Urban Pulse Magazine

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“Momma Cries: Trey P, LaSheena Weekly, and the Unspoken Grief Behind Street Violence in Hip-Hop”

By Blaze Hunter of the NPPA, for Urban Pulse Magazine

     In a tragic twist of art imitating life, Trey P’s recent song, *Momma Cries*, resonates powerfully with the harsh reality many Black mothers face today, particularly those affected by street violence. This raw and poignant track released on Blaze It Up Radio and streaming platforms goes beyond music, carrying a message that sheds light on the harrowing experiences of mothers who have lost their children to violence. The music video features LaSheena Weekly, the mother of the late FBG Duck, who has endured the unimaginable pain of losing not one but two sons to gun violence. Her decision to portray the grieving mother in the video brings an authentic weight to the narrative—a haunting reminder of her real-life tragedy and an urgent call to action.

     Weekly’s involvement in this project isn’t just acting; it’s a deeply personal commitment to making sure the message resonates. In August 2020, her son, Chicago rapper FBG Duck (Carlton Weekly), was murdered in broad daylight, a high-profile case tied to gang tensions in the city. Weekly recently filed a lawsuit against rapper Lil Durk, his label, and other entities, claiming they profited by glamorizing the violence surrounding Duck’s death. This lawsuit highlights an uncomfortable truth: that for some in the music industry, the line between art and exploitation has blurred, leaving families like Weekly’s to pick up the pieces.

     This is a case that not only raises questions about industry accountability but also casts a spotlight on the effects of social media and the evolving role of independent artists in the music landscape. Unlike traditional gatekeepers, today’s artists can reach fame without label backing, a shift that’s been empowering for many. However, without that structure, some artists find themselves drawing on personal, often painful, histories to fuel their music. This has fostered an environment where violence and gang affiliations sometimes play out in public, particularly as social media amplifies every move.

     The rise of social media has added fuel to the fire, amplifying feuds and, in some cases, escalating real-life conflicts. For artists like Trey P, *Momma Cries* doesn’t aim to glorify violence but to bring awareness to its devastating toll on families. His song aligns with LaSheena Weekly’s mission to change the narrative, spreading awareness and encouraging communities to break the cycle of violence. Weekly’s participation is a testament to the strength and resilience of mothers who’ve endured unimaginable losses—and a reminder that they won’t let these stories fade without making their voices heard.

     The choice of LaSheena to bring this story to life gives *Momma Cries* a sense of authenticity that no actor could replicate. For her, spreading this message is not just about her own sons but about all children lost to violence. It’s a plea to the industry and to the community to reconsider how we view and share these stories, urging people not to let the music become a roadmap for future tragedy but rather a call for change. This song—and Weekly’s powerful presence in it—honors her sons by turning tragedy into a message of resilience, and in doing so, reminds us that we all have a part to play in ending the cycle of violence. 

     In the story of *Momma Cries*, we find a way forward, an opportunity to not only mourn those lost but to inspire action for a safer future. The losses in hip-hop—FBG Duck, King Von, and others—are not simply names to add to a list. They are wake-up calls that challenge us to see beyond the beat and lyrics, to consider the real lives behind the music, and to support change in our communities.

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