Rapper, Father Accused of Kidnapping, Robbing Music Mogul in Texas Studio

Pooh Shiesty, his father, and seven others face federal charges after allegedly forcing Gucci Mane to sign a contract release at gunpoint.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:18am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered smartphone screen reflecting a faint red light, conceptually representing the aftermath of a violent confrontation in the music industry.The alleged armed robbery and kidnapping of a music mogul by a rapper and his associates exposes the dangers that can lurk in the music industry.Dallas Today

Rapper Pooh Shiesty, his father Lontrell Williams Sr., and seven other men have been arrested and charged with federal crimes after allegedly robbing rapper and music mogul Gucci Mane and two others at gunpoint in a Dallas recording studio. Prosecutors say the group planned an 'armed takeover' of the meeting, with Shiesty pulling out an AK-style pistol and forcing Mane to sign a release from his recording contract.

Why it matters

The alleged incident highlights the growing problem of violent crime and armed confrontations in the music industry, where disputes over contracts, royalties, and business dealings have sometimes led to serious violence. It also raises questions about the ability of high-profile artists to ensure their safety and that of their associates, even in professional settings.

The details

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Shiesty arranged a 'business meeting' with Mane at the Dallas studio on January 10 in order to discuss the contract. Instead, Shiesty and the eight other men allegedly planned an 'armed takeover' of the meeting. Shiesty reportedly pulled out an AK-style pistol and forced Mane to sign a release from the recording contract. Shiesty and two others with him were then robbed of 'Rolex watches, jewelry, cash and other high-value items' at gunpoint by the suspects, prosecutors say. One of the victims was reportedly choked until he was nearly unconscious, and Big30 allegedly blocked the studio door to prevent anyone from escaping.

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

The players

Pooh Shiesty

A rapper who is signed to Gucci Mane's 1017 records label and is accused of orchestrating the armed robbery.

Lontrell Williams Sr.

The father of Pooh Shiesty, who is accused of helping plan and execute the kidnapping.

Gucci Mane

A renowned rapper and music mogul who was the victim of the alleged armed robbery and kidnapping.

Rodney Wright Jr.

Also known as the rapper Big30, he is accused of blocking the studio door to prevent anyone from escaping.

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What they’re saying

“'Instead of discussing business in a civil matter, the defendants resorted to violence and intimidation to achieve their purported business objectives.'”

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

What’s next

Prosecutors say all of the defendants could face maximum sentences of life in prison if they're convicted. Investigators used data from Shiesty's electronic monitoring device, surveillance videos, cell phone records, and social media posts as part of their probe.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing problem of violence and criminal activity in the music industry, where disputes over contracts, royalties, and business dealings have sometimes led to serious crimes. It also raises concerns about the ability of high-profile artists to ensure their safety, even in professional settings.