KSOO’s Legal Case and Rap Career -

KSOO, born Hakeem Robinson, is a Florida-based rapper from Jacksonville who gained national attention not only for his raw, street-centric music but also for his connection to multiple homicide investigations. His career, rising from Jacksonville’s underground rap scene, was marked by gritty lyrics, viral diss tracks, and then a swift and serious legal turn.

While many headlines have focused on the controversy and violent themes in KSOO’s music, there’s a deeper story — one involving legal complexities, digital footprints, and the rise of “rap on trial” in American courts.

This article explores KSOO’s journey from emerging rapper to high-profile defendant, the larger issues his case reflects in the music industry, and how audiences are reacting.

Who Is KSOO?

Hakeem Robinson, known by his stage name KSOO, is part of Jacksonville’s drill scene — a subgenre known for its confrontational lyrics and real-life ties to street feuds. He is also the son of Abdul Robinson Sr., a former gang leader turned co-defendant in KSOO’s current legal battles.

This Summer’s Must-Have Bags

KSOO’s music gained attention in 2019–2020 for its aggressive sound and references to real-life murders in Jacksonville. Songs like “Been Dead” and “Bringin Old Sh*t Back” not only amassed millions of views but also caught the attention of law enforcement.

Rise of Jacksonville Drill

A Sound Rooted in Conflict

Jacksonville’s drill scene echoes the raw energy of Chicago’s early drill movement, but with a distinct Florida identity. Artists like Yungeen Ace, Foolio, and KSOO have drawn international attention through viral tracks and highly personal lyrical feuds.

Lyrics Reflecting Street Politics

One of the standout features of Jacksonville drill is how closely the lyrics follow real-life events. KSOO, in particular, was known for naming rivals and even alleged murder victims in his music videos — a pattern that would later become central in his prosecution.

The Arrest and Charges

February 2021: The Turning Point

KSOO was arrested in February 2021 and charged in connection with the 2019 murder of Charles McCormick (aka “Lil Buck”), and later, the 2020 murder of Damon Rothermel, a random civilian killed during a car chase involving two other suspects.

The evidence presented against KSOO includes:

Surveillance footage
Cell tower data
Eyewitness testimony
Social media content
Rap lyrics and videos

He pled not guilty to all charges and has remained in custody since his arrest.

Father Becomes State Witness

In a surprising development, KSOO’s father, Abdul Robinson Sr., agreed to cooperate with the prosecution. He is expected to testify against his son and other alleged members of their crew.

This decision shook both the legal world and the rap community. The image of a father turning state’s witness against his own son raised questions about loyalty, safety, and how prosecutors use pressure tactics in gang-related cases.

Rap Lyrics in Court: A National Issue

From Art to Evidence

Prosecutors in KSOO’s case are using his lyrics and music videos as part of their argument. This trend — where creative expression is presented as direct evidence of criminal behavior — has sparked national debate.

Legal Pushback

Lawmakers and advocacy groups argue that using lyrics in court can be prejudicial, racist, and violate First Amendment protections. In some cases, rap lyrics have been misinterpreted or taken out of context by juries unfamiliar with hip-hop culture.

Precedent and Politics

KSOO’s case is part of a growing list that includes artists like Young Thug (YSL case), Tay-K, and Bobby Shmurda, all of whom saw their music introduced as alleged confessions or gang evidence in court.

The Public Response

Online Support

Despite — or because of — his legal trouble, KSOO retains a significant following. Fans have launched petitions, YouTube commentary channels, and social media accounts demanding his release. Some argue that he’s being unfairly targeted for his artistry.

Critics Push Back

Others believe KSOO’s lyrics glorify real-life violence and contribute to cycles of retaliation in Jacksonville. Families of victims referenced in his songs have spoken out, saying the music adds trauma to their grief.

The Cultural Divide

The KSOO case reveals a growing disconnect between how different groups understand rap music.

Fans see the music as a voice for marginalized communities and a reflection of harsh realities.
Law enforcement sees it as coded confessions or evidence of criminal conspiracy.
Legal scholars warn about racial bias, as rap is disproportionately targeted compared to other music genres.

The Role of Social Media

Social platforms played a significant role in KSOO’s rise and legal fall.

Instagram Live streams, Twitter beefs, and YouTube videos all contributed to public image-building — and were later used by police to build a timeline.
Surveillance culture and the normalization of self-documenting may have increased the evidence pool for authorities.

Is Rap on Trial or the Rapper?

The deeper question in the KSOO case isn’t just about guilt or innocence — it’s about whether a rapper can be fairly judged when their artistic output is treated as autobiography.

Should creative expression, even if violent or provocative, be used as direct evidence? Or is that a misreading of art through a legal lens?

Status of the Case (As of August 2025)

As of August 2025, KSOO remains incarcerated awaiting trial. His defense team continues to fight to exclude certain pieces of evidence — especially music and social media content — arguing that it’s unfairly prejudicial and irrelevant.

The court has not yet ruled on whether his father’s testimony will be allowed in full, or whether KSOO’s music will be played for the jury.

What This Means for Future Artists

The KSOO case may set precedents in how courts treat rap as evidence. If prosecutors succeed in convicting him based largely on lyrical content, it could have chilling effects on creative freedom in hip-hop.

On the other hand, if the defense successfully excludes these materials, it could strengthen protections for artistic speech.

Artists — particularly from communities facing high police surveillance — may think twice before rapping about real-life events. That tension between free expression and legal risk is reshaping the genre.

Legal Experts Weigh In

Legal analysts following the case suggest that:

Lyrics can sometimes show motive or intent, but must be paired with real evidence.
Juries may be biased by violent language, even when it’s metaphorical.
There’s a growing call for courts to establish clearer guidelines on artistic expression and evidence thresholds.

Broader Implications in Jacksonville

KSOO’s trial also impacts Jacksonville, a city already grappling with youth violence and public attention on gang rivalries.

Community leaders have expressed concern that the media coverage further stigmatizes Black youth and undermines anti-violence work being done at the grassroots level.

Conclusion

KSOO’s story is more than a tale of a rapper facing legal trouble. It’s a window into the challenges of growing up in violent neighborhoods, the fine line between self-expression and self-incrimination, and the evolving role of art in American courts.

Whether he is convicted or acquitted, the legal principles at stake in his case will echo through hip-hop and criminal law for years to come.

5 Short FAQs

Q1. Who is KSOO?
KSOO, born Hakeem Robinson, is a Jacksonville-based rapper known for drill music and currently facing murder charges in Florida.

Q2. Why was KSOO arrested?
He was arrested in 2021 for allegedly participating in two separate homicides linked to gang activity.

Q3. Are KSOO’s rap lyrics being used in court?
Yes, prosecutors are introducing his music videos and lyrics as evidence, a practice that has become controversial.

Q4. Did his father agree to testify against him?
Yes. Abdul Robinson Sr. is reportedly cooperating with the state, which may include testifying against his own son.

Q5. What impact could this trial have?
KSOO’s case could influence how courts treat rap lyrics as evidence and shape future legal protections for artists.