Twista Tax Evasion Case Could Send Chicago Rapper To Prison For Five Years
Chicago rapper Twista, known for hits like “Overnight Celebrity” and “Slow Jamz,” is facing the possibility of prison time after pleading guilty in a federal tax case tied to several years of unpaid income taxes.
Twista, whose legal name is Carl Mitchell, pleaded guilty to five counts of willfully failing to pay federal income taxes. Prosecutors said Mitchell failed to pay income taxes from 2019 through 2023 despite earning money from music royalties, streaming revenue, album sales and live performances.
According to FOX 32, the “Overnight Celebrity” rapper, whose real name is Carl Mitchell, pleaded guilty earlier this week to five counts of willfully failing to pay income tax. Prosecutors allege Mitchell failed to pay income taxes between 2019 and 2023 and owed more than $440,000 in back taxes.
Prosecutors Say IRS Warned Twista Repeatedly
Court documents state that the IRS and Mitchell’s accountants repeatedly notified him about the debt and his obligation to pay. Prosecutors also alleged Mitchell tried to avoid collection by entering agreements with a third-party company to receive advances on future royalty payments, funds they said the IRS could not seize to satisfy the debt.
Federal authorities said Mitchell continued making luxury purchases instead of paying what he owed, including buying several high-end vehicles to maintain the public image and lifestyle he had built over his decades-long rap career.
“Too many honest Americans work hard, pay their taxes, and do the right thing to tolerate someone who believes the rules don’t apply to them,” Adam Jobes, special agent in charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Chicago Field Office, said in a statement.
Sentencing Set For October
By pleading guilty to all five counts, Mitchell faces up to one year in prison on each count, meaning he could receive a maximum sentence of five years. A federal judge will determine the sentence after reviewing federal sentencing guidelines and other factors.
His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 22.
Twista, 52, rose to national attention in the 1990s with his rapid-fire delivery and breakout features, including Do or Die’s 1996 hit “Po Pimp.” His 1997 album “Adrenaline Rush” later went platinum.
He reached one of the biggest commercial peaks of his career in 2004 with “Kamikaze,” which featured the No. 1 hit “Slow Jamz” with Kanye West and Jamie Foxx. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking the only No. 1 album of Twista’s career.
