The Florida hip-hop scene got some heartening news this week, as reports emerged that Hotboii has been released from prison. For those unaware, he had turned himself in back in July of 2021 on RICO charges against him and almost three dozen other alleged gang members in the state. Following his conviction, the rapper served around three years of jail time, during which he still released plenty of music from behind bars. Still, the circumstances around this release are still pretty murky, so we encourage you to keep your eyes peeled for any significant updates. After all, this story is still developing and in its early stages in the press cycle.
Furthermore, the last we heard from Hotboii before this reported prison release was the October 2023 track “NASA” produced by ATL Jacob. New music releases became understandably scant ever since he turned himself three years ago, but the fact that they never completely disappeared is at least admirable or satisfying for fans. Other artists don’t connect to the outside world during their terms at all, and others flood the market with their moves in almost unrealistic ways.
Clearly, Hotboii doesn’t really fall into any of these two categories, and his case might not compare easily to others in the rap world. For example, this RICO case involved a lot of individuals, and we still don’t know the extent to which his actual career was a factor. Nevertheless, the Orlando native will probably make a more official comeback, perhaps through a track or two. In fact, maybe he follows up 2022’s Blinded By Death quickly with a new album, shorter project, or perhaps something else entirely.
In any case, congratulations are in order. We wish Hotboii the best with his newfound freedom, and hope he can reconnect with family and loved ones with peace and joy. We’ll see what happens with his career, and whether or not the “Throw In The Towel” MC decides to re-plant his flag ASAP or eschews the spotlight altogether. We can’t say we could blame him either way. Since this story still needs further development, make sure to keep an eye out for the next update.
This weekend we have a newcomer to the HNHH site. For the first time, we are going to be talking about Stockton, California rapper, EBK Jaaybo. Formally known as Jaymani Gorman, he is a very young artist, as he recently just turned 21 years of age. According to his Genius page, hip-hop runs in the family. His dad, James Gorman, who goes by Rrari, has been instilling music in him since he was a child. Furthermore, EBK Jaaybo has multiple siblings who are MCs, as well as some cousins. EBK Bckdoe, EBK Osama, EBK Tootie, and Gleeko Riccoo are in his immediate nucleus. Then, you have his relatives EBK Hari B, EBK Lil Mobbalay, and Verde Babii.
In terms of more facts about Jaaybo, he’s dealt with a lot of legal issues. In fact, he’s in midst of some as we speak. According to an interview with Passion Of The Weiss, he’s in jail for illegal firearm possession by a felon at the San Joaquin County facility. Jaaybo tells the publication that he’s going to be out in about four months and once he’s out again he’s going to drop a bunch more and go on tour.
Some of that creative energy that is bubbling up inside is now on his newest project. It’s called The Reaper, and Jaaybo describes it as “straight-up street s***”. We can certainly how that’s the case, with ultra agressive flows, bars, and instrumentals. Try out his new project with the links below.
Young Thug is someone who is currently going through a hard case. The YSL Rico trial has been a mess from the start until now. Overall, the prosecution appears to be disorganized. Moreover, there have been allegations of misconduct and corruption. Case in point, Thug’s lawyer Brian Steel was in court on Monday where he accused Judge Glanville of coercing the state’s witnesses into testifying. Steel refused to give up evidence or his sources, and he was subsequently held in contempt of court.
Eventually, Steel was allowed back in the courtroom where he was then given a 20-day jail sentence. He will get to serve this sentence on the weekends, which means his next 10 weekends are booked off. However, Steel was able to win one stipulation here. Essentially, he will be allowed to spend these 20 days in jail with Young Thug. This allows him to talk legal strategy with his client, although it seems like the two have genuinely become friends throughout this whole ordeal.
Overall, fans watching the trial have been impressed with Steel. Following his arrest and subsequent desire to be incarcerated with Thugger, fans took to social media to call Steel a hero. Furthermore, some believe he is the best lawyer out there. In the tweets below, those following the trial proclaimed that Steel will have no trouble finding clients in the future, especially with how hard he works for them. If your lawyer is willing to be locked up with you, then it’s safe to say he believes in your case. Only time will tell whether or not Steel and Thug will be able to win this trial, which could go on for another three years.
