A popular rapper from the Bronx has been sentenced to decades in prison. Kay Flock, whose real name is Kevin Perez, received a 30-year sentence on Tuesday. The sentence comes after he was found guilty on serious federal charges earlier this year.
The 21-year-old rapper was convicted back in March. A jury found him guilty of racketeering conspiracy and attempted murder. He was also found guilty of illegally possessing a firearm. However, the jury did not find him guilty of a separate murder charge.
Kay Flock was first arrested in December 2021. He was charged with first-degree murder at that time. Police said he was involved in the shooting death of a man named Oscar Hernandez. The shooting happened outside a barbershop in Harlem, New York.
His legal troubles grew in 2023. Federal prosecutors indicted him on new charges. They accused him of leading a violent street gang in the Bronx. The gang was known as “Sev Side” or “DOA.” After this indictment, he was moved from city jail to federal custody.
In court this week, U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman handed down the sentence. The judge spoke directly to the rapper about his actions.
“You taunted, you celebrated and you helped create a cycle of violence,” Judge Liman said, according to reports. “To date, you’ve shown no real remorse for your conduct.”
The judge did note that Flock’s difficult upbringing was considered. He grew up in a neighborhood with frequent violence.
Before the sentence was announced, Kay Flock addressed the judge. He talked about how he has changed since the crimes happened.
“What I was at 18 is not what I am today,” Flock said. “I was just a kid. Didn’t really know better.”
Federal prosecutors had a strong response to the verdict. Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky released a statement after the March conviction.
He called Flock a gang leader who “committed a series of gang-motivated shootings.” Podolsky also said Flock “instilled fear across the community” and bragged about violence in his music.
“But as a unanimous jury has now found,” Podolsky stated, “Perez can no longer hide behind his music, and instead will be held to account for his violent crimes.”
Flock’s lawyer, Michael T. Ashley, also spoke after the conviction in March. He said his client respected the jury’s decision but would appeal.
“We will continue to pursue all avenues available, including an appeal,” Ashley said.
Kay Flock was a rising star in the “drill rap” music scene. This genre often describes street life and violence in major cities. His songs gained millions of views online before his arrest.
