Bronx rapper Kay Flock, whose real name is Kevin Perez, received a 30-year prison sentence on December 16 for racketeering conspiracy and attempted murder charges related to shootings in his neighborhood. The 22-year-old drill artist, convicted in March, was criticized by the judge for glorifying violence in his music and gang activities. Prosecutors highlighted how Perez used his rising fame to fuel intimidation and retaliation in the Bronx.
Sentencing Details
U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman sentenced Kevin Perez, known professionally as Kay Flock, to 30 years in prison on Tuesday, December 16. Perez was convicted in March of racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon in aid of racketeering, and firearm offenses. The charges stemmed from four separate shootings between 2020 and 2021, including incidents on June 26, 2020, August 10, 2020, and November 10, 2021, which injured multiple people. Although acquitted of first-degree murder in the December 16, 2021, killing of Hwascar Hernandez, Perez was held responsible for leading the Bronx-based gang 'Sev Side' or 'DOA,' which prosecutors said engaged in violence to protect territory and fund activities, including his music career.
Judicial Remarks and Defense
Judge Liman described Perez as a 'man of promise' but emphasized the need for a lengthy sentence, stating, 'You taunted, you celebrated and you helped create a cycle of violence.' The judge noted Perez's lack of remorse for victims and his social media posts bragging about the case, such as writing 'KILL ALL RATS' on Instagram. Perez, who claimed personal growth, said, 'What I was at 18 is not what I am today' and 'I was just a kid. Didn’t really know better.' His attorney, Michael T. Ashley, argued for the minimum 10-year sentence, citing Perez's upbringing in a dangerous neighborhood and influence from an older gang member, as well as the deaths of six friends from gun violence before age 18.
Prosecution's Case and Music Connection
Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick R. Moroney sought 50 years, pointing to Perez's lyrics and posts that celebrated violence and taunted rivals. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated, 'Kevin Perez used violence and fame to fuel fear and intimidation across the Bronx,' noting retaliatory shootings that harmed innocents. Perez's rise in New York's drill rap scene included his November 2021 Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Rookie of the Month recognition and debut mixtape The D.O.A. Tape. His breakout single 'Shake It' featuring Cardi B came in April 2022, after his initial arrest, but prosecutors alleged his music glorified gang activities to boost his profile.
The case underscores tensions in drill rap, where violent themes are common, but Liman considered Perez's youth and brain development in imposing the sentence below the 50-year request.
