E-Paper
Gucci Mane kidnapping: Why did Pooh Shiesty and Big30 target the rapper? Row over 1017 Records deal explained
Gucci Mane was allegedly kidnapped and robbed in Dallas; Pooh Shiesty, Big30 and others arrested in a dispute tied to 1017 Records.
Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane was allegedly kidnapped from his studio in Dallas, Texas and subsequently robbed in a targeted attack that allegedly involved Memphis rappers, Pooh Shiesty and Big30. Multiple people, other than the two Memphis rappers, were also arrested, which included Pooh Sheisty's father, Lontrell Williams Sr. The Department of Justice announced the arrests on Thursday.
The arrest seemed linked to a row over Gucci Mane's record label, 1017 Records, to which Pooh Shiesty is signed. The incident happened at Gucci Mane's recording studio in Dallas, Texas, on January 10.
The details of the case were announced on behalf of the DOJ by the Attorney General's Office in Dallas, Texas, on Thursday. The DOJ said that they have been probing the case for the last three months after the incident happened in January.
The Texas AG's office said that arrests were made in Nashville, Memphis and Dallas. Meanwhile, the arrest of Pooh Shiesty's father came after a raid Wednesday at their home in Cordova, the FBI office in Memphis, Tennessee said.
Why Did Pooh Shiesty and Big 30 Target Gucci Mane?
Pooh Shiesty has been signed to Gucci Mane's 1017 Records since 2017. According to reports, the kidnapping and robbery were likely due to a feud over Pooh Shiesty's contract with the record company.
The Texas AG, without giving the details of the case, said that Pooh Shiesty and Big30 travelled to the Dallas studio to negotiate a contract for one of the victims. According to the DOJ, as the talks turned sour, Shiesty and his eight co-accused took out firearms and held Gucci Mane and others at gunpoint.
Also read: Did Pooh Shiesty kidnap Gucci Mane at gunpoint over record deal? Comedian's post sparks row
Sheisty and BIg30 allegedly forced Mane to sign a release for Shiesty from the 1017 Records. Meanwhile, the other suspects allegedly stole cash and a Rolex watch from the studio.
Details Of The Charges
Apart from Pooh Shiesty, his father, and Big30, the following people were identified as the suspects: Kedarius Waters, Terrance Rodgers, Damarian Gipson, Demarcus Glover, Kordae Johnson and Darrion McDaniel.
Also read: Was YTB Fatt shot at his grandma's home? Did his sister get injured? Rapper's brother debunks hoax
While all of the suspects were arrested for their role on carrying out the operation, Pooh Shiesty's father is accused of helping them to carry out the plan. Notably, after the purported heist, the suspects posted photos of themselves with the stolen items, sparking a row on social media.
Meanwhile, rapper Big30 is accused of barricading the door while the victims, including Gucci Mane, tried to leave the Dallas studio. One of the victims was allegedly choked unconscious, the DOJ noted, while others suffered minor injuries.
The suspects face multiple charges related to robbery and kidnapping. If convicted, they could face life imprisonment.
