One other day, one other wild conviction. Kay Flock, the 21-year-old rapper whose authorized identify is Kevin Perez, has been discovered responsible on a number of costs in a high-profile RICO case. A jury delivered “largely—however not all—responsible verdicts” within the trial, the place prosecutors alleged that Perez led the Bronx-based Sev Aspect gang and was concerned in a collection of violent crimes.
“This case isn’t actually towards Kevin Perez. It’s towards Kay Flock. It’s US versus drill rap…,” the protection argued in the course of the trial.
Perez was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, use of a firearm leading to dying, tried homicide, assault with a harmful weapon in help of racketeering, and the usage of a firearm for tried homicide and assault with a harmful weapon. Nevertheless, he was acquitted on a cost of homicide in help of racketeering.
Based on AllHipHop, Perez now faces a compulsory life sentence, together with his sentencing scheduled for July 16. Prosecutors launched the rapper’s music movies and lyrics as proof in the course of the trial, with specific give attention to the observe “Who Actually Bugging,” which allegedly referenced a real-life taking pictures.
Appearing U.S. Lawyer Matthew Podolsky acknowledged the decision, emphasizing the severity of Perez’s actions.
“Kevin Perez, aka ‘Kay Flock,’ was the chief of a neighborhood road gang referred to as Sev Aspect / DOA, and with that gang, he dedicated a collection of gang-motivated shootings. Perez, a drill rapper, instilled worry throughout the neighborhood together with his violent actions, after which threatened rivals, bragged about shootings, and taunted victims in his rap lyrics,” Podolsky mentioned.
Get this, he continued, “However as a unanimous jury has now discovered, Perez can now not disguise behind his music and as a substitute might be held to account for his violent crimes. Because of the onerous work of the profession prosecutors of this Workplace and our legislation enforcement companions, the cycle of violence that Perez engaged in is over. This Workplace stays resolute in its dedication to prosecuting gang members who sow worry and unfold violence on our metropolis streets.”
ICYMI, Perez was first indicted on federal homicide and racketeering costs in February 2023. Authorities accused him and different alleged gang members of involvement in “tried homicide and assault with a harmful weapon arising from seven shootings dedicated within the Bronx between June 2020 and February 2022.”
The federal conviction marks a big second within the ongoing efforts to deal with gang-related violence in New York Metropolis whereas additionally elevating questions in regards to the intersection of music, artwork, and felony accountability. As Perez awaits sentencing, the case has sparked widespread dialogue in regards to the position of drill rap in reflecting—and probably glorifying—road violence.
