For the first time since his release from prison in February, Mystikal returned to the stage to perform, making a surprise appearance on Saturday night at Orlando's Funk Fest. Mystikal was brought out onstage by Doug E. Fesh to perform a set that included Ludacris' "Move Bitch" and his own "Shake Ya Ass" hits.
The annual Funk Fest celebration is a highly-anticipated event that hosts a lineup of industry veterans such as Erykah Badu, T.I., and Jeezy among others and marks the southern artist's first major public appearance after spending 18 months in prison on charges of rape and kidnapping.
His release came only after he posted a $3 million bond, an amount he came up with after reportedly earning an advance on a brand new recording contract. The charges were brought up against the rapper after a Louisiana woman accused him of sexual assault. Soon after, he would turn himself into police.
Since his release, Mystikal and his legal team have called for the charges to be dropped and for the case to be dismissed, rejecting a plea deal in the process.
"Based on all of the evidence we have, we strongly believe that an amicable resolution is not only possible but probable as an outcome in this case," said his attorney Joel Pearce in a statement. "Michael Tyler will never be made to return to jail for a crime he didn’t commit."