Bobby Shmurda

Bobby Shmurda
Born Ackquille Jean Pollard
(1994-08-04) August 4, 1994
Miami, Florida, U.S.[1]

Musical career

Origin Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
Years active 2014–present
Labels
Associated acts
Website bobbyshmurdamusic.com

Ackquille Jean Pollard (born August 4, 1994),[2] known by his stage name Bobby Shmurda, is an American rapper and songwriter from Brooklyn, New York, signed to Epic Records. He is best known for his song "Hot Nigga", a song that debuted the "Shmoney dance," which went viral after the release of the music video.[3] This song peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with the song being remixed and performed by numerous other artists, including Lil' Kim, French Montana, Juicy J, and Gunplay.

On December 17, 2014, New York City Police arrested Pollard and charged him with conspiracy to commit murder, weapons possession, and reckless endangerment.[4][5] In 2016, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to prison for seven years, which was reduced to five due to credit for the two years served awaiting trial counting towards the sentence.[6]

Early life

Bobby was born in Florida and is the youngest of two sons born to a Jamaican mother and a Trinidadian father.[1] Shortly after birth he moved to Brooklyn, New York after his father was incarcerated, living in East Flatbush.[7] Shmurda also had run-ins with the law while living in Brooklyn, including spending 15 months in detention for probation violation as well as being arrested on a gun charge that was later dropped.[1]

Career

Shmurda began rapping at the age of 10. The first song he remixed was Crime Mob's "Knuck If You Buck" in 2004,[7] but did not receive any notable attention until 2014 with the release of the song "Hot Nigga".[1][8] The song features the beat from the Lloyd Banks' song "Jackpot".[9] Shmurda gained notoriety from the video where he performs the "Shmoney dance", choreography that he made in the summer of 2013.[7] The song became popular among Vine users and soon led to the "Shmoney dance" meme,[10] which has since been performed by Beyoncé on her On the Run Tour with Jay Z,[11] as well being used by Drake while hosting the 2014 ESPY Awards.[12][13] Freestyles of the song by various rappers have since been released, including by Juicy J,[14] French Montana,[15] Lil' Kim,[16] Gunplay[17] and T.I..[18] The song peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Rap Digital chart[19] with a remix of the song, featuring Chris Brown, Jadakiss and Busta Rhymes having been released in 2014.[10] Bobby Shmurda made a guest appearance on the television show Real Husbands of Hollywood on the show's fourth season in the episode "Hart Medication".

In July 2014, Shmurda performed with Meek Mill[20] and later signed a recording deal with Epic Records.[21] On August 29, 2014, Shmurda released a reggae remix, featuring Junior Reid, Mavado, Popcaan and Jah X.[22] On September 5, 2014, another remix of "Hot Nigga", featuring Fabolous, Chris Brown, Jadakiss, Rowdy Rebel, Busta Rhymes and Yo Gotti was released.[10][23] Shmurda's debut studio album with Epic Records is scheduled for release in 2016. The album is said to be produced by Jahlil Beats.[9]

Legal issues

On June 3, 2014, Pollard was arrested and charged with felony criminal possession of a weapon. Police claim they saw him flashing the gun in an apartment and when they went to investigate, he tried to hide it in a couch. He was set free on $10,000 bail.[24]

On December 17, 2014, police arrested Pollard and 14 others, including his brother Javese and his fellow GS9 musician Rowdy Rebel.[5] Police charged Shmurda with conspiracy to commit murder, reckless endangerment, and drug and gun possession; charges against the others included murder, attempted murder, assault, and drug dealing.[4] Shmurda pleaded not guilty and was held on $2 million bail.[25] Police said they had been investigating the gang for murder and shooting indiscriminately at crowds in public places long before Shmurda rose to fame. Police said Shmurda was "the driving force" in a gang also known as GS9, the name of his label, as they dealt crack and waged deadly battle with rival gangs for territory. He faced a maximum sentence of 8–25 years.[26] James Essig, head of the NYPD unit that made the arrests, said Shmurda's songs and videos were "almost like a real-life document of what they were doing on the street."[26] In his song "Hot Nigga", Shmurda rapped that "I been selling crack since like the fifth grade" because "Jaja taught me"; Shmurda also rapped about his crew's past and future murders.[27] Shmurda has asserted that the lyrics represent his real life in several interviews, though The Supreme Court of New Jersey recently ruled that lyrics cannot be read at trial as evidence unless they have a "strong nexus" to a specific crime.[4]

During his time in jail, Pollard was involved in a suspected Bloods vs. Crips related fight. [28]

