In a dramatic conclusion to one of the most high-profile RICO trials in the drill rap scene, rapper Kay Flock, whose real name is Kevin Perez, stormed out of the courtroom following a guilty verdict delivered by the jury. The 21-year-old artist, who has been embroiled in legal troubles since his arrest in December 2021, faced multiple charges tied to gang activity, including racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder, and possession of a firearm in connection with violent crimes.
The trial, which began on March 10, 2025, reached its climax when the jury returned a verdict on March 20, 2025, convicting Kay Flock on several serious charges related to his involvement with the Sevside gang. Although he was acquitted of a murder charge linked to the death of 24-year-old Oscar Hernandez, the conviction on other counts leaves him facing the possibility of a mandatory life sentence when sentencing is scheduled for July 16, 2025.
Kay Flock’s reaction to the verdict was immediate and intense. As the judge read the guilty verdicts, he displayed no remorse, leading to a swift exit from the courtroom that left the judge, his legal team, and onlookers in shock. His attorney, Michael Ashley, also left without making a statement, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Following the courtroom proceedings, Kay Flock took to his social media platforms to address his supporters. In a recorded audio message on Instagram, he expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout the trial, particularly thanking the judge and his attorney. However, he concluded the message with a controversial remark aimed at those who testified against him, which may further complicate his sentencing prospects. His comments included a vow to remain loyal to those he considers “thoroughbreds” and a harsh warning to “kill all rats.”
The trial has captivated fans and observers alike, as Kay Flock’s rise to fame in the Bronx drill rap scene has been marred by his deep involvement with gang activities. Prosecutors painted a picture of a man who not only participated in violent crime but also glorified it through his music, claiming that his lyrics served as confessions of criminal behavior. The prosecution cited specific incidents, including targeted shootings and retaliatory violence, as part of a broader pattern of gang-related activity orchestrated by Flock and his associates.
Kay Flock’s legal team has argued that his music does not necessarily reflect reality and that the use of lyrics as evidence undermines the creative expression of artists. Nonetheless, the jury agreed on several charges that could lead to severe consequences for the rapper.
The case has also drawn attention to broader societal issues, including the influence of street gangs in impoverished neighborhoods and the impact of drill music culture on youth violence. Following the verdict, U.S. Attorney Matthew Podilski hailed the conviction as a significant victory for the justice system, emphasizing the need to hold accountable those who instill fear in their communities through violence.
As Kay Flock’s supporters rally behind him, using hashtags like “Free Flock,” the rapper’s future remains uncertain. His conviction could potentially silence a burgeoning music career that had only begun to take shape before his legal troubles. With a life sentence looming, the outcome of the upcoming sentencing hearing will not only determine Kay Flock’s fate but also serve as an emblematic moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding drill music, gang culture, and justice in America.