Mystikal Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison For Rape

Mystikal has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to a reduced charge in a Louisiana rape case, closing a legal chapter that began with his 2022 arrest on multiple felony counts.

According to WBRZ TV, the rapper, born Michael Tyler, was sentenced yesterday (June 16) in Gonzales, La., after entering a guilty plea earlier this year to third-degree rape. The plea deal resolved allegations stemming from a July 2022 incident at his Prairieville, La., home. Tyler had originally been charged with first-degree rape, along with false imprisonment, simple robbery, domestic abuse battery by strangulation and criminal damage to property.

More from Spin:

• DJ Shadow Revisits A Classic As ‘Mountain’ Turns 10
• Questlove, James Murphy DJing Phish Mexico Fest
• Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler Recalls His Colorful Career in Heavy Metal

Tyler attempted to withdraw his guilty plea before sentencing, arguing that he had not fully understood the agreement. The court rejected that request and proceeded with sentencing, handing down the 20-year term outlined under the plea arrangement.

At the time of Tyler’s arrest, the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office alleged the victim suffered physical injuries consistent with her account. The rapper was subsequently arrested and held without bond.

Tyler previously faced rape and kidnapping charges in 2017 that were later dropped, and had earlier served prison time following convictions related to a 2003 sexual assault case.

As Mystikal, Tyler helped define Southern hip-hop’s commercial rise in the late ’90s and early 2000s through albums such as Let’s Get Ready and hits including “Shake Ya Ass” and “Danger (Been So Long).” He also guests on the song “Feel Right” from producer Mark Ronson’s 2015 album Uptown Special.

To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here.