French Rapper MHD Receives a 12-Year Prison Sentence for Murder
French rapper MHD, whose real name is Mohamed Sylla and is 29 years old, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for his involvement in a murder case.
The court in Paris found him guilty in connection with the gang-related killing of Loic K in the capital city in 2018. The court heard that MHD’s car, a Mercedes, struck the victim before a group of up to 12 people beat and stabbed him. MHD had pleaded “not guilty” to the charge. Five of his co-defendants were also convicted, while three others were acquitted.
MHD maintained his innocence throughout the trial, stating that he was not present at the crime scene and that the case against him relied on rumors. Evidence presented included footage filmed by a local resident from their home window, which identified MHD. Other witnesses recognized him by his hairstyle or a Puma sweatshirt, as he was a brand ambassador for the company. The car involved in the crime was found abandoned and burned out in a parking lot a day after the murder.
MHD gained fame as a pioneer of afro-trap, a fusion of hip-hop and African traditions. He rose to prominence as a viral sensation in 2015. In January 2019, he was charged with homicide and detained. He was released after a year and a half in custody, during which investigations continued, and he even released a new album.
Upon receiving the verdict, several women in the courtroom burst into tears. MHD, known for his love of football, calmly hugged one of them. Born in France to Guinean and Senegalese parents, he is best known for his song “Afro Trap Part 3 (Champions League),” dedicated to the Paris Saint-Germain football club. He had garnered international attention and support from global stars like Drake and Madonna.