Kay Flock, the Bronx rapper born Kevin Perez, was sentenced this week to 30 years in federal prison. He was convicted on charges tied to racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder, and firearms offenses. The sentence, which also includes five years of supervised release, follows a March verdict. Prosecutors said this verdict linked Kay Flock to a pattern of gang-related violence. He is 22 years old.
Federal authorities framed the case as a necessary intervention in a cycle of retaliatory shootings. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said Kay Flock used both violence and visibility to project fear across the Bronx. “Kevin Perez employed violence and his celebrity status to instill fear throughout the Bronx,” Clayton said. He added that the conduct put bystanders at risk and contributed to instability in the neighborhood.
Clayton also pointed to Kay Flock’s rise in music as amplifying the impact of his actions. He said lyrics tied to Kay Flock were used to demonstrate intent and affiliation. The artist’s growing platform, he argued, intensified his notoriety. Law enforcement officials praised the outcome as a step toward curbing organized violence.
Kay Flock responded to the sentence with a brief public statement, thanking supporters and members of the court. “I want to thank everyone who stood by me and kept me in their prayers,” he said. He also acknowledged the judge and his attorney, Michael Ashley. “Even though we are still fighting because it ain’t over until Allah says it’s over.”
Defense disputes sentence and evidence, plans appeal
Michael Ashley, Kay Flock’s defense lawyer, challenged both the length of the sentence and the government’s legal approach. He said Kay Flock had previously been offered a 30-year term tied to a murder charge for which he was later acquitted. He called the current punishment excessive by comparison. Ashley argued that seeking a decade or more in prison for a shooting in which no one was injured pushed beyond what the facts supported.
He also objected to the prosecution’s use of rap lyrics in court, describing the practice as inappropriate and misleading. Ashley said the government relied not only on Kay Flock’s music but also on lyrics from other artists to construct its narrative. He said this tactic blurred the line between creative expression and criminal evidence. According to Ashley, such arguments risked distorting artistic work into proof of intent.
Looking ahead, Ashley confirmed that the defense plans to continue fighting the case. He said his team has reviewed the record for potential legal issues and intends to file an appeal. For now, Kay Flock remains in federal custody as the case moves into its next phase.