Controversial YouTuber and self-described “celebrity journalist” Tasha K has unleashed one of her most explosive claims yet, alleging that rapper Pooh Shiesty, along with members of his crew, kidnapped fellow Atlanta artist Gucci Mane and held him at gunpoint several years ago. The goal, according to Tasha K’s “very strong source,” was not robbery or extortion — but something far more calculated: forcing Gucci Mane to sign a contract release that would free Pooh Shiesty to sign with Yo Gotti’s CMG label without legal or financial entanglements.
In a lengthy, highly viewed video uploaded to her YouTube channel on January 19, Tasha K presented the allegation as fact based on information from an unnamed but “extremely credible” insider close to the situation. She claimed the incident occurred in the late 2010s during a period when Pooh Shiesty (real name Lontrell Donell Williams Jr.) was still emerging as a rising star in Memphis rap but was allegedly tied to Gucci Mane’s 1017 Records imprint through a distribution or affiliation deal. According to Tasha K, Shiesty and his associates allegedly ambushed Gucci at a private location in Atlanta, held him against his will at gunpoint, and coerced him into signing paperwork that severed any contractual ties, clearing the path for Shiesty to join Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group (CMG) without owing points, masters, or future royalties to Gucci or 1017.
Tasha K went even further, suggesting the alleged kidnapping is the “real reason” behind Pooh Shiesty’s eventual arrest and lengthy prison sentence. Shiesty, currently serving a 63-month federal sentence for firearms possession stemming from a 2020 incident in Miami Beach, has maintained his innocence in that case and has been fighting appeals. Tasha K claimed — again citing her source — that federal authorities were made aware of the earlier alleged kidnapping and used it as leverage or additional pressure during his legal proceedings, but chose to keep the incident quiet to avoid exposing high-profile figures and complicating ongoing investigations into Atlanta’s rap scene.
“Everything is ALLEGED,” Tasha K repeatedly emphasized throughout the nearly 30-minute video, while simultaneously presenting the story as factual information from a trusted insider. She urged viewers to “do your own research” and “connect the dots,” pointing to the timeline of Shiesty’s departure from any Gucci/1017 affiliation and his rapid rise under CMG as circumstantial evidence supporting her claims.
Neither Gucci Mane (Radric Davis), Pooh Shiesty, Yo Gotti (Mario Mims), nor CMG has issued any public response to Tasha K’s allegations as of publication time. Representatives for all parties either declined comment or did not respond to requests for statement. Shiesty’s legal team, currently handling his federal appeal, has previously focused solely on the Miami gun charge and has never addressed any kidnapping or coercion claims.
The Atlanta hip-hop community reacted swiftly and intensely on social media. Some fans dismissed Tasha K’s story as “clout-chasing” and pointed to her long history of controversial, unverified allegations against celebrities. Others noted that similar rumors about tensions between Gucci Mane and younger Memphis artists have circulated for years, though never with this level of specificity or alleged violence. A small but vocal group of supporters called for law enforcement to reopen or investigate any possible unreported incidents involving the artists.
Tasha K has built a large following by releasing unfiltered, often explosive celebrity gossip videos, many of which have led to defamation lawsuits (including a high-profile case with Cardi B that was settled out of court). She has consistently defended her reporting style, stating she only shares information from “verified sources” and encourages viewers to seek corroboration.
As of now, no official police report, court filing, or credible news outlet has substantiated the kidnapping allegation. Law enforcement sources in Atlanta and Memphis contacted by media outlets said they have no active or historical investigation matching the described incident. The claim remains entirely unverified and based solely on Tasha K’s unnamed source.
Whether this is a legitimate bombshell or another unsubstantiated rumor in the ever-turbulent world of rap beef and celebrity gossip, one thing is certain: the allegation has reignited interest in the complex relationships and power dynamics within Southern hip-hop — and once again placed Tasha K at the center of a firestorm she helped create.
