On Thursday (April 2), Pooh Shiesty was one of eight men arrested on kidnapping and robbery charges tied to a physical altercation regarding his recording contract with Gucci Mane’s 1017 Records.
According to U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould for the Northern District of Texas, Shiesty arranged a meeting in Dallas on Jan. 10 to discuss the status of his record contract. Per CBS News, Gucci Mane was among the individuals at the meeting. During the meeting, the complaint states that an armed incident occurred, resulting in one of the victims being choked.
“Williams Jr. produced an AK-style pistol and forced one of the victims to sign a release from the recording contract at gunpoint,” Raybould said. “The remaining conspirators displayed firearms and robbed the other victims of Rolex watches, jewelry, cash and other high-value items. One of the victims was actually choked by one of the victims to near-unconsciousness.”
Shiesty signed with Gucci’s 1017 Records in April of 2020 in partnership with Atlantic Records. The Memphis star struck gold quickly, vaulting into the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 the same year with his hit single “Back in Blood.” The song peaked at No. 13 and earned Shiesty instant acclaim, as he was named a XXL Freshman and Billboard Hip-Hop Rookie of the Month.
Shortly after the release of his debut mixtape, Shiesty Season, in February 2021, Shiesty’s brush with the law stunted his growth. He was arrested twice in a year, and ultimately slapped with firearm conspiracy charges, resulting in a five-year sentence in April 2022. Due to good behavior, he was released in October 2025. Shortly after his release, he dropped his fiery comeback track “FDO,” which rocketed to No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Rap Songs charts.
See our full timeline of Pooh Shiesty’s relationship with Gucci Mane below.
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April 2020: Pooh Shiesty Signs to 1017 Records
After releasing a few singles — including “Shiesty Summer,” “At It Again” and “Day One” — Shiesty’s rise caught the attention of Gucci Mane. Shiesty would sign a joint venture deal with Mane’s 1017 label and Atlantic Records, consummating their working relationship.
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June 2020: Shiesty & Gucci Link Up For First-Ever Collaboration”Still Remember”
Shiesty and Mane teamed up for their first collaboration, “Still Remember.” The duo’s chemistry portrayed a passing of the torch moment, as Guwop seemed confident in Pooh’s superstar potential and ability to serve as an anchor for 1017. Less than a week later, Shiesty released “Monday to Sunday” featuring Lil Baby and Big 30, further elevating his torrid rookie run.
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October 2020: Shiesty Arrested on Criminal Charges in Bay Harbor Islands
Shiesty was arrested in connection with a shooting in Bay Harbor Islands, Florida. There, he faced several criminal charges, including armed robbery, aggravated assault, battery and criminal theft.
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November 2020: Shiesty Nails First Hot 100 Hit With Sinister Single “Back in Blood”
Shiesty’s star officially rose when he unleashed his breakout single, “Back in Blood,” featuring Lil Durk. The chilling record oozed venom and edge, as both stars slid on the track with cruel intentions. Anchored by revenge, “Back in Blood” soared to No. 13 on the Hot 100 and became Shiesty’s first platinum record.
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February 2021: Shiesty Drops Debut Mixtape & Speaks on Gucci Mane
The Memphis upstart released his debut mixtape, Shiesty Season. The 17-track collection included features from Lil Durk, Gucci Mane, 21 Savage, and more. Along with the release, Shiesty was crowned Billboard’s February Hip-Hop Rookie of the Month. Serving as the inaugural pick for the franchise, Shiesty spoke on why he ultimately chose to sign with Gucci’s 1017 imprint, saying, “I don’t know who else I would go to. Ain’t nobody was coming at me like ‘Wop. It just made perfect sense.” Shiesty Season debuted No. 4 on the Billboard 200 with 62,000 album equivalent units.
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June 2021: Shiesty Gets Arrested Again in Florida in Connection With Shooting
Shiesty was once again arrested, but this time in connection with a strip club shooting in Miami. He was held in jail without bond. Later that month, he was indicted on the October 2020 shooting.
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April 2022: Shiesty Sentenced to Five Years in Prison
After being held without in jail with bond in July 2021, Shiesty pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges and faced up to eight years in prison. Later in April, he was sentenced to five years and three months in prison for the gun conspiracy conviction, linked to his October 2020 incident.
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October 2025: Shiesty Released From Prison
After serving 63 months in prison, Shiesty was released early for good behavior.
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December 2025: Shiesty Returns to Music With “FDO”
Shiesty returned to music with “FDO (First Day Out).” The blistering track was a five-minute blitz, as he looked to forcefully return to hip-hop’s mainstage. Released through Atlantic Records and 1017, “FDO” peaked at No. 12 on the Hot 100 in January.
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January 2026: Shiesty Speaks on Success on “FDO” Days After Alleged Incident With Gucci Mane
Days after his alleged dispute with Guwop, Shiesty sat down with Billboard to discuss his return from prison. He chimed in on his relationship with Gucci Mane, offering that the 1017 honcho applauded “FDO.” “He went crazy. He couldn’t believe it,” he said.
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April 2026: Shiesty Arrested on Robbery & Kidnapping Charges Over Contract Dispute With Gucci Mane
On Thursday (April 2), Shiesty was arrested on robbery and kidnapping charges over his 1017 recording contract. The incident included Gucci Mane as one of three victims. According to the Department of Justice, Pooh, his father and rapper Big 30 were among the eight people arrested in connection with the violent dispute that took place on Jan. 10 in Dallas.
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