Rapper Sheff G reports for prison sentence
Rapper Sheff G turned himself into Brooklyn Supreme Court to report of a five-year prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to attempted murder and gang conspiracy charges.
BROOKLYN – Brooklyn drill pioneer Sheff G surrendered to authorities on Wednesday morning to begin serving a five-year prison sentence on a gang conspiracy plea deal.
FOX 5 THE’s Lisa Evers has covered Sheff G’s arrest and has had numerous conversations with him about his journey with music and the legal system.
The backstory:
Prosecutors had pushed for 20 years, but the judge ruled that since Sheff G was never proven to be a “trigger puller,” he would receive five years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision.
What we know:
Sheff G was surrounded by his girlfriend, family and supporters as he walked into court on Wednesday.
Inside, Judge Danny Chun noted that the rapper and former gang leader had complied with all court regulations during his nearly 18 months on parole, and had been productive and built his career.
Sheff G’s attorney Arthur Aidala told FOX 5 THE’s Lisa Evers that Sheff G’s sentence could have been much worse, even decades behind bars.
Who is Sheff G?
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez described the 25-year-old rapper, whose real name is Michael Williams, as both a “founding father” of Brooklyn drill music and a “gangland godfather.” Once immersed in the streets, Sheff G swapped his old life for recording studios and concert stages. Now, he’s facing the consequences of his past.
In 2023, Williams was booked as one of 32 alleged members of the “8-Trey Crips” and “9 Ways Gang” named in a 140-count murder conspiracy casewhich also named Tegan “Sleepy Hallow” Chambers.
From tours to prison
Just last month, Sheff G wrapped a sold-out 18-city tour with fellow drill star Sleepy Hallow. Their final show at Terminal 5 in Manhattan was packed with fans celebrating their music milestones.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 20: Sleepy Hallow and Sheff appear during the 9th Annual “Million Dollar Giveback” Christmas Event on December 20, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
In the months since being released on bail, the two have launched a label, signed a major deal, and earned gold and platinum records.
“We be doing the shows, and after the shows we be doing the meet and greets. So we really like getting to talk to the fans and see what songs they like,” Sheff told Evers. He added that despite drill’s violent reputation, his concerts have been safe: “Not at all. Not at all Lisa.”
The case against Sheff G
When asked if there has ever been any violence, such as shootings, at his events, the rapper said “not at all.”
“Not at all, not at all Lisa. You know what’s crazy. This is my second tour since I’ve been home and this one I actually got to do with Sleepy, so it was way more bigger, way more better,” he said.
Sheff G, Sleepy Hallow arrested in major NYPD gang takedown
Two popular drill artists, Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow, along with 30 other men and women, are charged in a sweeping gang murder conspiracy case in Brooklyn. FOX 5 NY’s Lisa Evers had an exclusive look inside the NYPD investigation that helped build a case.
“If Sheff said something, it happened,” NYPD Assistant Chief of Detectives Jason Savino told FOX 5 at the time. “A simple text, ‘We got to get a big one,’ created a war.”
Sheff G posted $1.5 million bail in April 2024, but pleaded guilty in March 2025 to attempted murder and conspiracy charges.
Despite the looming prison term, Sheff G says he’s determined to leave the streets behind for good. He’s been outspoken about steering young people away from gang life, even addressing youth and officials at the United Nations and state legislative offices.
“It’s always going to be tough,” he said. “You build, and you put the right things in place and the right people in place, and you hope for the worst—I mean the best.”
Can Trump pardon Sheff G?
In 2024, Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow joined President Donald Trump on stage at his campaign rally in Crotona Park in the South Bronx, one of the most Democratic counties in the nation.
Trump introduced the two drill artists, who were already charged in a sweeping gang murder conspiracy case, and briefly gave them the mic.
The U.S. Constitution gives the president the power to pardon people for federal crimes, except in cases of impeachment. A pardon is legal forgiveness as it ends punishment and restores rights like voting or running for office. While this power is broad, it only applies to federal crimes, not state offenses.
What’s next:
Sheff G will be brought to Riker’s Island on Wednesday, where he could spend several weeks before being transferred to a prison upstate.
The Source: This report is based on information from FOX 5 NY’s Lisa Evers.