Big30 Calls for Faith in Pooh Shiesty as Federal Case and Gucci Mane Tensions Loom

Big30 took to social media to express steadfast support for his long-time friend and collaborator Pooh Shiesty as both Memphis artists remain entangled in a federal kidnapping and extortion case involving rap veteran Gucci Mane, according to a report from AllHipHop.

Posting to his Instagram Story, Big30 urged supporters to maintain faith in them while they navigate significant restrictions on their freedom. Reflecting on their ongoing legal circumstances, he noted that their records continue to energize clubs and performance venues even while their daily movements are restrained.

Big30, born Rodney Wright Jr., shared a direct reflection on their respective statuses, writing, “I’m on house arrest you in a cell,” before adding, “NEVER GIVE UP ON US WE GOD FAVORITE.” As AllHipHop noted, the social media statement did not directly mention Gucci Mane or identify itself as a formal reaction to recent music.

The social post arrived shortly after Gucci Mane addressed industry grievances on “1017,” the final selection on his album Against All Odds, which arrived on October 16. In the track, the veteran label boss directed frustration at unnamed performers, asserting that he elevated their careers and provided financial backing only for them to subsequently present themselves as entirely self-made. On the record, Gucci Mane rapped, “Y’all owe me some respect.”

While both younger artists trace deep personal and creative connections, their commercial ties to Gucci Mane developed along distinct paths. Pooh Shiesty, born Lontrell Williams Jr., formally signed to Gucci Mane’s 1017 imprint, emerging as one of the label’s central figures. Big30 established his professional footprint through Moneybagg Yo’s Bread Gang and N-Less Entertainment, with prior releases associated with Interscope, though he previously collaborated with Gucci Mane on the track “Shit Crazy.” Big30 and Pooh Shiesty have shared a close friendship since childhood and collaborated musically well before the federal indictment.

The broader legal battle stems from an alleged encounter in Dallas. Federal prosecutors alleged that a January 10 gathering at a recording studio intended to negotiate Pooh Shiesty’s contractual terms escalated into an armed confrontation. The government claimed Pooh Shiesty drew an AK-style firearm and coerced Gucci Mane into signing documentation releasing him from his recording agreement. Prosecutors further alleged that cash and jewelry were taken from three individuals, accusing Big30 of barring the studio door to prevent exits.

Both artists maintain their innocence and have entered not guilty pleas. Legal counsel for Big30 argued that federal prosecutors dramatically overstated his involvement. Meanwhile, Pooh Shiesty remains detained after U.S. District Judge David Godbey rejected a second release petition in July. Pooh Shiesty’s father, Lontrell Williams Sr., was also indicted in the alleged plot after reportedly booking the studio, though Judge Godbey granted him pretrial release in May following his own not guilty plea.

Attorneys representing Pooh Shiesty highlighted conditions at his detention facility in an October 15 filing reported by AllHipHop, asserting he spends 23 hours daily confined to a cell with restricted family visitation. The federal trial for the co-defendants is scheduled to commence on February 22, 2027.