Fans React
Let us know what you think of this move from Brian Steel, in the comments section down below. Do you believe that the YSL trial has gotten out of hand? What do you make of the judge giving Steel jail time in this instance? Do you believe Steel and Thugger will win the case in the end? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
This is a top tier move. And when they make this shxt into a movie, this is probably going to be the game changing moment in the case. https://t.co/7mKZymMuKv
Vybz Kartel, born on January 7, 1976, is a Jamaican musician known for his infectious dancehall music. His music is especially popular in Jamaica but has also managed to spread across the world. For example, it has been confirmed that his style influenced artists like Drake, Rihanna, and Major Lazer. However, in March 2014, Vybz Kartel was sentenced to life in prison, and jailed for the murder of one of his associates, Clive “Lizard” Williams.
Since then, the popular singer has continued releasing music from his prison cell. It’s become a massive phenomenon, especially since Jamaican prison officials have denied granting him access to recording equipment and sessions. However, his case received renewed relevance a few days ago, after he finally won his appeal to overturn his murder conviction.
The alleged murder leading to Vybz Kartel being jailed is reported to have occurred in August 2011. Moreover, the incident is said to have taken place at Kartel’s own house in Havendale, Kingston. Williams, the victim, and another man were called there for not returning two of Kartel’s unlicensed firearms at an agreed-upon date. Days later, the house burned down, and Williams disappeared. At the trial, a witness, Lamar Chow, testified to seeing Williams motionless on the ground. Prosecutors also claimed Williams was killed over the lost guns, citing text messages before his alleged murder.
And just like that, Kartel and three others (Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones, Andre St. John) were convicted after a 64-day trial, one of Jamaica’s longest. Kartel had been in jail for about three years as he awaited trial. At the end, he received a life sentence of a minimum of 35 years. However, the verdict would later be appealed, and the sentence would later be reduced to 32 years and six months in 2020.
Case Flaws
Although Vybz Kartel has been jailed since 2011, his legal team would vehemently argue that the messages used as evidence against him were obtained unlawfully. It’s since been contended that they were obtained in breach of Jamaican laws. As a result, they should therefore have reportedly been deemed inadmissible in court. Additionally, they claimed that the prosecution’s case against Kartel was riddled with flaws, and pointed out significant discrepancies during the trial process. These include missing witness statements and the inexplicable disappearance of a compact disc containing crucial evidence.
Kartel’s lawyers also raised concerns about the handling of allegations regarding jury misconduct during the trial. Specifically, they claimed that the trial judge failed to adequately address accusations that one juror had offered a substantial sum of money, 500,000 Jamaican dollars (equivalent to $3,200 USD), to fellow jurors in exchange for returning “not guilty” verdicts. This alleged misconduct, they argue, led to Vybz Kartel being jailed. These arguments were also responsible for the two appeal cases that would follow the conviction.
Appeals Against Vybz Kartel And His Co-Defendants Being Jailed
In 2020, Jamaica’s Court of Appeal ruled to reduce the sentences of Vybz Kartel and his three co-defendants. It was now decided that Kartel would spend 32 years and 6 months in prison instead of 35 years. Vybz Kartel, who had been jailed since September 29, 2011, would now be considered for release in 2046. His co-defendants Shawn Campbell and Kahira Jones, also had their sentences changed to 22 years and six months. However, Andre St John’s sentence was fixed at 27 years and six months
As aforementioned, after a second appeal, Vybz Kartel’s murder conviction was completely overturned 10 years later. On March 14, 2024, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council overturned the conviction due to the issues with the jury at the time of the first sentence. The London-based council then decreed that the Jamaican Court of Appeal would decide if there should be a new trial. Kartel’s lawyer, Isat Buchanan, said the next step is to head to the Court of Appeals in Jamaica.
Maintaining Relevance Despite Jail Time
In a head-scratching series of events, Vybz Kartel has managed to stay relevant in the music scene since he’s been jailed. For example, his Instagram account has stayed very active in that time. He also got engaged to a London-based social worker, who still represents his cause. Even more shocking is how he has managed to keep his music career active. In fact, the music legend released more than 50 songs in 2016 alone. His hit track “Fever,” was also certified Gold in June 2020.
