No official mugshot of Big30 has been released. The Memphis rapper, whose legal name is Rodney Wright Jr., was arrested on April 1, 2026, on federal kidnapping and robbery charges, but neither the Department of Justice nor the federal courts have published a booking photo. Federal arrestees are processed by the U.S. Marshals Service rather than a county jail, and those booking images are not routinely released to the public the way county mugshots often are.
The Charges Against Big30
A Dallas federal grand jury indicted Wright and eight co-defendants on kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1201, both offenses carry a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.1Office of the Law Revision Counsel. 18 U.S.C. § 1201 – Kidnapping
The charges stem from an alleged armed takeover of a recording studio on Dallas Parkway on January 10, 2026. Prosecutors say nine men entered the studio at about 3:43 p.m., after luring music executive Radric Davis, known as Gucci Mane, to what he believed was a legitimate contract meeting. Fellow rapper Lontrell Williams Jr., known as Pooh Shiesty, allegedly drew an AK-style pistol, forced Davis into a recording room, and made him sign paperwork releasing Williams from his contract with New 1017 Records. Six other defendants allegedly produced their own weapons and robbed Davis and his two companions of a wedding ring, watches, earrings, cash, a Louis Vuitton bag, and other property.2U.S. Department of Justice. Nine Men Including Well-Known Musical Artists Federally Charged With Kidnapping at Music Studio
What Prosecutors Say Big30 Did
According to the federal criminal complaint, Wright’s role was twofold. He allegedly used his body to block the studio door so the three victims could not escape during the robbery.2U.S. Department of Justice. Nine Men Including Well-Known Musical Artists Federally Charged With Kidnapping at Music Studio He is also alleged to have recorded video of Davis being forced to state on camera that he had “released” Williams from the contract.3Courthouse News Service. Rappers Pooh Shiesty, Big30 Charged in Music Studio Robbery, Kidnapping of Gucci Mane
At Wright’s bond hearing, the presiding judge noted there was no clear evidence Wright himself was holding a firearm during the incident.4Action News 5. Memphis Rapper Gets $100K Bond in Gucci Mane Kidnapping Case Defense attorneys have also pointed out that the FBI has not recovered the signed contract or the video Wright allegedly filmed.5KERA News. Pooh Shiesty Gucci Mane Robbery Kidnapping Trial Moved
Big30’s Bond and Custody Status
Wright appeared in federal court in Memphis on April 6, 2026. A magistrate judge granted him a $100,000 secured bond with a $10,000 cash payment, along with home detention, location monitoring, drug testing, and a no-contact order covering the victims and his co-defendants.4Action News 5. Memphis Rapper Gets $100K Bond in Gucci Mane Kidnapping Case
Prosecutors moved to block his release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Wagner argued Wright was a flight risk and a danger to the community, and the government pointed to a pending seven-figure, two-album recording deal with Connect Music Group as evidence Wright had resources that “dwarfed” his bond. The defense responded that the deal actually anchored Wright to the jurisdiction, since it required him to complete an album within roughly 145 days of signing. Kemario Brown, Senior Vice President of NLess Entertainment, testified about the contract terms, and Wright’s father appeared as a character witness.6Complex. Pooh Shiesty Case: Feds Want to Hold Big30 Record Deal Against Him
Wright was briefly transported to Dallas and held in custody while the government’s motion to revoke his bond was briefed.7Action News 5. North Texas Judge Orders Rapper Big30 Be Moved to Texas After Granted $100K Bond in Memphis On June 4, 2026, a federal judge ruled in his favor and ordered his release on the $100,000 bond with strict conditions, including home detention and monitoring.8Action News 5. Memphis Rapper Big30 Will Be Released on Bond, Judge Rules He is currently out of custody pending trial.
His Prior Record
Wright’s criminal history was a significant factor in the bond decision. The judge described his record as “not flawless, but close to it.” His only prior contact with the criminal justice system was a 2018 gun charge to which he pleaded guilty, received diversion, and later had expunged. Beyond that, his record consisted only of driving violations.4Action News 5. Memphis Rapper Gets $100K Bond in Gucci Mane Kidnapping Case
His attorney, Arthur Horne, told reporters that Wright “doesn’t have a criminal history” and “has been making music for a number of years,” calling the allegations “shocking” and asking the public to remember that all defendants are presumed innocent.9Yahoo Entertainment. Pooh Shiesty Came Into the Music Game
When the Case Goes to Trial
Trial is set for February 22, 2027, before Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey in the Northern District of Texas, with a pretrial conference on February 17, 2027.10XXL Magazine. Pooh Shiesty Trial Date in Gucci Mane Robbery Delayed to 2027 The original July 2026 trial date was pushed back after defense attorneys requested a continuance, citing the volume of discovery: prosecutors had produced 96 gigabytes of material amounting to roughly 14,000 pages, with more records, video, and audio still to come.5KERA News. Pooh Shiesty Gucci Mane Robbery Kidnapping Trial Moved No plea agreements have been publicly reported. If convicted, Wright faces up to life in federal prison.