Atlanta rapper Ca$h Out, known for early 2010s hits like “Cashin’ Out” and “She Twerkin,” was sentenced to life in prison on Monday after being convicted of rape, sex trafficking, and racketeering.
A Georgia jury found the artist, whose legal name is John Michael Hakeem Gibson, guilty of orchestrating a criminal enterprise that targeted and exploited women through violence, coercion, and manipulation. The sentence includes life without parole and an additional 70 years.
Gibson, 33, was once a staple in hip-hop circles, celebrated for his flashy persona and club-ready singles. That public image now stands in stark contrast to the disturbing allegations that unraveled in court.
Prosecutors argued he used his celebrity status to lure women under false pretenses and force them into sex work. Jurors sided with the state after hearing harrowing testimony from multiple victims.
His sentence includes life terms for rape and aggravated sodomy, along with two consecutive 20-year sentences for sex trafficking and another 20 years for racketeering. Additional convictions include battery, pimping, firearm possession, and obstruction. Gibson must register as a sex offender and will be barred from specific Atlanta areas, including Fulton Industrial Boulevard, long associated with trafficking activity.
During sentencing, survivors shared powerful statements detailing long-term emotional trauma. One woman said she lives in fear of Gibson, adding, “He’ll always be in the back of my mind.”
Another victim’s family accused Gibson of “stealing souls,” calling his behavior calculated and “diabolical.”
Gibson denied wrongdoing, claiming his accusers had been manipulated into testifying and likened his fate to that of Jesus. The judge dismissed those remarks, citing overwhelming evidence of cruelty and control.
Gibson’s defense argued the life sentence punished him for refusing a 25-year plea deal. Though appeals may follow, legal experts believe a reversal is unlikely due to the case’s severity.
Advocacy groups such as RAINN and Polaris continue to raise awareness about trafficking. They stress the importance of supporting survivors and recognizing the warning signs.
For the music world, Gibson’s downfall is a chilling reminder of how power can be weaponized—and how accountability can still prevail.
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