Memphis rapper Big30 to be released from Dallas jail ahead of Gucci Mane kidnapping trial
Memphis rapper Big30 is set to be released on bond ahead of the Gucci Mane kidnapping trial.
The 26-year-old (real name Rodney Wright Jr), best known for his song ‘Neighbors’, was arrested alongside Pooh Shiesty, his father, and six others in April.
According to Action News 5, a federal judge denied a motion to keep him in custody on June 4th. As a result, he’ll be released on a $100,000 bond.
Prosecutors attempted to overturn the court’s decision to free the rapper with home detention and monitoring.
The alleged incident dates back to January, with Big30, Shiesty and the other co-defendants accused of robbing Gucci at gunpoint.
Involving a barricaded door, the alleged armed takeover took place at a Dallas recording studio in an attempt to force Gucci to release Shiesty from his 1017 record deal.
Speaking to ABC24 in April, Big30’s lawyer said, “He doesn’t have a criminal history. He’s been making music for a number of years. He and Pooh Shiesty came up in the music game together. They were very close and made music together. It’s just sad that this is happening right now.”
He added, “I just hope that people will wait to pass judgment on Rodney and these other individuals until all the facts come out.”
US Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould, claimed that “[Shiesty] produced an AK-style pistol and forced one of the victims to sign a release from the recording contract at gunpoint.”
Raybould continued, “The remaining conspirators displayed firearms and robbed the other victims of Rolex watches, jewellery, cash and other high-value items. One of the victims was actually choked by one of the victims to near-unconsciousness.”