Kodak Black has a massive following thanks to his unique rapping style and over-the-top personality. It appears his prominence in the music industry has not stopped him from having a run-in with the law. Here are the reasons why Black has been sent to jail.

Kodak Black’s history of violence

A gun Black purchased was found at the scene of a shooting in Pompano Beach, Florida in March 2018. Later, in August 2019, Black pleaded guilty to lying during a background check when he purchased a firearm. Then Black got into a fight in October 2019. When a corrections officer intervened to break up the fight, Black punched the officer twice before he yanked at his genitalia “to the point where his abdomen and intestinal wall were breached.” The Sun-Sentinel said the officer was hospitalized with a hernia.

According to the Miami Herald, Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Brown stated at the trial over the firearms purchase Black deserved an eight-year long sentence as the incident was part of an overall trend of criminal behavior. Brown felt “This defendant needs a reset. He keeps getting break after break. We need to give him some tough love.” He felt Black is a “highly impressionable and heavily troubled” man who was “led astray by environmental pressures and influences.”

Kodak Black’s lawyers try to defend him

Black’s lawyers claimed their client was tricked into getting involved in the fight and was acting under the influence of drugs at the time. Judge Federico Moreno decided the assault could not be factored into his sentence. Black’s lawyers also felt the rapper’s extensive philanthropic efforts should be considered during his sentencing. They noted Black donated money to fallen police officers and at-risk youth. 

Black apologized to friends, family, and the world at large, saying “I’m sorry for the actions that led me to where I’m standing. I do take full responsibility for my mishap.” Judge Federico Moreno was not moved by the rapper’s apology. He said “Young people do stupid things and I normally give them a break for that. The problem is that you have been doing stupid things since 15.” The judge also said Black should donate money to the police officer he hospitalized. The judge sentenced the rapper to three years and ten months in jail.

Can his career recover?

It is currently unclear if Black will be able to continue his musical career during or following his incarceration. He would certainly not be the first famous musician to be convicted of a crime at the height of their fame. It will certainly be interesting to see if the rapper will attempt to keep his career going behind bars.

Despite the rappers remorse for his actions, he didn’t seem upset about his sentencing. On Instagram he posted “Hold It Down While I’m On Lock, Calling Shots From The Box #Literally.” His post was a quote from the Kevin Gates song “Hold It Down.” Music fans will have to wait and see if Black will actually get to call the shots from the box.