From Billboard Chart-Topper to 30-Year Prison Sentence: The Dark Turn of an Atlanta Rapper
A famed rapper from Atlanta, known for a catchy tune that broke the internet in 2015, has now received a 30-year sentence post admitting his role in the death of a family member. A melody that takes off on the internet can either be a launchpad to a glorious career or just a fleeting success. Unfortunately for this particular artist, his story took a dark turn quickly after his early taste of global appeal.
The artist burst into the spotlight when he was merely a 17-year-old high school student. One of his memorable tracks gripped a worldwide audience, reaching the pinnacle of the Billboard Hot 100 and claiming that spot for an extended six-week stretch. One might hope that such an early triumph would cement his place in the music realm, but the turn of the decade in 2020 marked the beginning of his encounters with legal troubles.
On the 28th of August, 2020, the artist found himself facing legal consequences for the first time as he was detained and charged with causing physical harm to a spouse or companion. The following day, he found himself in legal hot water again when in search of his girlfriend, he allegedly ended up trespassing into an unknown individual’s house while armed with a hatchet.
A few months later, on January 21, 2021, he was taken into custody again, this time by law enforcement in Illinois, on charges of murder. The arrest occurred following a call to police after shots were reported. He found himself succumbing to the law’s grip again, not as an artist, but as a suspect in a murder case.
Fast forward to June 11, the artist who was once a teenager dancing atop the Billboard charts was now a 27-year-old man facing a 30-year imprisonment for his confirmed role in his cousin’s demise. The artist accepted his guilt, admitting to his mental distress at the time of the crime leading to his plea of guilty but mentally ill.
The rapper was charged with voluntary manslaughter, assault in a harsh manner, usage of firearms during a criminal act, and hiding another’s death. As part of the negotiation for admitting his guilt, an additional murder charge against him was dismissed.
The tragic event unfolded as law enforcement were called to a residential area, responding to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they discovered the victim who had been shot in the face and leg. The wounded individual could not withstand the deadly assault and was pronounced dead right there.
Following the arrest, the artist’s representatives shared a statement that revealed his struggles with mental health issues for years leading up to this tragic occurrence. The authorities recounted finding ten bullet shells scattered near the place where the victim lay, painting a disastrous scene.
Investigation led to the discovery of nearby security camera footage, which captured a motor vehicle speeding away from the crime scene. This evidence was pivotal in establishing a timeline and series of events that occurred.
The victim’s relative shed some light on the incident, informing authorities that the last sighting of the deceased was in a white vehicle. Significantly, GPS data of the vehicle corroborated the timeline and placed it at the crime scene during the time the shooting took place.
This story, marking the downfall of a promising artist, is a stark reminder of the battles individuals may be fighting beneath the surface and the possible consequences. This tale not only speaks about the drama, fame, fortune, and downfall synonymous with the music industry, but it also highlights the emotional and mental struggles hidden behind the spotlight.
What began as a tale of a successful young artist, shooting to fame and winning global audiences, took a tragic turn, ending with a 30-year prison sentence. A story of hope, success, legal battles scars, and a confinement.