Mystikal Receives 20-Year Prison Sentence in 2022 Rape Case

Mystikal, the 55-year-old artist behind the 2000 hit "Shake Ya Ass," has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for a rape that took place in 2022 at his residence in Prairieville, Louisiana.

The sentencing hearing took place on Tuesday, June 16, with both Mystikal and the victim present in court. During the proceedings, the victim spoke about the assault in graphic terms, describing how she was struck, choked, and had her hair pulled during the attack. She appealed to the judge for the maximum possible sentence.

Acknowledging the severity of his actions, Mystikal stated in court: "If I did that to you, I deserve the max sentence."

The rapper, whose real name is Michael Tyler, entered into a plea agreement in March that resulted in a conviction for third-degree rape. This sentence falls five years short of the maximum penalty available. He had initially faced a first-degree rape charge before accepting the reduced plea deal.

Just days before the sentencing, Mystikal's legal team filed a motion seeking to withdraw his guilty plea, arguing he lacked sufficient time to fully grasp the consequences of his decision. The motion was rejected by the court.

According to the arrest warrant, the alleged victim was at Mystikal's home when he claimed she had taken money from him, which preceded the assault. The victim reported finding what she believed to be methamphetamine in the house and noted that Mystikal was experiencing erratic mood swings. Following the incident, he allegedly transferred funds from her phone to himself before allowing her to depart.

This is not Mystikal's first legal trouble of this nature. In 2004, he was convicted following allegations made by a hairstylist and served six years in prison. He has been required to register as a sex offender since that conviction.