Rapper Taxstone was sentenced to 35 years in prison for his role in a 2016 shooting at a music venue in New York City. The shooting resulted in the death of a 33-year-old man and the injury of two others.
Taxstone, whose real name is Daryl Campbell, was a hip-hop podcast host and social media personality. He had been accused of bringing a gun to the Irving Plaza music venue in New York City, where rapper Troy Ave was set to perform. According to prosecutors, Taxstone and Troy Ave had a longstanding feud, which led to the shooting.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence, including DNA samples and surveillance footage, which implicated Taxstone in the shooting. In March 2021, he was found guilty of attempted murder and several other charges related to the shooting.
Taxstone’s sentence of 35 years in prison reflects the seriousness of the charges against him and sends a message that violence and gun-related crimes will not be tolerated in New York City. At the sentencing hearing, Judge Lorna Schofield said that Taxstone’s actions were “cowardly and selfish,” and that he had shown no remorse for his role in the shooting.
The rap community has been divided in its reactions to Taxstone’s sentencing. Some have expressed sympathy for him, while others have praised the justice system for holding him accountable for his actions. The case has also sparked discussions about gun violence in the music industry and the importance of conflict resolution.
Overall, Taxstone’s sentencing sends a powerful message that violence and gun-related crimes will not be tolerated, and that those who engage in such behavior will face serious consequences. As the rap industry continues to grow and influence popular culture, it is important that leaders in the industry prioritize peaceful resolution of conflicts and discourage the glorification of violence.