Drill Rapper Kay Flock Gets 30-Year Sentence After Conviction on Gang-Related Charges
In a dramatic turn of events on Tuesday, drill rapper Kay Flock—whose real name is Kevin Perez—was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for his role in a string of violent crimes that terrorized the Bronx. The 22-year-old rapper, known for his breakout hit “PSA” and his collaboration with Cardi B on “Shake It,” was convicted on charges including racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder, and assault with a deadly weapon, following a turbulent year of legal battles.
Despite his legal team’s argument that Perez suffered from an “intellectual disability” and was incapable of leading a gang, the sentencing was unforgiving. U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman rejected the defense’s plea for leniency, making it clear that the rapper’s actions had far-reaching consequences. “The life of the street seems to be all you have ever known—that’s sad and that’s tragic,” Judge Liman said during the sentencing at Manhattan federal court, underscoring the bleak reality of Perez’s criminal lifestyle.
Perez’s troubles began in December 2021, when he was implicated in the fatal shooting of Hwascar Hernandez, who was killed in Upper Manhattan. Although he was acquitted of first-degree murder in March 2023, the jury found him guilty of multiple other serious offenses related to gang violence. Prosecutors painted a damning picture of Perez as the leader of “Sev Side” or “DOA,” a gang notorious for its violent tactics in the Bronx. The gang’s activities allegedly included shootings, extortion, and fraud to fund their operations—including the burgeoning music career of Perez, who rose to prominence in the drill rap scene.
In the courtroom, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, delivered a scathing statement about Perez’s conduct. “Kevin Perez used violence and fame to fuel fear and intimidation across the Bronx,” Clayton said. “Perez and his gang members carried out a string of shootings that struck both rival gang members and innocent bystanders. Perez also used his platform as a prominent rapper to celebrate his violence: threatening his rivals, bragging about his shootings, and taunting his victims.” Clayton continued, explaining how Perez’s brazen actions sparked retaliatory shootings that left many dead or injured, further cementing the rapper’s role in the culture of violence that pervaded the Bronx at the time.
Perez’s music, particularly his tracks that glorified violence, became key evidence in the prosecution’s case. According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, the rapper’s lyrics not only celebrated his criminal deeds but also served as taunts to rivals, fueling the cycle of violence. His songs, which included threats of further violence and insults directed at murdered gang members, reflected the toxic atmosphere that surrounded his rise to fame.
Despite the conviction, Perez’s legal team maintained that his intellectual disability—combined with his tough upbringing—played a crucial role in shaping his involvement with the gang. However, Judge Liman emphasized that the rapper’s actions went beyond personal struggles, stating that his conduct had “immense” societal harm and contributed to the widespread fear and suffering in the Bronx.
With Perez now facing three decades behind bars, the case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that come with using celebrity status to perpetuate a culture of violence. For those who watched Perez’s rise to fame, the news of his sentencing marks a devastating conclusion to a story that was, at its core, fueled by violence, exploitation, and the allure of street life.
