Louisiana Hip-Hop Artist Mystikal Receives Two-Decade Prison Term for Sexual Assault

A Grammy-nominated performer from Louisiana will serve 20 years behind bars after admitting guilt to third-degree rape at his home near Baton Rouge in 2022.

Louisiana Hip-Hop Artist Mystikal Receives Two-Decade Prison Term for Sexual Assault

A well-known hip-hop figure who once vied for Grammy honors will spend the next 20 years incarcerated following a conviction for attacking a woman at his residence near Baton Rouge, G4Media reports.

Michael Lawrence Tyler — professionally called Mystikal — struck a plea deal in March that reduced his charge from first-degree to third-degree rape. The lesser classification spared him from an automatic life term, though the judge imposed the maximum allowed under the agreement.

Just before his scheduled sentencing on Tuesday, Tyler tried to undo his guilty plea. He argued through counsel that he lacked adequate time to weigh the repercussions of his admission. The court rejected the motion.

During the hearing, the survivor delivered a statement requesting the harshest possible punishment. She described being struck, strangled, and sexually violated at Tyler's Prairieville property, located about half an hour from Louisiana's capital. She also said he yanked her hair during the ordeal.

Since his apprehension in 2022, Tyler has remained in custody at the Ascension Parish detention facility without the option of posting bond.

The performer first gained nationwide attention during the 1990s. His biggest commercial success came with "Shake Ya A**," a 2000 release that scored a nod at the Grammy Awards for top male rap solo performance.

Tyler's criminal record includes a prior sexual offense. In 2003, he admitted guilt to sexual battery and served six years in prison. Ironically, that same year brought him two Grammy nominations — one for best rap album with "Tarantula" and another for best male rap solo performance with "Bouncin' Back (Bumpin' Me Against The Wall)."

Source: G4Media