In a surprising turn of events, French rap star MHD has been handed an 18-year jail sentence for his involvement in a murder case. The 29-year-old rapper, whose real name is Mohamed Sylla, was convicted of the gang-related killing of a 23-year-old man named Loic K in Paris back in 2018.
According to reports from the BBC, Loic K was knocked down by MHD’s car, a Mercedes, before being subjected to a brutal beating and stabbing by a group of up to 12 people. While MHD had pleaded “not guilty” to the charge, the French court found him guilty. Furthermore, five of his co-defendants were also convicted, while three others were acquitted.
Throughout the trial, MHD maintained his innocence, declaring, “From the beginning, I have maintained my innocence in this case and I will continue to maintain my innocence.” He claimed that he was not present at the scene of the crime and argued that the case against him was based on rumors. However, evidence presented in court included footage filmed by a local resident, who captured the incident through the window of his home, as well as witness identification of MHD.
MHD is a popular figure in the music industry with a massive following on social media. He gained recognition for his creation of “Afro trap,” a fusion of trap music with the sounds of West Africa. Prior to his legal troubles, he was a member of the rap collective 1.9 Reseaux and had achieved significant success through his social media presence and YouTube videos. His debut album, titled MHD, sold an impressive 200,000 copies in just six months after its release in 2016.
The sentencing of the rap star has undoubtedly shaken the industry and his fans. It is a tragic turn of events for someone who was once at the peak of their career. MHD has been in custody since his arrest in 2019 and will now be spending the next 18 years behind bars.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of criminal involvement, regardless of one’s popularity or success. It is a testament to the fact that fame does not exempt individuals from the law. While MHD’s music will undoubtedly continue to resonate with many, his legal troubles have now overshadowed his once-bright career.
