Philly Rapper AR-Ab Convicted For Turning Record Label Into Drug Ring, Implicated On 2 Murders, Blew A Kiss After Verdict Read In Court

Philly Rapper AR-Ab Convicted For Turning Record Label Into Drug Ring, Implicated on Two Murders, Blew A Kiss After Verdict Read In Court

Philadelphia rapper AR-Ab is facing at least 15 years in jail after he was found guilty for operating a drug ring and implicated on two murders Tuesday (Nov. 20).

A jury in a Philadelphia federal court carried out the verdict against AR-Ab, whose real name is Abdul West, as well as three of his friends. They were accused of transforming their Original Block Hustlaz (OBH) into a well-known drug ring in North Philly. They were also implicated on at least two killings.

AR-Ab and his entourage weren’t charged with the murders, but prosecutors suggested that they were definitely connected to them.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett R. Witherell said during his closing remarks,

“Every one of them had their hustles. But it all ran through Mr. West.”

AR-Ab was reportedly stale-faced when the verdicts were announced on conspiracy and distribution of crack cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine.

Interestingly enough, reports also say he flashed a smile and blew a kiss as he was escorted out of the courtroom in handcuffs.

During the two-week trial, the jury evaluated many of AR-Ab’s video and his social media posts while FBI agents made the connection between the actual crimes they committed and AR-Ab’s content.

Prosecutors argued that the photo below was taken when AR-Ab and his friend Jamaal Blanding were making their way to California to purchase cocaine. They pointed out the caption,

“I’ll make it snow in LA.”

Prosecutors also took note of AR-Ab’s “Blood Brothers (Trendsettaz Shady Diss)” song where they say he put a hit out on drug-trafficking arch-nemesis Robert Johnson. AR-Ab’s friend, Donte “Taz” Stewart was charged with Robert Johnson’s murder.

AR-Ab rapped in the song,

“I’ll have da whole city scared. Stand near home / I call Taz and tell him / Bring dat n—’s head to me.”

Interestingly enough, while AR-Ab said it was all a coincidence, investigators found the lyrics in his phone just four days after Robert Johnson was killed. Prosecutors said during the trial,