As Koba LaD is currently in pre-trial detention for “involuntary manslaughter” following a road accident, let’s look back on the legal cases that have made headlines in recent years. Beyond cases related to freedom of speech, rappers have sometimes found themselves in delicate situations. From the Unkut store incident to the recent indictment of Naps, here is a recap of the legal chronicles from the rap game.
Rohff: punitive expedition to the Ünkut store!
The rivalry between Rohff and Booba has been making headlines since the early days of the rap game. Between 2010 and 2013, tensions were high between the rapper from 94 and his counterpart from 92. While Rohff performed the track “Wesh Zoulette” on stage and projected a photomontage of Booba wearing a wig, Booba suggested they meet in Paris.
In a series of events difficult to comprehend, Rohff eventually went to the Ünkut store at Les Halles and attacked a young salesperson, leaving him unconscious on the floor. The rapper was sentenced to 5 years in prison on appeal.
The fight between Booba and Kaaris at Orly
Another major saga in French clashes, Booba and Kaaris. Kaaris started his career alongside Booba. The two rappers created a massive hit together, which is still listened to today, titled “Kalash”. They also collaborated on “LEJ” from “Or Noir” by Kaaris. Later, the rapper from Sevran talked about this period of his life in the track “Réussite”.
Finally, in 2018, at the height of their feud, Booba and Kaaris met face to face at the airport. The two crews clashed and wreaked havoc at Orly airport. Flights were delayed. Both were sentenced to 18 months suspended prison sentences and fined 50,000 euros each.
Moha La Squale: the legal troubles of a French rap phenomenon!
In 2018, the rapper from Belleville released “Bendero”. With his distinctive style, sharp flow, and sometimes emotional lyrics, Moha La Squale became one of the biggest hopes in French rap. As he himself said: “The streets shine through his teeth”. But in 2020, as the #Metoo movement gained momentum, the artist was accused by 6 women of physical assault, death threats, and sexual assaults.
In 2021, the rapper was taken into police custody and charged with “sexual assault”, “rape”, “death threats”, and “domestic violence”, as well as “kidnapping”.
Moha La Squale denies all accusations, but he was jailed in 2022 for violating his judicial supervision and released in 2023 under house arrest with electronic monitoring.
RK: a domestic violence case
In 2021, to everyone’s surprise, the young prodigy of French rap was arrested by the police. RK is the youngest French rapper to be certified platinum. He has been accumulating platinum records since his first project “Insolent” and continues his momentum. He stands out for his flawless technique and lyrical ease.
He appeared before the court in Meaux, accused of domestic violence against his partner. He was found guilty and received a suspended prison sentence. The young woman had only one request: “to have no further contact with him”. He was sentenced to a suspended prison term, mandatory therapy, and courses on violence against women.
Timal: animal abuse case!
In 2022, at the height of his career, Timal found himself in legal trouble. The artist posted a video on social media where he hit his dog on the head. In the clip, he punished the dog for urinating on the floor. The association 30 millions d’amis took up the case and filed a report to Pharos for animal abuse.
Timal was sentenced to 120 days of fines at 50 € per day, totaling 6,000 €. He was also banned from owning animals for 5 years.
Naps to be tried in Paris for rape!
The rapper, who has earned multiple certifications and is even behind the summer hit “La Kiffance”, was arrested in Paris a few months ago. According to the accusation, he allegedly “raped a young woman while she was sleeping in a Parisian hotel room in October 2021”. Naps, through his lawyer Nabil Boudi, categorically denies these accusations.
He will be tried in Paris for this 2021 accusation.
