embellishment.