American rapper Michael Lawrence Tyler, popularly known as Mystikal, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for raping a woman at his home in Louisiana in 2022.
The 1990s hip-hop star, famous for his hit song Shake Ya A*,* was handed the sentence on Tuesday after pleading guilty to third-degree rape earlier this year.
Guilty Plea Saves Rapper From Life Sentence
Mystikal entered a guilty plea in March under a deal that capped his sentence at 20 years.
The plea agreement reduced the original charge of first-degree rape, which carries an automatic life sentence under Louisiana law.
Days before his sentencing, however, the rapper attempted to withdraw the plea, claiming he had been under “significant emotional distress” and “substantial pressure” when he agreed to the deal.
He also argued that he did not fully understand the consequences of the plea.
The court rejected the request and proceeded with sentencing.
Victim Recounts Ordeal In Court
During the hearing, the victim, whose identity was not disclosed, urged the court to impose the maximum sentence.
She told the court that Mystikal punched and strangled her, forcibly ripped out her braids and raped her.
The woman also alleged that the rapper seized her phone and car keys to prevent her from leaving the house.
According to her testimony, he used her phone to transfer money to himself before eventually allowing her to leave.
Mystikal’s Response
Addressing the court, Mystikal said:
“If I did that to you, I deserve the max sentence.”
The rapper has remained in custody without bond at the Ascension Parish Jail since his arrest in 2022.
History Of Legal Troubles
The conviction is not Mystikal’s first encounter with serious criminal allegations.
In 2017, he was charged with rape and kidnapping in a separate case and spent about 18 months in jail before prosecutors dropped the charges.
Mystikal rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s with several hit songs, becoming one of the most recognisable names in Southern hip-hop.
His latest conviction marks a dramatic fall from grace for the once-celebrated rap star.