When asked for confirmation Jamaica’s Deputy Commissioner of Corrections, Joyce Stone, said that Kartel was under investigation for making music while incarcerated. According to Stone, Kartel was not cleared to partake in the prison’s rehabilitation program, which permits inmates to engage in activities like song recording. Regardless, Kartel has continued to release albums and singles since that time. He even appeared in a video interview with Fox5 to discuss his appeal case before the Privy Council which was still pending at the time.
It is also worth mentioning that the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre, where Kartel is imprisoned, is a maximum-security facility. But this would evidently not stop Kartel from maintaining his influence in the dancehall scene. A theory on how he achieved this feat occurred when Members of the Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) were summoned after discovering a tunnel leading from the Tower Street Prison in Kingston to a nearby church.
Vybz Kartel’s Health
Another factor driving Vybz Kartel’s urgency to resolve his case could be related to his health. A medical assessment conducted in 2023 revealed that he has been battling Graves’ Disease, a thyroid condition, for seven years. Despite medication, the condition has not improved and remains active. Additionally, Kartel suffers from two heart conditions and associated complications. Dr. Phillips, the physician mentioned in the report, has recommended surgery as soon as possible.
Kartel’s private doctor has informed authorities about the worsening of his Graves’ Disease and heart condition. They emphasized that without prompt surgical intervention, the situation could become life-threatening. In exclusive interviews, Kartel’s attorney highlighted concerns about the inhumane conditions in prison, suggesting they pose a risk to Kartel’s life. This specific reason may come in handy as the dancehall artist gears for a retrial.
Throughout his career, the British rap star Fredo has faced several legal issues. However, those incidents typically happened on his home turf, and Fredo has now found himself in trouble in Dubai. Back in 2023, the UK rapper was rumored to be arrested after he was caught in possession of cannabis.
The rapper debuted in 2016 with his now-popular single, “They Ain’t 100.” However, he didn’t get to experience the song blow-up in real time as he was sent to jail. Fortunately for him, he beat the charges and was subsequently released. In 2017, another run-in with the law occurred but he has managed to stay out of prison since. It seems that his successful streak of staying out of trouble has come to an end, unfortunately, as reports claim Fredo has now been sentenced to prison in Dubai. Here’s what we know so far.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 21: Fredo attends as rapper/musician Fredo celebrates becoming an investor of leading groundbreaking London-based sneaker retailer ‘Kick Game’ at their flagship Covent Garden store on April 21, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Kick Game)
In late 2023, Fredo was on vacation in Dubai but unfortunately, he soon had a run-in with the law, ending his presumably blissful trip. According to reports from TheSun, authorities found the rapper in possession of cannabis and subsequently arrested him. Dubai has very strict drug laws, so the authorities reportedly wasted no time putting Fredo in jail after the discovery. The Sun reported on October 30, 2023, that he had been in jail awaiting trial since September.
Fredo has been penalized by the authorities for drug use before. In April 2023, he received a three-year driving ban in the UK. He had been speeding while driving. It was eventually discovered that he had used over the legal cannabis limit.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 11: Fredo performs during day 2 of Wireless Festival 2021 at Crystal Palace on September 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Burak Cingi/Redferns)
As aforementioned, Fredo is believed to have been in a Dubai jail since September 2023. It’s been speculated since the rumors emerged that the rapper could be sentenced to a few years in prison. Radha Stirling, the CEO of Detained In Dubai, an advocacy organization, gave a brief statement to The Sun, saying, “The most likely outcome for possession of cannabis would be one to two years in prison, it could be up to three years.” Stirling later added that if he were prosecuted with intent to sell or trafficking, Fredo could face upwards of 5 years in prison.
The “I’m Back” rapper’s case was expected to reach court this week, per Clash Magazine. Although on Monday (Jan. 29th) several online reports claimed that he has been sentenced to five years in prison, this has yet to be confirmed. Fredo nor his team have made public statements regarding the case.
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