Between late-June and early–July 2015, the rapper, along with his ex-girlfriend, were caught by officials having smuggled a knife into jail.[29] The two were both charged with two counts of promoting contraband, in addition to one count of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, then that could result in an additional seven-year sentence. Pollard appeared in the Bronx Supreme Court to face his charges of prison contraband plus 25 years for his previous charge in late 2014. He and his ex-girlfriend pleaded not guilty to the contraband charge, but Shmurda was still facing a maximum sentence of 25 years for the drug and gun charges.[30][31]

Conviction

On September 2, 2016, as part of a deal, Pollard pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree conspiracy and one count of weapons possession, and was sentenced to 7 years in prison. Under the deal, Pollard cannot appeal the sentence, but will be given credit for 2 years served, leaving 5 years left on his sentence, followed by 5 years of probation.[32] His lawyer Alex Spiro expects that with good behavior, Pollard will only serve approximately three and a half years.[33]

Discography

Extended plays

List of extended plays
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US US R&B US Rap
Shmurda She Wrote 79 7 5

Mixtapes

List of mixtapes, with year released
Title Album details
Shmoney Shmurda (with GS9)[35]
  • Released: July 8, 2014
  • Label: GS9
  • Format: Digital download

Singles

List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US
[36]
US
R&B

[37]
US
Rap

[38]
CAN
[39]
FRA
[40]
UK
[41]
"Hot Nigga" 2014 6 1 1 34 161 74 Shmurda She Wrote
"Bobby Bitch" 92 25 21
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

As featured artist

List of singles as featured artist, showing year released and album name
Title Year Album
"How Can I Lose"
(YT Triz featuring Bobby Shmurda)
2014 non-album single
"Bodies"
(Chinx featuring Bobby Shmurda and Rowdy Rebel)

Guest appearances

List of non-single guest appearances, with other performing artists, showing year released and album name
Title Year Other artist(s) Album
"Hit Em Hard" 2014 The Game, Freddie Gibbs, Skeme Blood Moon: Year of the Wolf
"24 Hours (Remix)" TeeFLii, Ty Dolla $ign
"On My Way" Rich The Kid, Rowdy Rebel Rich Than Famous
"Celebration" Shy Glizzy Law 3: Now Or Never
"Bodies" Chinx Drugz, Rowdy Rebel N/A
"Computers" Rowdy Rebel Shmoney Shmurda
"How Can I Lose" YT Triz Tales From Crime Hill
"Block Boy" Foolie Tha Prince, Gusto Tha Animal N/A
"Shmoney Never Stop" 2015 Migos Migo Lingo
"Right Now" 2016 Rowdy Rebel, French Montana Shmoney Keeps Calling
"She All About That Shmoney" Rowdy Rebel, Too $hort

