Rapper Kay Flock, whose real name is Kevin Perez, was sentenced to 30 years in prison in federal court in Manhattan this Tuesday, December 16th. The conviction came after the jury found him guilty, in March 2025, of racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder in aid of a criminal association and discharging a firearm. The crimes are linked to the Sev Side/DOA gang, from Bronx, of which Perez was identified as leader.
The sentence also includes five years of supervised release after serving the sentence. Judge Lewis J. Liman highlighted the seriousness of the acts, which involved four incidents of shootings between 2020 and 2021 in rival territories. Although Embora Perez was not the direct shooter in all cases, his leadership position aggravated the responsibility.
During the hearing, the court was packed, with the rapper’s family on one side and police officers on the other. Perez appeared in handcuffs, wearing a gray suit and blue shirt, and interacted with supporters through gestures.
Details of the hearing and arguments of the parties
Federal prosecutors argued for a harsher sentence, even asking for 50 years in prison. Eles argued that Perez perpetuated a cycle of retaliatory violence on Bronx, using music and social media to celebrate violent acts and provoke rivals. Mensagens private notes and song lyrics were used as evidence to demonstrate that he promoted gang warfare to gain influence and money.
Assistant prosecutor Patrick Moroney emphasized that the rapper was effective in bullying opponents, which intensified confrontations. Ele cited a post-trial post on Instagram, interpreted as a threat to cooperating witnesses, to question any sign of contrition.
On the other hand, the defense, led by Michael T. Ashley, requested a minimum sentence of 10 years or an alternative rehabilitation plan. The lawyer highlighted that Perez joined the gang at age 13, influenced by an older adult, and suffered deprivation as a child in a high-crime neighborhood. Ashley proposed measures such as changing to Los Angeles, obtaining a diploma and using social media to condemn violence.
Perez spoke briefly at the hearing. Ele stated that he accepted responsibility for his actions and had changed since he was 18, mentioning that he had found spiritual guidance. The rapper expressed a desire to use his talents to uplift his family and youth.
Judge’s position and aggravating factors applied
Judge Liman rejected defense arguments about alleged intellectual disability that would prevent Perez from leading the gang. Ele aplicou agravante por liderança, alinhando-se à interpretação da promotoria de que a pena recomendada pelas diretrizes federais seria de 50 anos, embora não obrigatória.
Liman recognized Perez’s musical talent, stating that, in another environment, he could have become a successful musician. However, he emphasized that the crimes created an environment of fear in the community and influenced young people to join gangs at an early age. The judge noted that the lack of deaths was a matter of luck, not restraint.
- Four investigated shootings occurred in rival territories.
- Acts included bank fraud to finance gang activities.
- Lyrics of songs like “DOA” directly referenced specific incidents.
- Perez displayed violence in messages and digital platforms.
Reactions after the sentence
Perez’s mother, known as Momma Flock, declared outside of court that she will continue to fight for her son’s cause. Ela described the conviction as a profound personal loss, but said he would not give up.
Lawyer Ashley disagreed with the sentence imposed, considering federal guidelines subject to reform. Ele praised the judge for not imposing the requested 50 years, but criticized the use of rap lyrics as evidence in criminal trials. Ashley confirmed that he will appeal the sentence.
Hip-hop activists present commented on the case as an example of a trial of rap music itself. Eles compared the situation to other processes involving artists of the genre, where association is equated with direct guilt.
The rapper’s trajectory and the context of drill
Kay Flock emerged onto the Bronx drill scene in 2020, with tracks that have racked up millions of views. Hits as “Shake It”, featuring Cardi B, and “Not
The New York drill genre is characterized by heavy beats and lyrics that portray street rivalries. Perez signed with a major record label while facing initial murder charges, later absorbed in the federal racketeering case.
The prosecution alleged that musical fame expanded the reach of the Sev Side/DOA gang. Evidências included posts that glorified confrontation and threatened opponents.
Incidents leading to conviction
The four shootings attributed to the leadership of Perez occurred during periods of escalation between rival gangs. Eles resulted in injuries to multiple people, including civilians hit by stray bullets.
Federal authorities indicted Perez and other members in 2023, expanding the initial barbershop homicide charge of Harlem. The jury acquitted him of the specific 2021 death, accepting a self-defense argument, but upheld the other counts.
- Shootings date back to June and August 2020, as well as November 2021.
- Gang financed operations with electronic fraud.
- Perez coordinated attacks without necessarily firing.
- Retaliatory violence affected Bronx communities.
Debates about the use of letters in trials
The case reignited discussions about the use of artistic content in criminal proceedings. Defensores argue that rap lyrics represent creative expression, not literal confessions.
Prosecutors maintained that, in context, Perez’s songs functioned as an extension of criminal activities. The judge cited specific excerpts during the sentence to illustrate celebration of violence.
Criminal law experts note an increase in similar cases involving drill and trap artists. Eles point out a risk of bias against genders associated with marginalized communities.
Consequences for the Bronx music scene
The conviction temporarily removes a central figure of New York drill from the charts. Perez accumulated millions of streams despite being detained, with posthumous releases maintaining relevance.
Previous collaborators have expressed quiet support online. The industry monitors possible appeals, which could prolong the case for years.
Bronx communities face persistent challenges with gang violence. Autoridades highlight the sentence as a measure to remove street leaders.
