Who Was Garelle “Jigga” Smith? The Name Behind One of New Orleans’ Most Talked-About Unsolved Murders

#KRITICIZM - Garelle “Jigga” Smith became a widely discussed name in New Orleans after authorities accused him of involvement in the killing of hometown rap legend Soulja Slim. His story remains tied to serious allegations, unsuccessful prosecutions and questions that never received a definitive courtroom answer.

Soulja Slim, born James Tapp, was killed outside his home on November 26, 2003. In reporting published shortly afterward, police alleged that Smith received $10,000 to carry out the shooting and said ballistics evidence connected a recovered weapon to the killing. Those were investigators’ allegations, not findings of guilt.

By 2007, reporting documented repeated murder accusations against Smith without successful prosecutions. XXL reported that the Soulja Slim case had been dropped because of insufficient evidence. A separate investigation also failed to produce an indictment within the required period, with prosecutors citing a lack of scientific evidence or eyewitness testimony. Smith was not convicted of Soulja Slim’s murder.

Smith’s own life ended on August 13, 2011, at age 29. His obituary remembered him as a father, son, brother and childhood friend—a family identity often overshadowed by the allegations surrounding his name.

For readers revisiting his story, the distinction matters: Smith’s reputation became part of New Orleans street history, but reputation alone cannot establish responsibility for an unsolved killing. His name remains connected to a painful chapter in the city’s music history, with unanswered questions still surrounding Soulja Slim’s death.