Hip-hop mogul Gucci Mane was reportedly the victim of a terrifying armed kidnapping and robbery at a Dallas music studio earlier this year, an ambush allegedly orchestrated by fellow rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30.
According to the Department of Justice, the harrowing ordeal unfolded on January 10. Nine suspects allegedly lured the 1017 Records founder, whose real name is Radric Davis, and two other victims to Texas under the guise of a business meeting regarding a recording contract. However, federal authorities claim the gathering was a trap that quickly devolved into a coordinated armed takeover.
During the terrifying ambush, Pooh Shiesty (born Lontrell Williams Jr.) allegedly held one victim at gunpoint, coercing them into signing a contract release. Meanwhile, Big30 (Rodney Wright Jr.) reportedly blockaded the studio doors to ensure the victims could not escape. The remaining co-conspirators are accused of stripping the victims of high-end valuables, including cash, jewelry, and Rolex watches. The violent encounter reached a harrowing peak when one victim was reportedly choked until they were nearly unconscious.
"Instead of discussing business in a civil matter, the defendants resorted to violence and intimidation to achieve their purported business objectives," stated U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould in a press release.
Investigators noted that the suspects' own hubris may have aided the investigation, as several of the individuals allegedly flaunted the stolen luxury goods on social media shortly after the heist.
As of early April, federal authorities have apprehended eight of the nine suspects involved in the kidnapping and robbery scheme. If convicted, the perpetrators could face maximum sentences of up to life behind bars.
The allegations add a shocking twist to the deep-rooted history between the artists. Gucci Mane previously championed Pooh Shiesty, notably keeping him on the 1017 Records roster even after releasing the majority of his artists in late 2024. Shiesty had only recently tasted freedom, having been released from federal prison last October following a 2022 conviction for drug and firearms charges. Representatives for the accused rappers have not yet issued public comments on the federal charges.