Rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30 have been arrested alongside multiple other suspects on federal robbery and kidnapping charges in Texas, the Department of Justice announced today, April 2. The charges stem from an “armed takeover”of a Dallas recording studio in January, allegedly in response to a dispute over Pooh Shiesty’s contract with Gucci Mane’s label, 1017 Records.
According to the DOJ, the incident took place on January 10. The complaint alleges that three “music industry professionals” traveled to Dallas for a meeting arranged by Pooh Shiesty— real name Lontrell Williams, Jr.—to discuss the terms of a record deal. Inside the studio, nine people, including the aforementioned suspects, orchestrated an “armed takeover.” The DOJ claims that one of the nine held a victim at gunpoint with an AK pistol, forcing them to sign a release from the recording contract. Pitchfork has reached out to lawyers for Williams, Jr. and Gucci Mane for comment.
Big30 reportedly barricaded the door with his body as the defendants produced more firearms, proceeding to rob the plaintiffs of Rolex watches, jewelry, cash and other items. One individual was allegedly choked to the point of near unconsciousness. The DOJ claims that after the defendants left the studio, several of them displayed the stolen goods on social media. On Wednesday, April 2, eight out of nine suspects were arrested across three cities: Memphis, Nashville, and Dallas. The ninth individual, Terrance Rodgers, has not been taken into custody.
After gaining recognition with singles like “Twerksum” and “Back In Blood” Williams, Jr. signed to 1017 Records in 2021. In 2022, Williams was sentenced to five years in prison for a Florida gun conspiracy conviction in Miami. According to court records, Williams was still in home detention, which required that he did not commit another federal crime or possess a firearm. In 2024, Gucci Mane announced that he was releasing all of his artists from the imprint except for Williams and Foogiano. By October 2025, Williams, Jr. was released from prison; he put out a single, “FDO,” two months later.
If convicted on the new charges, Williams, Jr. and the other suspects face life imprisonment. “This case should serve as a warning to others who believe that using violence and intimidation tactics to rob others in our community is a viable way to conduct business,” Ryan Raybould, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, said in a press hearing.
This is a developing story.
Facts Only
Actor: Pooh Shiesty (Lontrell Williams, Jr.), Big30, multiple other suspects, Gucci Mane’s label 1017 Records
Event: Arrest on federal robbery and kidnapping charges in Texas
Date: January 10, 2023 (incident); April 2, 2023 (arrest)
Location: Dallas recording studio, Memphis, Nashville, Dallas (arrests)
Items stolen: Rolex watches, jewelry, cash, other items
Social media display of stolen goods: Yes
Unconscious victim: One individual
Past conviction: Williams, Jr. was sentenced to five years in prison for a Florida gun conspiracy conviction in 2022
Executive Summary
Full Take
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when contract disputes escalate into violent confrontations within the music industry. The allegation that Pooh Shiesty and his associates orchestrated an armed takeover at a recording studio to force a release from a record deal is emblematic of the power dynamics and tensions that can arise between artists, labels, and management.
The display of stolen goods on social media highlights the role that digital platforms play in amplifying criminal behavior, potentially exacerbating its impact. The ongoing investigation into Terrance Rodgers' whereabouts raises questions about the extent of this incident's organization and planning.
In the broader context, the case underscores the need for increased dialogue and transparency around artist contracts, as well as the importance of addressing violence within the music industry. It also serves as a cautionary tale for artists, particularly those with prior convictions, about the risks associated with engaging in criminal activity while under home detention or probation.
Questions to consider: How can we create more equitable and transparent structures for artist contracts? What can be done to address violence within the music industry and support artists' safety? Are current measures adequate to deter artists from engaging in criminal behavior, especially when they are under home detention or probation?
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