90s and 2000s rap legend Twista, whose legal name is Carl Mitchell, pleaded guilty in federal court to five misdemeanor counts of willfully failing to pay federal income taxes, resolving charges tied to unpaid tax obligations between 2019 and 2023.
According to a plea agreement, Mitchell, 52, admitted he failed to pay approximately $175,000 in federal income taxes during the five-year period. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 22. Each misdemeanor count carries a statutory maximum sentence of one year in prison.
Court records indicate the Chicago legend’s unpaid federal tax liabilities extend beyond the charged conduct. The Internal Revenue Service alleges he owes more than $440,000 in outstanding taxes dating to 2011.
Mitchell’s attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Federal prosecutors said Mitchell earned income through live performances, album sales, music streaming, publishing royalties and other entertainment-related activities while repeatedly receiving notice from both the IRS and his accountants regarding his tax obligations.
Chicago Rap Legend Twista Pleads Guilty To $440K Upaid Taxes, Faces 5 Years In Prison
Despite those notices, prosecutors alleged Mitchell spent substantial sums on luxury vehicles rather than satisfying his outstanding tax debt. Court filings state he purchased a Chevrolet Corvette for approximately $100,000, a BMW i8 for nearly $80,000, a Tesla for about $65,000 and a Jeep costing roughly $65,000.
The government further alleged that Mitchell “routinely made other large, nonessential purchases when he could have used available funds to pay his outstanding tax debts.”
Prosecutors also contend Mitchell entered into an arrangement with a third-party company to receive advances against future royalty payments. According to the IRS, the structure allowed him to access royalty income before distribution while avoiding immediate tax withholding.
As part of the plea agreement, Mitchell agreed to pay approximately $440,000 in restitution to the U.S. Treasury Department. He also remains liable for any accrued interest and applicable penalties.
Twista received two Grammy Award nominations in 2005 for “Slow Jamz,” a collaboration with Kanye West and Jamie Foxx, and his solo hit “Overnight Celebrity.” He is often referenced as a pioneer in Chicago hip-hop.
The guilty plea concludes the criminal phase of the tax case, with sentencing and restitution still pending before the federal court.
Leave a Reply