Gucci Mane was allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint in Dallas earlier this year, leading to the arrests of eight men, including a fellow artist signed to his label.
Prosecutors allege rapper Pooh Shiesty, born Lontrell Williams Jr, led the ambush under the guise of a meeting, holding Mane captive inside a recording studio and forcing him to sign papers releasing him from his contract.
Mane is an Atlanta-based artist who has collaborated with Usher, Doja Cat, and Drake. He founded his label, 1017 Records, in 2007, with Williams Jr signing as an artist in 2020.
The defendants, who have not yet entered their pleas, could face life in prison if convicted.
Eight of the nine defendants were arrested in a recent raid and charged in federal court with kidnapping and armed robbery. One suspect remains at large.
The alleged kidnapping occurred on January 10, while Williams Jr was supposed to be under house arrest for a firearms conspiracy conviction. He allegedly joined forces with eight co-defendants, including his father, to carry out the crime.
An FBI statement says Williams pointed a "black AK-style pistol" at Mane while forcibly signing documents related to his contract. Mane's jewelry and cash were also reportedly stolen during the incident.
Victims in the room during the ambush suffered injuries, and several personal belongings were taken as the criminals displayed their stolen goods on social media shortly after the robbery.
Authorities state that the victims feared for their lives during the harrowing incident, which has sparked significant media attention.
