The unexpected death of East Bay rapper Tan DaGod, real name Alliauna Green, has left the local community in disbelief. She was shot at a meet-and-greet event celebrating the grand opening of Glamor Beauty Supply in North Oakland, California on Saturday, July 13, 2024.
With a social media following of over 20,000, Tan DaGod was actively publicizing her presence at the event. However, around 5 p.m., the celebration turned into a scene of horror when gunshots rang out. Witnesses reported people fleeing for safety, some taking shelter in nearby stores.
A worker from a neighboring restaurant remembered initially mistaking the gunfire for music. The realization that the shots were real quickly led to panic. Witnesses reported that a group of about six masked men confronted Tan DaGod outside the store, leading to an altercation and the subsequent gunfire.
Tan DaGod was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. Another individual was shot but is expected to recover. The identity of the second victim remains undisclosed and the shooter is still at large. The Oakland Police Department has not determined the motive for the shooting and is seeking public assistance in identifying the suspect, who was reportedly wearing a hooded sweatshirt.
The rapper’s family believes Tan DaGod was targeted months after the release of her mixtape “Ex Wood Pack,” and a media tour. Many fans perceived her words as boasting about the killing of her ex-boyfriend, whom she alleged had been abusive. He was murdered in 2023. The cover art shows a picture of the two of them together, but his head is swapped out for a Backwoods blunt. “B—ch got ran down off of the principle. … that s—t is inadmissible … that ni—a ain’t gon’ never get a call again,” Tan DaGod raps on the song “He Say Im Kold.” She appeared to reinforce her position during interviews. In one such instance, sitting beside a tombstone that read “RIP Here Lies My Ex,” Tan DaGod continued her provocations. “You should’ve never messed with me because now I have to escalate things… I did this to be extremely childish and provoke families. Too bad because they aren’t going to do anything about it,” she states in an interview clip reposted by a user on X. “As a matter of fact, I’m smoking on this dead ___ right now.” Certain fans speculate that her death might be retribution or karma for everything she said about her ex. However, Atlanta Black Star has not found any concrete evidence linking Tan DaGod to her murder.
Condolences for Tan DaGod began flowing immediately. The Glamor Beauty Supply store became a memorial site with flowers, candles, and messages from fans and community members. Fellow Oakland rapper Mistah F.A.B. posted a tribute on social media, referring to Tan DaGod as “a hustling go-getter, with a world of ambition, drive, and courage, and a heart as big as Texas.”
Her friends and fellow artists remembered Tan DaGod’s enthusiasm for music and her commitment to supporting Black-owned businesses. “She was full of energy for life and love. She was very passionate about her career,” said Ernest Holloway, a longtime friend and collaborator.
Rakeem “Hazpain,” another artist who was at the event, described it as a gathering of “connection vibes, just family vibes.” The community’s hope for a joyous event was shattered by the unexpected loss of a promising young artist.
Beyond her music, Tan DaGod was also an entrepreneur who recently launched an Airbnb in Florida. She was visiting Oakland when the tragic event occurred. Her friends and family are grappling with her sudden loss. Holloway expressed regret and a sense of powerlessness, stating, “Because I know if I had been present, I could have taken precautions to ensure it wouldn’t have gone that far.”
The shooting has raised concerns about safety among local business owners in the area where the incident occurred. They are worried about the safety of their customers and the potential impact on their operations. The Oakland Police Department is investigating the incident, and authorities are encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
The death of Tan DaGod contributes to a growing number of violent acts in Oakland, leading to calls for measures to curb the city’s escalating violence. “Currently, it feels like we’re constantly mourning in Oakland. There’s been so much loss, one after another, and we desperately need to find a way to end it,” expressed Holloway.