Rapper Sheff G sentenced five years prison for gang violence

Brooklyn rapper Sheff G, whose real name is Michael Williams, has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted murder and conspiracy, according to prosecutors. The 27-year-old performer will also serve five years of supervised release following his prison term, under the sentence imposed Wednesday.

Sheff G admitted earlier this year that he used earnings from his music career to finance gang-related activity in Brooklyn. Prosecutors alleged he provided money, jewelry, and other resources to members of the 8 Trey Crips and its affiliate, the 9 Ways gang, fueling violent confrontations with rivals. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, “This defendant had talent and opportunity, but chose to use them to fuel violence instead of building a better future.”

While prosecutors had sought a 20-year prison term, the sentence was agreed upon as part of the rapper’s plea deal. Evidence cited by Gonzalez’s office included surveillance footage, social media posts, and text messages, as well as lyrics from songs in which Sheff G and others boasted of their crimes. Authorities say Sheff G even served as a getaway driver during a 2021 shooting that injured two bystanders and once treated gang members to a celebratory dinner after a 2020 shooting that left one dead and five wounded.

The case was part of a broader investigation into gang activity that has led to charges against more than 30 alleged members, with 23 guilty pleas entered so far. Fellow rapper Sleepy Hallow, also linked to the case, was sentenced last week to one year in jail. Both artists appeared onstage with Donald Trump at a May 2024 campaign rally in the Bronx, drawing attention at the time due to the pending allegations.