WS Chronicle

Fans of SauxePaxk TB outraged to discover ad in place of mural in memory of rapper 

Local hip-hop fans are outraged after a mural of deceased rapper SauxePaxk TB was removed.  

Winston-Salem native SauxePaxk TB, whose real name was Tobias Johnson, started rapping when he was only seven years old. By the time he turned 17, SauxePaxk was already creating a buzz, not just with local radio stations but across the country. Although he was still gaining traction as an artist with hits like “Out The Way,” “Motion”, and the viral hit “Ballin,” it was obvious that SauxePaxk had the ability to make hits.  

Tragically, on Nov. 6, 2020, SauxePaxk was found unresponsive in a hotel room in Houston, Texas, where he was later pronounced dead. It has been reported that he died from an apparent overdose.  

To celebrate his influence in music and the hip-hop culture, in 2021 a mural was painted to honor SauxPaxk. The mural, which was painted by North Carolina- based artist JEKS, was an instant hit locally and with SauxePaxk fans across the country. Many fans even made trips to Winston-Salem just to take a photo standing beside the mural. 

Last week the mural, located near the corner of E. Monmouth St. and Dacian St., was covered with white paint and now a sign advertising a nearby laundromat hangs in its place. Thousands of people took to social media to share their outrage with the removal of the mural.  

DJ E. Sudd, official DJ for rapper 2 Chainz and owner of the No Stress Sound Academy in Charlotte, said he was interested in connecting with any business owner who would be willing to donate space to recreate the mural. DJ E. Sudd helped manage SauxePaxk and played a major role in helping his music reach the masses. 

Sudd was also responsible for the first SauxePaxk mural here in Winston-Salem, and a second mural that was painted in Atlanta. “It’s important that his legacy lives on. So please, if you know anyone of if you are a business owner in Winston-Salem that can give us space to paint the next one, please hit me up,” said DJ E. Sudd in a Instagram post.

Local community activist Frankie Gist also put out a call to business owners, but more specifically Black business owners. Gist was one of the first to post a video when he saw the mural being painted over.  

“Let’s bring this mural to the side of town where Black men and women who love and support SauxePaxk,” Gist said.  

Attempts to reach the owner of the building, which is privately owned, were not returned at the time of publication. If any new information becomes available updates will be made on our website, www.wschornicle.com .