A high-profile American rapper has reportedly been the victim of an armed kidnapping and robbery inside a music studio in Dallas, Texas, in a case that has sent shockwaves through the US music industry. The US Department of Justice made the allegations public on Thursday (2 April), revealing details of what prosecutors describe as a meticulously planned violent takeover.

According to federal prosecutors, the incident took place on 10 January, when nine individuals allegedly orchestrated an armed assault at a recording studio. Among those charged are rapper Pooh Shiesty (real name Lontrell Williams Jr) and Big 30 (real name Rodney Lamont Wright Jr), both of whom are said to have close professional ties with Gucci Mane, the well-known rapper and founder of 1017 Records.

US Attorney Ryan Rebol told a press briefing that Pooh Shiesty had invited Gucci Mane and two other musicians to the studio under the pretext of discussing record contract arrangements. However, instead of negotiations, prosecutors allege that the meeting quickly turned into a coordinated armed robbery and coercion scheme.

Authorities claim the suspects brandished firearms and forced at least one victim to sign a release agreement linked to a recording contract under duress. The Justice Department has characterised the episode as a “planned armed takeover,” alleging that valuables including Rolex watches, jewellery, cash, and other personal items were stolen during the ordeal.

Prosecutors further allege that victims were physically intimidated, with one individual reportedly choked to the point of nearly losing consciousness. Big 30 is accused of barricading the studio exit to prevent escape, effectively trapping those inside while the robbery unfolded.

Investigators have also highlighted an unusual aspect of the case: at the time of the incident, Pooh Shiesty was reportedly under house confinement in Florida due to a separate firearms-related conviction. Despite this restriction, he is accused of travelling to Dallas to participate in the alleged crime. Authorities have also implicated his father, Lontrell Williams Sr, in assisting the planning and execution of the operation.

In the aftermath of the robbery, some of the suspects allegedly posted images of stolen goods on social media, which investigators later used as evidence. Law enforcement agencies in Dallas, Memphis, and Nashville have so far arrested eight of the nine suspects named in the indictment.

If convicted, the defendants could face life imprisonment under federal sentencing guidelines, given the severity of the charges involving armed kidnapping, robbery, and conspiracy.

Key Individuals Involved

US Attorney Rebol warned that the case should serve as a stark message to those who believe violence and intimidation can be used as tools of business or negotiation within the entertainment industry. No official comment has yet been issued by representatives of Pooh Shiesty regarding the allegations.