Summary (tl;dr)

Bronx drill rapper Kay Flock, whose real name is Kevin Perez, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder, and firearms offenses, effectively ending his burgeoning music career.

Essential Background

Kay Flock was a rising drill rapper from the Bronx and identified as a leader of the "Sev Side/DOA" gang. His legal troubles began in December 2021 when he was arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Oscar Hernandez outside a barbershop in Harlem. In February 2023, the case escalated to a federal indictment under the RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) statute. These charges encompassed a series of violent crimes, including attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon, linked to seven shooting incidents in the Bronx between June 2020 and February 2022. In March 2025, a jury found him guilty of racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and firearm discharge offenses, though he was acquitted of the direct murder charge related to Hernandez.

The Full Story

On December 16, 2025, Kay Flock was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman in Manhattan federal court. The sentence also includes five years of supervised release. Judge Liman strongly criticized Perez, stating he was responsible for four shootings and seven victims, and condemned him for glorifying violence and showing a lack of remorse. Prosecutors had argued that Kay Flock used his music to glorify gang activity and violence to advance his career, presenting his lyrics as evidence of intent and affiliation. His defense attorney has indicated plans to appeal the sentence, challenging its severity and the prosecution's use of rap lyrics as evidence.

Why It Matters

This lengthy prison sentence marks a definitive end to the 22-year-old rapper's music career, which was gaining significant traction prior to his arrest. The case has reignited broader discussions regarding the controversial practice of using rap lyrics as evidence in court and highlights the pervasive issue of gang violence affecting young musicians. Federal authorities have lauded the outcome as a crucial step in combating organized violence and disrupting cycles of retaliatory shootings that have endangered residents and destabilized neighborhoods throughout the Bronx.

Geographic Location

• Bronx, New York, United States (Sev Side/DOA gang operations and multiple shooting incidents)
• Harlem, New York County, New York, United States (Oscar Hernandez shooting incident)
• Manhattan federal court, New York County, New York, United States (sentencing location)