Rapper Twista Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion, Facing Prison Time
The music world is currently catching up to a legal reality for rapper Twista, born Carl Mitchell, who has pleaded guilty to five counts of willfully failing to pay taxes over a five-year period spanning 2019 through 2023.
This plea marks a significant moment for the 52-year-old Chicago native, as he faces substantial federal consequences. He is currently facing up to five years in prison, alongside potential fines and additional penalties related to his outstanding tax debts.
The financial scope of the issue is staggering. The rapper owes the IRS over $440,000 in back taxes alone. A detailed breakdown shows liabilities across recent years, including $18,891.25 for 2019 and $71,703 for 2022.
The investigation revealed a complex scheme involving payments received through a third-party company, with allegations that Twista knowingly failed to report or pay taxes on these funds. Federal prosecutors claimed the rapper received payments totaling $578,322 while simultaneously acquiring luxury vehicles instead of settling his financial obligations.
The purchased assets listed in court documents include high-end items such as a 2015 BMW I8, a 2016 Tesla Model X, a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette, and a 2025 Jeep Gladiator.
The financial trail extends even further back, with the discovery of unpaid tax liabilities dating from 2011 through 2018, totaling tens of thousands of dollars in outstanding amounts and penalties.
Twista rose to fame in the early 2000s, carving out a niche known for his speedy rapping and distinctive breath control. He achieved notable success with albums like Kamikaze in 2004, which topped the Billboard 200 chart, and several hits on the Billboard Hot 100.
His career highlights include top-ten placements on the Hot 100 with tracks such as “Slow Jamz” featuring Ye and Jamie Foxx, “Overnight Celebrity,” and Trick Daddy’s “Let’s Go.”
While the legal proceedings continue, Twista’s future depends on his sentencing scheduled for October 22nd. The case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities that can accompany a high-profile career and significant financial mismanagement.
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Credit: Billboard
