Mystikal wanted on rape charges, bail set at $2 million
The New Orleans rap legend is already a registered sex offender.
An arrest warrant for first-degree rape has been issued by Shreveport, La. police for legendary emcee Mystikal, according to reports by KSLA. Police alleged that Mystikal, born Michael Tyler, and another man Averweone Holman sexually assaulted a woman on October 22 of last year at a Shreveport Casino. Mystikal had been performing there as part of a concert called “Legends of Southern Hip-Hop.”
Musically, Mystikal is one of the most lauded and successful rappers from down bottom, and especially in his home state of Louisania. Just last month, Mystikal performed at the New Orleans Superdome as part of a massive No Limit Records reunion show at the 2017 Essence Festival. No Limit head honcho Master P was also planning to bring Mystikal out on the road for a reunion tour along with other staples on the iconic label including Mia X, Silkk The Shocker and P’s son Romeo “Lil Romeo” Miller. It is too early to say whether to say if this latest serious legal entanglement will have an impeding effect on his travel.
Reports say a $2 million bail has been set for Mystikal and Holman. Holman, 26, has already been arrested, in Killeen, TX on Friday. He was taken in by U.S. Marshalls. A woman, 42-year-old Tenichia Wafford is also wanted by police as an accessory-after-the-fact to the alleged rape. She too, has a $2 million bail.
Mystikal, already a registered sex offender in Louisiana, was one of the hottest names in hip-hop back in 2003 when he went to prison for sexual assault. He plead guilty to sexual battery and extortion charges. He’s been home for almost eight years now, but his career has never been the same. Despite keeping a steady presence doing shows, his music releases have been scarce.
Upon his release, Mystikal and longtime Cash Money records producer and artist Mannie Fresh were working on an LP that has never surfaced. In 2011, it was announced Mystikal had signed to Cash Money Records and the label CEO said he wasn’t going to use any of the Fresh production.
“It is an honor to get the opportunity to work with Mystikal, as we have a long history together,” Birdman said in a statement from the time. “It has been a truly long time since I have felt like a rapper and with this signing, and partnership, Birdman and Slim have given me my life as a rapper back.”
“I am ready to go,” Mystikal added in the statement. “I am going to put my red Superman drawers, cape and boots on and go! This is a huge moment for me and I am truly excited to be with Cash Money Records.”
The song “Original” featuring Birdman and Lil Wayne came out on the label, but an album was never released, and the two parties parted ways. Mystikal did get a spark in 2014 when he and Mark Ronson performed “Feel Right” from Ronson’s Uptown Special LP on “Saturday Night Live.” The record became an international hit. The two performed a few months later on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.”
Mystikal or his camp could not be reached for comment.