Rappers Charged in Alleged Kidnapping, Robbery of Gucci Mane in Dallas Studio Ambush

Pooh Shiesty, Big30, and 7 others face federal charges for the violent attack on music industry figures.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:52pm

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An extreme close-up of a shattered smartphone screen, the cracked glass reflecting a dim, red light, conceptually illustrating the violent robbery and kidnapping that took place at the Dallas recording studio.The violent studio ambush targeting music industry figures exposes the dark underbelly of disputes over contracts, money, and status in the rap world.Dallas Today

Nine people, including rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30, have been federally charged in connection with an alleged kidnapping and armed robbery targeting music industry figures, including Atlanta rap superstar Gucci Mane, at a Dallas recording studio in January. Prosecutors say the group lured the victims to Texas under false pretenses, then carried out a coordinated ambush inside the studio, robbing the victims at gunpoint.

Why it matters

The high-profile case highlights the ongoing issue of violence and criminal activity within the music industry, where disputes over contracts, money, and status can sometimes escalate into serious crimes. It also raises questions about the ability of artists on home confinement to coordinate and carry out such elaborate criminal plans.

The details

According to the federal complaint, the group arranged a meeting with the victims, including Gucci Mane, under the guise of discussing a contract dispute. When the victims arrived at the Dallas studio, the suspects entered and quickly separated them, with Pooh Shiesty allegedly forcing one victim to sign a contract release at gunpoint while the others were robbed of valuables like watches and jewelry. The suspects then fled the scene in multiple vehicles.

  • On January 10, 2026, the alleged kidnapping and robbery took place at a recording studio in Dallas.
  • In the hours and days after the incident, several suspects posted photos and videos on social media displaying large amounts of cash and jewelry believed to be stolen during the robbery.

The players

Pooh Shiesty

Rapper whose legal name is Lontrell Williams Jr., accused of orchestrating the studio ambush and robbing a victim at gunpoint.

Big30

Rapper Rodney Wright Jr., accused of helping block the studio door to prevent victims from escaping during the robbery.

Gucci Mane

Atlanta rap superstar whose real name is Radric Davis, one of the victims lured to the Dallas studio.

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What’s next

Federal agents say the investigation is ongoing, and more charges could be filed against the suspects. The nine defendants are currently facing up to life in prison if convicted.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing problem of violence and criminal activity within the music industry, where disputes over contracts, money, and status can sometimes escalate into serious crimes. It also raises questions about the ability of artists on home confinement to coordinate and carry out such elaborate criminal plans.