Chicago rap veteran Twista has pleaded guilty in federal court after prosecutors accused him of dodging hundreds of thousands of dollars in income taxes over multiple years. The 52-year-old, born Carl Mitchell, admitted to five counts of willfully failing to pay income tax during a hearing in U.S. District Court last month.
According to court documents, Twista failed to pay income taxes from 2019 through 2023 despite earning substantial income from performances, streaming royalties, album sales, and music licensing. Each count carries a maximum sentence of up to one year in prison, meaning he could face up to five years behind bars when he is sentenced on October 22.
Federal prosecutors say the rapper’s unpaid tax obligations date back to 2011 and total more than $440,000. Both the IRS and his accountants repeatedly warned him about his growing tax debt and his legal obligation to pay. Despite those warnings, he continued to withhold what he owed.
Instead of settling his debt, prosecutors claim Twista entered agreements with a third-party company to receive advances on future royalty payments. Officials say this move was structured specifically to keep the IRS from accessing those funds. Investigators also allege he continued spending heavily during the period, purchasing at least four luxury vehicles rather than addressing his tax liability.
Twista, known for his rapid-fire delivery and hits like “Slow Jamz” and “Overnight Celebrity,” rose to fame in the early 2000s as one of hip-hop’s most distinctive voices. His 2004 album Kamikaze reached platinum status. But this legal battle has now cast a shadow over his decades-long career.
The rapper is scheduled to be sentenced on October 22. While he faces up to five years in federal prison, the final punishment will be determined by a federal judge. Factors including his cooperation, remorse, and efforts to repay the debt could influence the outcome.
