Rappers In Jail: Past and Current Inmates

Published February 5, 2024

Undoubtedly, we see rappers’ lives as extraordinary and extravagant. The lyrics of their songs can be empowering and creative and can be used to describe different lifestyles that are out of the ordinary. It’s also no secret that being a successful rapper comes with its fair share of temptations and challenges. 

In this article, we’ll list all the rappers in jail. The current situation may serve as a cautionary tale. Still, it’s vital to remember that mistakes do not define a person’s life. Let’s start. 

1. C-Murder 

C-Murder, or Corey Miller, is an American rapper. He initially acquired fame in the mid-1990s as part of his brother Master P’s record label, No Limit Records. He faced a high-profile murder trial that led to his imprisonment. Despite maintaining his innocence, he remains incarcerated. 

The rapper’s path to jail stems from a high-profile murder case. In 2002, C-Murder was charged with second-degree murder. It is in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred at a nightclub in Harvey, Louisiana. 

The incident involved a 16-year-old fan named Steve Thomas. He was shot and killed during an altercation. Several witnesses affirmed to have seen C-Murder firing the fatal shot. 

In 2003, C-Murder stood trial for the murder charges. Yet, the jury could not unanimously decide, resulting in a mistrial. A retrial took place in 2009. C-Murder then was found guilty of second-degree murder by a jury. He was handed down a life sentence without the possibility of parole. 

2. Tay-K

Taymor Travon McIntyre, better known by his stage name Tay-K, is an American rapper and convicted murderer. He gained prominence for his 2017 breakout single “The Race.” He recorded it while on the run from authorities. 

Tay-K’s incarceration is primarily connected to his involvement in a high-profile criminal case. 

In 2016, when Tay-K was 16 years old, he was allegedly involved in a series of criminal activities. It includes a home invasion robbery that resulted in the death of Ethan Walker, a 21-year-old man. Additionally, he was linked to another incident involving a shooting that left a man named Zachary Beloate injured. In 2017, Tay-K was eventually apprehended by law enforcement in New Jersey. He was extradited to Texas to face charges against the crimes he was accused of committing. In July 2019, he stood trial and was found guilty of murder and aggravated robbery. 

He received a sentence of 55 years in the penitentiary for the murder charge. In addition, 30 years for the aggravated robbery charge. Both are to be served consecutively. 

3. Dusty Locane 

Dusty Locane is an up-and-coming drill rapper. He is from Brooklyn, New York. His distinct flow and lyrical content gained attention and recognition within the drill rap scene. He is also known for his gritty and intense style. 

The artist pleaded guilty to two charges of criminal possession of a firearm. He will serve between one to three years in prison. 

4. G-Dep 

Rapper G-Dep, whose real name is Trevell Coleman, is an American rapper. He is from Harlem, New York City. He joined Bad Boy Records, a label founded by Sean “Diddy” Combs, in 1998. 

He found himself in jail due to his involvement in a crime committed years prior. It was linked to a 1993 unsolved murder case. In 2010, the rapper made a surprising confession. He admitted to shooting and killing a man during a robbery attempt in 1993 when he was just 18 years old. He stated that he had been carrying the guilt of the crimes for years. He wanted to clear his conscience by confessing to the police. 

5. Max B 

Max-B, or Charly Wingate, is an American rapper and singer. He was born on May 21, 1978. He is known for his unique singing rap style. He has been influential in the hip-hop genre. 

He was involved in a robbery and murder case. He was convicted in 2009 for his role in a 200 incident that resulted in the death of David Taylor. Taylor was fatally shot during a botched robbery in a New Jersey hotel. 

Max B, along with his associate Kelvin Leerman, was proven guilty on charges of first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and other offenses. He initially received a sentence of 75 years in prison. In 2016, he took a plea deal to aggravated manslaughter, and his sentence was cut off by 20 years. 

6. AR-AB

AR-Ab is Abdul West. He is a rapper from North Philadelphia. He is known for his gritty lyrics and street credibility. He is in jail due to his involvement in a federal drug trafficking case. AR-Ab faced charges related to his alleged leadership of a drug trafficking organization known as the “Original Block Hustlaz.” 

In 2019, AR-Ab and several other individuals linked with OBH were indicted on federal charges. They are reported to be distributing drugs such as cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. The indictment also included charges of firearms offenses and allegations of violent crimes linked to the drug distribution activities. 

7. Casanova 2X

Casanova 2x, known as Caswell Senior as his real name, is an American rapper from Brooklyn, New York. He gained fame with his breakout single “Don’t Run.” He has collaborated with artists like Chris Brown and Fabolous. 

He was indicted on federal charges linked to racketeering and gang activity. The charges against him included racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and offenses with firearms. He is involved with the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation gang. 

He was sentenced to 188 months on June 27, 2023. He has charges related to racketeering, leading a gang, and narcotics. 

8. YNW Melly 

YNW Melly is a rapper from Gifford, Florida. He’s known for his hit singles “Murder on My Mind” and “Mixed Personalities” featuring Kanye West. He is currently in jail because of his alleged involvement in a double murder case. 

In 2019, the rapper was arrested and charged with the first-degree murder of his two close friends and fellow rappers. The incident occurred in October 2018. Melly initially claimed that the victims were shot in a drive-by shooting. 

Yet, subsequent investigations led authorities to believe that the rapper and an accomplice, Cortlen Henry, had orchestrated the crime to make it appear as if unknown assailants did it. 

In February 2019, YNW Melly and YNW Bortlen were arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Prosecutors alleged that the motive behind the killings was financial gain. Also, to enhance YNW Melly’s music career. 

9. Tory Lanez

Tory Lanez, or Daystar Peterson, is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer. He gained prominence in the music industry for his versatile musical style. He blends elements of rap, R&B, and pop. 

In 2016, Tory Lanez achieved substantial commercial success with their debut studio album “I Told You.” The album featured hit singles like “Say It” and “Luv”. He has set himself as a rising star in the music industry. 

He has collaborated with various notable artists, too. It includes Drake, Chris Brown, and Meek Mill. He has continued to release new music and collaborate on high-profile projects. 

In July 2020, Lanez was involved in a highly publicized incident with fellow artist Megan Thee Stallion. Megan indicted Tory for shooting her in the feet. It occurred in a dispute that occurred after a party. The rapper was subsequently arrested and ruled with felony assault with a firearm. 

Tory faces up to 22 years and eight months in prison. 

10. Young Thug 

Young Thug, known as Jeffrey Lamar Williams, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He rose to fame in the mid-2010s. He is best acknowledged for his unique style, distinctive voice, and genre-bending approach to music. He is famous for his eccentric fashion sense, melodic flows, and unpredictable delivery. 

Young Thug also collaborates with numerous prominent artists across broad genres. It includes Travis Scott, Future, Drake, and Camila Cabello. 

Young Thug 28 people have been linked on street gang charges and conspiracy to disrespect the state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations. 

How Do Rappers Make Music in Jail?

Rappers make music in jail through a variety of methods. One common way is to sing their rap over the pay phone to their family or team outside. It is them who then record it and add beats and production elements. Rappers also write lyrics in a letter. It is filled with instructions for the key and beat. Some rappers have even been known to release albums entirely from jail phones. 

Another method is recording music before going to jail. The manager or team will then release the music while they serve time. In doing so, they keep the artist’s presence alive in the music industry despite their absence. 

Prisons generally do not permit inmates to record audio or video. Yet, some lockups have a music room or recording studio where inmates can make music. In actuality, prison choirs and religious bands are pretty standard. Rap battles occur regularly on basketball courts.