Rapper Jay Rock has reportedly been arrested for the alleged illegal possession of a firearm.
Per an NBC 4 report, Rock was initially stopped by law enforcement officers in Los Angeles on Thursday (March 13) on suspicion of public drinking and trespassing. The incident took place near the Watts public housing complex where he grew up.
After being stopped by local authorities, Rock – real name Johnny Reed McKinzie – reportedly fled from his vehicle. NBC 4 reports that McKinzie was quickly caught up with by the police and detained. Upon further investigation of McKinzie’s vehicle, a gun was allegedly found in the car, and the rapper was booked for the illegal possession of a firearm.
A supporting LA Times article notes that the rapper’s booking was based on suspicion of violating California laws that prohibit people with prior felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions or active felony warrants from possessing a firearm.
Jay Rock was previously arrested in 2009 as the prime suspect in a shooting in the Watts neighbourhood, per The Express. Though he was later cleared, he was still detained for several outstanding warrants, hence the potential violation of possessing a firearm now.
At the time of writing, it is currently unclear if the rapper has posted bail. Details of a potential court appearance have also not been made public.
NME has reached out to Jay Rock’s representatives and Top Dawg Entertainment for comment.
Jay Rock, who is signed to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), is best known for his collaborations with Kendrick Lamar including the 2018 hit ‘King’s Dead’. ‘King’s Dead’ appeared on his third studio album ‘Redemption’, and featured on the Black Panther soundtrack, which was curated by Kendrick Lamar. In 2019, Jay Rock won Best Rap Performance alongside Kendrick Lamar, James Blake and Future for the same song.
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