Chicago rap icon Twista has pleaded guilty to failing to pay more than $440,000 in federal income taxes, putting the Grammy-nominated rapper at risk of prison time.
The 52-year-old artist, born Carl Mitchell, pleaded guilty in federal court that he willfully failed to pay income taxes from 2019 through 2023. According to court documents, Twista signed his guilty plea on May 26, agreeing to repay the government $441,059.91. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 22. The “Overnight Celebrity” rapper could face up to one year in prison for each of the five misdemeanor counts.
Federal prosecutors said Twista earned substantial income during the five-year period from live performances, album sales, streaming revenue, and music royalties. Despite repeated warnings from the IRS and his own accountants that he owed back taxes, authorities say Twista deliberately chose not to pay.
Instead, prosecutors allege Twista arranged for a third-party company to provide advances on future royalty payments, knowing those funds would be more difficult for the IRS to seize. Investigators also said he continued living lavishly, purchasing at least four luxury vehicles while his tax debt continued to grow.
According to federal authorities, Twista’s unpaid tax liabilities actually stretch back to 2011, with the total amount owed exceeding $440,000.
“Too many honest Americans work hard, pay their taxes, and do the right thing to tolerate someone who believes the rules don’t apply to them,” Adam Jobes, special agent in charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Chicago Field Office, said in a statement. “Mr. Mitchell was warned by both the IRS and his own accountant, yet he chose to keep dodging his tax obligations.”
On social media, many seem to be on Twista’s side. One X user posted: “What kills me is all the fraud that is happening with politicians. Nothing happens to them.”
Another posted: “Taxation is theft through extortion. Give us your money or we will take everything you own and put you in a cage.’ -US Government”. Another posted: “Tax evasion is reserved for #politicians“.
Twista rose to fame in the 1990s and early 2000s with his rapid-fire lyrical style, earning a Guinness World Record as one of the fastest rappers in the world. He scored major hits including “Slow Jamz” with Kanye West and Jamie Foxx, “Overnight Celebrity,” and “Girl Tonight” featuring Trey Songz.
Twista’s estimated net worth is believed to be around $1 million.
