Culture

Federal prosecutors charged rapper Pooh Shiesty and eight others with kidnapping and armed robbery following an alleged confrontation at a Dallas music studio in January. The incident stemmed from a contract dispute involving Gucci Mane's 1017 Records label.

Lontrell Williams Jr., known professionally as Pooh Shiesty, allegedly arranged what victims believed would be a business meeting on January 10. According to the federal indictment filed in the Northern District of Texas, Williams produced an AK-style pistol once the three victims entered the studio and forced one to sign a release from his recording contract with 1017 Records.

The confrontation escalated when other defendants displayed firearms and robbed the victims of watches, jewelry, cash and personal items. One victim was choked to near unconsciousness, while another defendant barricaded the studio door to prevent escape, prosecutors said.