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Kodak Black locked up again

Kodak Black’s most recent album, “Project Baby 2,” was released last August. (Photo courtesy of Rap-Up)

Kelly Skelton
Connector Editor

Dieuson Octave, better recognized for his stage name, Kodak Black, has never been able to separate himself from the street life. Despite amassing millions of dollars and hit songs, the Florida rapper has always maintained his credibility in criminal activity. Having had his fair share of run-ins with the law before, Kodak has yet again found himself arrested.

This time, the hip-hop sensation has been his own worst enemy. On Jan. 18, authorities entered his house with a warrant while Kodak was on an Instagram live stream. It would later be discovered that the artist’s stream is in fact how the police were tipped off. Kodak and his entourage are currently facing seven felony charges. These charges include grand theft of a firearm, two counts of possession of a weapon or ammo by a Florida adult felon, possession of cannabis over 20 grams of synthetic cannabis over three grams, neglecting a child without great bodily harm, and two counts of probation violation.

Despite his mistakes, Kodak could have avoided this arrest by simply not broadcasting his environment on social media. The rapper was seen speaking to his followers while a child roamed around in the background with a Florida felon wielding a firearm. Kodak would later indulge in the use of marijuana before being interrupted and taken into custody.

Past criminal instances include weapon possession, drug possession, rape accusation and house arrest violation. Although Kodak moved into an upscale, golf course neighboring home last year, the rapper has maintained his connections to his past community. Upon his arrest, a music video debuted Kodak’s most recent song “1800 Nights,” in which he articulates his struggle to migrate away from his dangerous upbringing. “To all of my [friends] in prison, if you’re listening right now, I miss you,” said Kodak.

Kodak was among the first wave of successful Florida rappers to create trap music, a dark and honest form of rap music traditionally featuring loud beats and extreme amounts of profanity. After breaking into the music scene with tracks like “No Flockin” and “Like Dat,” the Pompano Beach, Fa native signed a record label with Atlantic Records and launched a clothing brand named Sniper Gang Apparel. In 2017, Kodak released his largest hit to date, “Tunnel Vision.” The visual for this release has since gathered 191 million views on YouTube.

Kodak Black visited Lowell, Mass. on Nov. 10. As a tribute to his humble beginnings, his stage setting featured a life size apartment, identical to his childhood neighborhood of Golden Acres. During his performance, Kodak set fire to a dollar bill and serenaded the crowd while sitting on a milk carton.

Since last week’s arrest, Kodak has asked the judge to investigate the true possession of the weapons confiscated, believed to be his own. The 20-year-old has pleaded for authorities to dust the firearms for fingerprints, in an attempt to prove that they were not his. Bail was also denied for his charges.

Kodak Black’s label representative from Atlantic Records, Ashley Kalmanowitz, was unavailable for comment.

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