Sheff G has surrendered to authorities to begin serving a five-year prison sentence, bringing to a close a turbulent chapter in the career of one of Brooklyn's drill stars.
On Wednesday, Sheff G, whose real name is Michael Williams, was sentenced after pleading guilty earlier this year to two counts of attempted murder and a conspiracy charge. The plea deal came amid a sweeping investigation into gang-related shootings tied to the 8 Trey Crips and its affiliate, the 9 Ways gang. Under the terms of his sentence, the 27-year-old will also face five years of supervised release upon his release from prison. Video footage from Street Soldiers host Lisa Evers showed Sheff turning himself in.
Prosecutors alleged Sheff G used his music earnings to bankroll the gang, lavishing members with jewelry and expensive dinners, even treating them to a steakhouse celebration after a deadly 2020 shooting. He was also accused of acting as a getaway driver during a 2021 shooting that wounded two bystanders.
Surveillance footage, social media posts, and lyrics from Sheff G and his close collaborator, Brooklyn rapper Sleepy Hallow, were cited as evidence of their involvement in the violence. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez criticized the rapper for wasting his opportunities by stating after the sentencing, "This defendant had talent and opportunity, but chose to use them to fuel violence instead of building a better future."
Last week, Sleepy Hallow was sentenced to a year in jail after pleading guilty to conspiracy charges. Ahead of Sheff's sentencing, his supporters urged leniency, citing his community work.
Letters sent to Judge Chun included one from Allen DeWane, CEO of Acuity Productions, who praised the rapper's outreach to at-risk youth and highlighted his participation in anti-violence events, including a speech at the United Nations' Barbados consulate.
"Michael is [a] platinum-selling recording artist who uses his fame … to inspire at-risk youth to not repeat the mistakes that led to his current legal troubles," DeWane wrote. "I request that you reconsider sending Michael to prison and instead allow him to use his notoriety for more community service."
Another letter came from David Gordon, Regional Director of Programs for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area. Gordon recounted how Sheff G visited Albany, NY in June, sharing his personal experiences with gang life and urging young people to avoid similar mistakes.
"Michael's kindness and generosity will be remembered for a long time by our young people," Gordon wrote, asking the court to allow the rapper to continue touring and mentoring youth.
Sheff G's attorney Arthur Aidala told FOX 5 NY's Lisa Evers that the rapper could have been facing decades behind bars but his sentence was reduced to five years.