Bronx rapper Kay Flock, whose real name is Kevin Perez, was once seen as one of the most promising young artists in New York drill music. His rise was fast, but so was his fall — from charting songs to federal charges. Indeed, behind the fame were growing legal issues that eventually led to one of the most high-profile rapper trials in recent memory.
Murder Charge
On 23 Dec 2021, Kay Flock was arrested and charged with murder in connection to the fatal shooting of 24 year old Hwascar Hernandez outside a Harlem barbershop.
What Happened:
- The incident took place in broad daylight.
- Investigators claimed Perez shot Hernandez after a brief argument.
- Police later connected surveillance footage and ballistic evidence to the case.
He turned himself in after a warrant was issued and was booked into Rikers Island while awaiting trial.
His lawyers maintained that Kay Flock acted in self-defense, arguing that Hernandez approached him aggressively and reached for a weapon first. And most importantly, he found innocent in only murder but found guilty in other things connect to this case.
Federal Charges and Indictment
In Feb 2023, things got worse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York filed federal racketeering and gang-related charges against Kay Flock and several others allegedly tied to the Sev Side / DOA Gang.
The indictment accused them of:
- Racketeering conspiracy
- Use of firearms in violent crimes
- Attempted murder
- Assault with deadly weapons
Prosecutors said the group used their music to “glorify violence” and intimidate rivals.
Kay Flock’s name appeared as a primary defendant, and prosecutors claimed he used fame and money to further gang activity — accusations his defense firmly denied.
The Trial: What Happened in Court
| Date | Event |
| Dec 2021 | Arrested and charged with murder |
| Feb 2023 | Indicted on federal RICO and firearm charges |
| Mar 2025 | Trial began in federal court |
| Dec 2025 (expected) | Sentencing scheduled |
The federal trial began in March 2025 in New York. It became one of the most closely watched rapper court cases since Bobby Shmurda’s.
Inside the Courtroom
- Prosecutors argued that Kay Flock was part of a pattern of violence and used his fame to promote it.
- The defense countered that lyrics were artistic expression and that the government stretched the evidence.
- Testimony included witnesses, phone data, and social-media evidence allegedly connecting him to gang activities.
After several weeks, the jury reached a mixed verdict.
Kay Flock was acquitted of the most serious charge — murder in aid of racketeering — but convicted of several others, including:
- Racketeering conspiracy
- Use of a firearm in a violent crime
- Attempted murder and assault
This meant he avoided a mandatory life sentence, but the convictions still carry decades in federal prison.
What the Jury Decision Means
- The acquittal gave him a small legal victory.
- The remaining charges guarantee a significant prison sentence.
- Prosecutors celebrated the result as “accountability for violent conduct.”
Sentencing and Expected Release Date
As of now, Kay Flock remains in federal custody awaiting sentencing. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 16, 2025.
Possible Sentence:
- Minimum: 10 years in prison
- Likely Range: 20 years – life, depending on guidelines and judge’s decision
His defense team plans to argue for a lighter sentence, highlighting his age, upbringing, and potential for rehabilitation.
Current Status
| Proceedings | Detail |
| Custody | Federal facility, New York jurisdiction |
| Convictions | Racketeering, firearm, assault charges |
| Murder Charge | Acquitted |
| Sentencing Date | July 16, 2025 |
| Expected Release | Unconfirmed; earliest estimate ≈ mid-2030s |
| Defense Goal | Appeal or reduced term |
Given how federal sentences work, even with good-behavior credits, he will likely serve at least 85 % of his time before becoming eligible for release.
Even though Kay Flock is behind bars, his name remains alive in drill culture. His team release previously recorded songs and manage social-media pages.
His label, Capitol Records, hasn’t dropped him but has paused promotion until the legal situation is clearer. Some industry insiders believe that, once he’s released, he could see a massive comeback similar to other artists who rebuilt after prison.
Music Still Streaming
- His mixtape The D.O.A. Tape remains one of the top-streamed drill projects from New York.
- Fans still post snippets of unreleased verses and freestyles.
- Collaborators like Dougie B and B Lovee publicly express support.
Role of Drill Lyrics in the Case
One controversial part of the trial was the use of Kay Flock’s lyrics as evidence. Prosecutors presented parts of his songs to claim he bragged about crimes.
Defense attorneys argued that drill music is artistic expression and shouldn’t be treated as a confession.
This debate reignited national discussion about freedom of speech versus self-incrimination in rap, echoing earlier cases involving Young Thug and others.
Success Chances of his Case:
Even though the outlook is difficult, Kay Flock still has a few legal paths ahead:
- Appeal: His lawyers have hinted at appealing specific convictions, claiming bias in jury selection and improper evidence use.
- Sentence reduction: With good behavior and educational programs, he could shave off some years.
- New music from prison: Like other incarcerated rappers, he could continue releasing pre-recorded content.
Expectations and Legacy
Many supporters view Kay Flock as a symbol of how the system treats young rappers from tough neighborhoods. They believe his case reflects how fame and street ties can collide, often with irreversible results.
If he eventually wins an appeal or secures early release, the drill community expects a major return — both in music and public conversation.
Kay Flock’s trial and conviction mark one of the most dramatic stories in modern hip-hop. He went from viral fame to facing decades in federal prison within just a few years.
- He remains incarcerated, awaiting sentencing.
- His release date is not confirmed, but it could be many years away.
- His influence in drill music endures, even behind bars.
For now, Kay Flock’s life stands as a cautionary tale: fame and fast success can disappear overnight when real-world violence and the justice system intervene.
His supporters hold on to hope that one day the Bronx rapper will walk free — older, wiser, and ready for a second chance.