Sheff G has pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree attempted murder and conspiracy in the second and fourth degrees in a massive, 140-count indictment against him and 31 other alleged members of the 8 Trey Crips and 9 Ways gangs. The Brooklyn drill rapper will be sentenced, on August 13, to five years in prison, with another five years of post-release supervision, according to a press release from the Brooklyn district attorney’s office.
“Notoriety could not shield this defendant from justice. He used his fame to fund and direct violence, terrorizing our streets, and though we sought a much longer sentence, he will now be held to account,” Eric Gonzalez, the district attorney in Brooklyn, said in a statement. “Brooklyn will not tolerate gangs that endanger our communities, and we remain committed to dismantling these criminal networks and holding those responsible fully accountable.”
In the indictment, the prosecution had accused defendants, including Sheff G, of shootings, car theft, and firearm possession, all under the umbrella of criminal gang activity. The rapper was also purported to have offered money, jewelry, and, in one case, an 11-person steak dinner as compensation for “acts of violence”; conspired to murder rival gang members with his sister, Crystal Williams; and repeatedly driven shooters to and from the scene of a crime. Notably, prosecutors did not enter Sheff G’s lyrics into evidence—as has been the case in several other recent high-profile rap trials—likely because the New York State Senate passed a bill limiting their use in court in 2022.
In addition to Sheff G, 17 other defendants have already pleaded guilty, while 14 still have their cases pending. Among those 14 is fellow rapper Sleepy Hallow, who is also charged with conspiracy to commit murder and criminal possession of a weapon, both in the second degree. Sheff G previously pleaded guilty to charges of criminal possession of a weapon, in November 2021, for which he was sentenced to two years in prison. He was also one of five drill rappers removed from Rolling Loud New York’s lineup in 2019 due to “public safety concerns” cited by the New York Police Department.
Pitchfork has reached out to Sheff G’s attorney, Arthur L. Aidala, and representatives for comment on the plea agreement and impending sentencing.
