![Rapper Jay Rock Arrested in Los Angeles for Felony Gun Possession [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/balleralert.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/update-72.png?fit=1280%2C720&ssl=1 "Rapper Jay Rock Arrested in Los Angeles for Felony Gun Possession [Video] - Baller Alert")
Jay Rock, the Grammy-winning rapper and one of the founding members of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), was arrested in Los Angeles on Thursday evening (March 14th) after a tense encounter with police at Nickerson Gardens, a well-known housing project in Watts.
Video
According to TMZ, Jay Rock was accused of trespassing, and when officers attempted to detain him, things escalated quickly; resulting in his arrest for felony gun possession. LAPD sources told TMZ that officers were on foot patrol in the area when they requested backup to handle a large crowd that had gathered. Jay Rock was reportedly among those present, and police say they stopped him for trespassing.
However, when officers tried to arrest him, the rapper allegedly attempted to flee; leading police to stop him and search his car. That’s when officers claim they found a firearm inside his vehicle. Since Jay Rock is a convicted felon, he is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm, leading to his arrest on a felony charge.
Authorities booked him around 8:30 PM PT, about three hours after he was taken into custody. His vehicle was impounded, and it remains unclear whether he has been released.
Who Is Jay Rock?
For those who may not be familiar, Jay Rock (born Johnny Reed McKinzie Jr.) is a West Coast hip-hop veteran who played a key role in shaping the TDE movement. Born and raised in Watts, California, he was one of the first artists signed to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), paving the way for later stars like Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, and SZA.
Jay Rock was also a member of the former rap collective Black Hippy, alongside Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, and Ab-Soul. He gained mainstream recognition with his 2011 debut album “Follow Me Home,” but his career skyrocketed after the success of “King’s Dead,” his 2019 Grammy-winning single featuring Kendrick Lamar, Future, and James Blake.
Throughout his career, Jay Rock has been known for his raw storytelling, his connection to the streets of Watts, and his ability to balance gritty street narratives with motivational anthems like “Win,” which became a sports anthem across the NBA and NFL.
What’s Next?
As of now, Jay Rock has not publicly addressed the situation, and his legal team has not issued a statement. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to post bail or if the case will lead to a lengthy legal battle.
For now, fans are hoping this situation doesn’t derail what has been an impressive career comeback, especially as the TDE camp continues to thrive with the success of artists like SZA, Doechii, and ScHoolboy Q.
Baller Alert will keep you updated as more details emerge.
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