Rapper Pooh Shiesty Charged with Kidnapping in Dispute Over Gucci Mane's Record Label

Federal prosecutors allege Pooh Shiesty and eight others robbed and kidnapped three music industry professionals in Texas.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:48am

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An extreme close-up of a shattered smartphone screen reflecting a faint red light, conceptually representing the aftermath of a violent altercation in the music industry.A violent confrontation over a music business dispute leaves behind shattered technology, exposing the industry's dark underbelly.Memphis Today

Federal prosecutors have accused rapper Pooh Shiesty, whose legal name is Lontrell Williams Jr., and eight others of robbing three men at gunpoint and kidnapping them in Texas earlier this year following a contract dispute involving rapper Gucci Mane's record label, 1017 Records. The victims, described as music industry professionals, were allegedly lured to a Dallas recording studio under the pretense of a business meeting, where they were confronted by the armed group.

Why it matters

This case highlights the potential for violence and criminal activity to erupt over disputes in the music industry, particularly when high-profile artists and labels are involved. It also raises questions about the safety of professionals in the music business when conducting routine business meetings.

The details

According to the FBI affidavit, Pooh Shiesty arranged the meeting at the Dallas recording studio to discuss the terms of his contract with 1017 Records, which is owned by Gucci Mane. Once the three victims were inside, Pooh Shiesty and eight co-conspirators, several of whom traveled from Memphis, Tennessee, executed a coordinated, armed takeover. Pooh Shiesty allegedly pulled a firearm, forced the 1017 Records owner to sign contract termination paperwork, and stole the man's personal belongings. The other two victims were also robbed at gunpoint and one was choked nearly unconscious.

  • The alleged confrontation happened on January 10, 2026.
  • Pooh Shiesty was on home confinement for a prior firearms conspiracy conviction out of Florida at the time of the incident.

The players

Pooh Shiesty

Rapper whose legal name is Lontrell Williams Jr., accused of being the ringleader of the armed group that robbed and kidnapped the victims.

Gucci Mane

Rapper and owner of 1017 Records, the label involved in the contract dispute with Pooh Shiesty.

Lontrell Williams Sr.

Pooh Shiesty's father, also a defendant in the case.

Rodney Wright

Also known as rapper Big30, another defendant who allegedly blocked the studio door to prevent the victims from leaving.

R.D.

The owner of 1017 Records, one of the victims in the case.

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What they’re saying

“The victims in this case came to Dallas to conduct legitimate business and they were met with firearms and violence.”

— Ryan Raybould, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas

What’s next

Prosecutors said eight of the nine defendants were arrested on Wednesday, and the FBI in Memphis served court-approved warrants at a home in the suburb of Cordova that is owned by Pooh Shiesty.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential for violence and criminal activity in the music industry, particularly when high-profile artists and labels are involved in disputes. It raises concerns about the safety of professionals conducting routine business meetings and the need for greater oversight and accountability in the industry.