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Bobby Shmurda's one Hot Nigga". Jamaica Observer. August 8, 2014. Retrieved August 9, 2014.
  2. dan-rys (18 December 2014). "Here Are The Official Charges Against Jamie Do And GS9". XXL Mag. Retrieved 30 January 2016.
  3. "Tomorrow's Hits: Bobby Shmurda, Priory & Anzel". Billboard. July 25, 2014. Retrieved August 9, 2014.
  4. 1 2 3 Sullivan, Gail (19 December 2014). "How rapper Bobby Shmurda, charged in murder, drug trafficking sting, became an alleged gangster". Washington Post. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  5. 1 2 Rosenberg, Rebecca; Perez, Chris (18 December 2014). "Bobby Shmurda to be arraigned on drug ring charges". New York Post. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  6. "Bobby Shmurda cops seven-year plea deal in gang conspiracy case". Retrieved 2016-09-12.
  7. 1 2 3 Ahmed, Insanul (July 14, 2014). "Meet Bobby Shmurda, the Brooklyn Rapper Everyone Is Talking About". Complex. Retrieved August 9, 2014.
  8. Lyons, Patrick (June 30, 2014). "Bobby Shmurda "Hot Nigga" Video". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved August 9, 2014.
  9. 1 2 Trammell, Matthew (July 30, 2014). "Interview: Jahlil Beats Talks Producing "Hot Nigga," Bobby Shmurda's Breakout Hit". The Fader. Retrieved August 9, 2014.
  10. 1 2 3 Smith, Trevor (August 8, 2014). "Bobby Shmurda Confirms Chris Brown & More For "Hot Nigga" Official Remix". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved August 9, 2014.
  11. Dharmic X (July 12, 2014). "Looks Like Beyoncé Did the Shmoney Dance At the "On The Run" Show Tonight". Complex. Retrieved August 8, 2014.
  12. Fall, Kyle (July 16, 2014). "Drake Hosts The 2014 ESPY Awards". rapWAVE. Retrieved August 9, 2014.
  13. Goddard, Kevin (July 17, 2014). "Drake Hosts 2014 ESPY Awards". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved August 9, 2014.
  14. "Juicy J "Hot Nigga Freestyle"". HipHopDX. July 21, 2014. Retrieved August 9, 2014.
  15. Fleischer, Adam (August 5, 2014). "French Montana Shmoney Dances All Over Bobby Shmurda's 'Hot N—a' Remix". MTV. Retrieved August 9, 2014.
  16. Robertson, Darryl (August 7, 2014). "New Music: Lil Kim Jumps On Bobby Shmurda's 'Hot N**ga'". Vibe. Retrieved August 9, 2014.
  17. Rys, Dan (August 8, 2014). "Gunplay Throws Shots At 50 Cent On His "Hot N***a" Remix". XXL. Retrieved August 9, 2014.
  18. "New Music: T.I. – 'Hot Ni**a (Remix)'". Rap-Up. August 8, 2014. Retrieved August 9, 2014.
  19. Mendizabal, Amaya (August 7, 2014). "Iggy Azalea Closes In On Rap Chart Record With 'Fancy'". Billboard. Retrieved August 9, 2014.
  20. Lyons, Patrick (July 5, 2014). "Meek Mill Brought Out Bobby Shmurda And GS9 At His Show In Miami Last Night". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved August 9, 2014.
  21. Alexis, Nadeska (July 18, 2014). "Bobby Shmurda Signed A Record Deal… Break Out The Shmoney Dance". MTV. Retrieved August 8, 2014.
  22. Alexis, Nadeska (August 29, 2014). "Listen To Bobby Shmurda's Official Reggae Remix Of 'Hot N—a'". MTV. Retrieved August 29, 2014.
  23. "New Music: Bobby Shmurda Feat. Fabolous, Jadakiss, Chris Brown, Busta Rhymes, Rowdy Rebel And Yo Gotti 'Hot Ni**a (Remix)'". Vibe. September 7, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
  24. "Bobby Shmurda - Rapper Bobby Shmurda Facing Gun Charge". Contactmusic.com. August 29, 2014. Retrieved August 29, 2014.
  25. "Bobby Shmurda Speaks From Jail: 'People Are Trying to Take My Life Away for Being Blessed' (Exclusive)". Billboard. Retrieved 2016-04-22.
  26. 1 2 Hays, Tom (18 December 2014). "NYC Rapper pleads not guilty to gun, drug charges". Yahoo News. Associated Press. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  27. "Hot Nigga Lyrics". Genius Lyrics. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  28. "Bobby Shmurda -- Knuckles Up for Crips vs. Bloods ... Jailhouse Edition". tmz.com. 16 May 2015. Retrieved 30 January 2016.
  29. Hill, John. "BOBBY SHMURDA FACES MORE JAIL TIME AFTER SMUGGLING A KNIFE INTO JAIL - NOISEY". Vice. Retrieved June 23, 2015.
  30. "Bobby Shmurda & Girlfriend Plead Not Guilty to Her Smuggling Knife Into Prison: Report - Billboard". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 2015-07-24. Retrieved 2015-11-12.
  31. Danny Schwartz (5 October 2015). "Bobby Shmurda Denied Bail Yet Again, Trial Set For 2016". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 30 January 2016.
  32. "Bobby Shmurda Accepts Plea Deal, Will Serve Seven Years". Retrieved 2016-09-20.
  33. Jr, James C. Mckinley (2016-09-09). "Rapper Bobby Shmurda Takes 7-Year Plea Deal in Gang Case". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2016-09-20.
  34. "Shmurda She Wrote – EP by Bobby Shmurda". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
  35. "GS9 - Shmoney Shmurda (Shmixtape)". DatPiff. Retrieved 30 January 2016.
  36. "Bobby Shmurda – Chart History: Hot 100". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved October 10, 2014.
  37. "Bobby Shmurda – Chart History: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved October 10, 2014.
  38. "Bobby Shmurda – Chart History: Hot Rap Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved October 10, 2014.
  39. "Bobby Shmurda – Chart History: Billboard Canadian Hot 100". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved October 10, 2014.
  40. "Discographie Bobby Shmurda". lescharts.com (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 27, 2014.
  41. "Bobby Shmurda" (select "Singles" tab). Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
  42. "Bobby Shmurda Celebrates First Platinum Single 'Hot Ni**a'". Vibe. Retrieved 30 January 2016.
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