Wu-Tang Affiliate Shyheim Released From Prison After Serving Five Years

BY Erika Marie 8.7K Views
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Wu-Tang Clan
Welcome home to the Rugged Child.

When Shyheim Franklin was just 14-years-old, he released his first album, AKA the Rugged Child. One of the tracks on his debut project was produced by RZA, and later, the rapper would become known as an affiliate of the Wu-Tang as he frequently collaborated with a few of the iconic hip hop group's members and is reportedly Ghostface Killah's cousin.

However, Shyheim ran into trouble with the law back in 2013 after a police search of his home reportedly turned up heroin and a firearm. The following year, the rapper was reportedly involved in a New Year's Day car accident in the wee hours of the morning that resulted in the death of another driver named Felip Avila.

Shyheim was accused of crashing into Avila's Toyota and possibly another vehicle before fleeing the scene. He later turned himself in and pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter. Additionally, he also pleaded guilty to the drugs and weapons charges. The Source now reports that after serving his five-year bid, Shyheim is a free man.

It's reported that Shyheim was sentenced to 14 years in prison for the manslaughter charge and another seven for the gun charge. The rapper shared his excitement about his release on Instagram. "Been waiting so long for this moment ! Finally free spending time with my daughter," he wrote. Check out a few images below.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.