10 rappers including Diddy who fought life-changing criminal charges and walked away with a win
10 rappers who fought life-changing criminal charges and emerged victorious
Snoop Dogg (L) Boosie BadAzz (R) (Getty Images)
In the world of hip-hop, legal battles are not uncommon, with artists often finding themselves in court facing serious charges that could alter their lives forever. While some cases result in convictions and prison time, others see rappers fighting vigorously to prove their innocence and ultimately walking away with a win. Here are 10 rappers who faced life-changing legal troubles and emerged victorious:
1. Snoop Dogg
In 1993, Snoop Dogg, then an up-and-coming artist, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder after his bodyguard shot and killed a rival gang member. Snoop and his bodyguard were indicted on multiple charges, including murder and conspiracy. However, they were ultimately acquitted of all charges except voluntary manslaughter which the jury deadlocked on. Snoop Dogg was acquitted on February 20, 1996.
2. Boosie Badazz
Boosie Badazz, known for his raw rap style and controversial views, faced accusations of hiring Michael "Marlo Mike" Louding to kill Terry Boyd in 2009. Initially, Louding claimed Boosie ordered the hit and paid him $2,800. However, Louding later recanted, alleging detectives coerced him into a false confession. Despite nearly 30 witnesses testifying, Boosie was acquitted of first-degree murder after just one hour of jury deliberation. He was already serving a sentence for a drug charge at Angola correctional facility, spending 52 months in prison. Meanwhile, Louding was found guilty of murder and received a life sentence.
3. Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur faced numerous legal troubles in the early '90s, including assault charges and a wrongful death lawsuit. In 1993, Tupac was involved in a shootout with off-duty police officers, claiming self-defense. He was acquitted of all charges, successfully defending himself against allegations of assault and attempted murder.
4. Gucci Mane
Gucci Mane's infamous rap feud with Jeezy escalated into a heated Verzuz battle, marking one of the program's most intense clashes. The rivalry ignited over their collaboration "Icy," leading to a series of diss tracks and allegations. The feud reached a boiling point after the murder of Pookie Loc, an associate of Jeezy, by Gucci Mane in self-defense. Despite serving time and facing trial, Gucci Mane was acquitted on Jan. 17, 2006 due to eyewitness support of his claim. He was found not guilty nine months after being charged with murder.
5. Diddy
Diddy was involved in a nightclub altercation in 1999 that turned deadly, resulting in multiple injuries. Despite being charged with assault with a deadly weapon, Diddy was acquitted after his defense team proved his lack of involvement in the shooting.
6. Freddie Gibbs
Freddie Gibbs was accused of sexual assault during a tour in Europe in 2015. Despite facing serious allegations, Gibbs was acquitted after video evidence contradicted the accuser's claims, leading to his exoneration.
7. YoungBoy Never Broke Again
YoungBoy Never Broke Again faced a dramatic arrest during a 2021 traffic stop, leading to a high-speed chase. Police found a pistol in his possession, raising concerns due to his prior conviction for aggravated assault. Prosecutors attempted to link him to the weapon through social media evidence, but his lawyers argued lack of awareness. On July 15, 2022, he was acquitted of all charges.
8. Lil Mosey
Lil Mosey faced rape charges stemming from an incident in 2020. Despite the serious allegations, Lil Mosey was acquitted after maintaining his innocence and passing multiple polygraph tests.
9. Hurricane Chris
Hurricane Chris made headlines in 2020 after fatally shooting a man at a gas station in Shreveport, Louisiana. He claimed self-defense, as he believed the man was attempting to rob him. Initially released on bond, he was later indicted for second-degree murder and possession of stolen items. However, on March 14, 2023, he was acquitted of all charges by the jury.
10. Irv Gotti
In a notorious moment in hip-hop, Murder Inc. faced an FBI raid in 2003 due to its ties to former drug lord Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff. CEO Irv Gotti and his brother Chris were later arrested for money laundering in connection with McGriff. Despite facing 20 years in prison, they were acquitted in 2005 after maintaining their innocence. The prosecution failed to provide substantial evidence against them.
