Rapper Twista pleads guilty to not paying taxes and faces potential prison time
By AP, June 29, 2026The Chicago rapper known as Twista has pleaded guilty to five counts of willfully failing to pay his income taxes and faces up to five years in prison.
The IRS Criminal Investigations division, the crime-fighting arm of the IRS, says Twista, whose legal name is Carl Mitchell, failed to pay income tax from 2019 to 2023 and owes more than $440,000 (Ksh57million) in back taxes.
Last week, Mitchell pleaded guilty to five counts of willfully failing to pay income tax. He is scheduled for sentencing on October 22.
Best known for his 2004 album ’Kamikaze,” Mitchell has collaborated with musicians including Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, and Jamie Foxx on the song “Slow Jamz.” He has received two Grammy nominations.
His income stemmed from performances, album sales, streaming and royalties, according to IRS-CI.
Warnings from IRS
Despite warnings from both the IRS and his own accountants of his tax debts, “instead, Mitchell entered into agreements with a third-party company to pay him advances on future royalties, knowing that the IRS would not be able to levy these funds,” the IRS said in a statement.
Mitchell also has unpaid tax liabilities dating back to 2011, and the government alleges Mitchell made large purchases to support his lifestyle, including buying at least four luxury vehicles.
Representatives for Mitchell did not immediately respond to an Associated Press request for comment.
“IRS Criminal Investigation doesn’t care how famous you are or what you’ve accomplished,” Adam Jobes, with IRS-CI’s Chicago field office, said in a statement. “If you willfully refuse to pay your taxes, we’ll follow the money and bring you to justice.”
Twista pleaded guilty to five misdemeanour counts of intentionally failing to pay income tax. Each count carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison, though a federal judge will decide his sentence after considering other legal guidelines and factors. Sentencing is scheduled for October 22.
“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,” said Adam Jobes, special agent in charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Chicago Field Office, as reported by FOX 32.