Atlanta rapper Ca$h Out, recognized for early 2010s hits like “Cashin’ Out” and “She Twerkin,” was sentenced to life in prison on Monday after being convicted of rape, intercourse trafficking, and racketeering.

A Georgia jury discovered the artist, whose authorized title is John Michael Hakeem Gibson, responsible of orchestrating a felony enterprise that focused and exploited girls via violence, coercion, and manipulation. The sentence contains life with out parole and an extra 70 years.

Gibson, 33, was as soon as a staple in hip-hop circles, celebrated for his flashy persona and club-ready singles. That public picture now stands in stark distinction to the disturbing allegations that unraveled in court docket.

Prosecutors argued he used his superstar standing to lure girls below false pretenses and pressure them into intercourse work. Jurors sided with the state after listening to harrowing testimony from a number of victims.

His sentence contains life phrases for rape and aggravated sodomy, together with two consecutive 20-year sentences for intercourse trafficking and one other 20 years for racketeering. Additional convictions embody battery, pimping, firearm possession, and obstruction. Gibson should register as a intercourse offender and will likely be barred from particular Atlanta areas, together with Fulton Industrial Boulevard, lengthy related to trafficking exercise.

During sentencing, survivors shared highly effective statements detailing long-term emotional trauma. One lady mentioned she lives in concern of Gibson, including, “He’ll always be in the back of my mind.”

Another sufferer’s household accused Gibson of “stealing souls,” calling his habits calculated and “diabolical.”

Gibson denied wrongdoing, claiming his accusers had been manipulated into testifying and likened his destiny to that of Jesus. The choose dismissed these remarks, citing overwhelming proof of cruelty and management.

Gibson’s protection argued the life sentence punished him for refusing a 25-year plea deal. Though appeals could observe, authorized consultants imagine a reversal is unlikely as a result of case’s severity.

Advocacy teams resembling RAINN and Polaris proceed to boost consciousness about trafficking. They stress the significance of supporting survivors and recognizing the warning indicators.

For the music world, Gibson’s downfall is a chilling reminder of how energy might be weaponized—and the way accountability can nonetheless prevail.