Rapper Remy Ma hits out at 'shadowy' Rap Unit of the NYPD for 'aggressively targeting high-profile hip-hop artists'... after she was arrested for an alleged attack at a benefit concert
- The NYPD's Enterprise Operations Unit, also known as the Rap Unit, is a special task force that monitors hip-hop shows across the city
- Rap Unit team then sends the information to local precincts and officers out on the field
- These officers then share any information they have on shootings or other criminal proceedings that have occurred at clubs in the area.
- Remy Ma - who served six years in prison for a 2007 shooting - was being monitored by the Rap Unit during a 2018 performance at Irving Plaza
- Her lawyer stated that the rapper is 'not a fan' of the 'hip-hop police'
- The 'Wake Me Up' rapper has since been arrested in May for allegedly attacking her 'Love & Hip Hop New York' co-star Brittney Taylor in April
Remy Ma called out a task force within the New York Police Department that is accused of aggressively monitoring high-profile hip-hop artist.
The NYPD's Enterprise Operations Unit, also known as the Rap Unit, is a special task force that monitors hip-hop shows across the city and deems whether they pose a risk worthy for police interference.
The Rap Unit team then sends the information to local precincts and officers out on the field. These officers then share any information they have on shootings or other criminal proceedings that have occurred at clubs in the area.
Records, obtained by the New York Post, show that officers associated with the unit are also tied to the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area - a program that utilizes federal money and resources to go after narcotic operations.
The NYPD had an officer undercover at a March 2018 show that Remy Ma was attending at Irving Plaza - that featured surprise cameos from a half-dozen other New York rappers including Lil' Kim. They also had at least 24 officers patrolling outside the Manhattan venue.
Remy Ma called out a task force within the New York Police Department that is accused of aggressively monitoring high-profile hip-hop artist. She is pictured in Manhattan Criminal Court on May 24, accused of assaulting a woman at a benefit concert
Ma's lawyer, Dawn Florio, rejected the notion that the two were connected. 'Remy does not know Jahmeek Elliot. Never heard of him, doesn't know him,' Florio said. 'She does not travel in an entourage. She travels with her husband Papoose (pictured with her as they left court May 1) and security guards'
Ma - who served six years in prison for a 2007 shooting - was being monitored by the Rap Unit along with a man said to have been a part of her entourage, named Jahmeek 'Jah' Elliot, last year on March 16.
Neither were wanted for a crime at the time of the surveillance at Irving Plaza. The 'Wake Me Up' rapper has since been arrested in May for allegedly attacking her 'Love & Hip Hop New York' co-star Brittney Taylor during a benefit concert at Irving Plaza in April.
Ma has pleaded not guilty and is out on parole for the attack. She is set to stand trial for the misdemeanor on July 12.
Remy Ma - who served six years in prison for a 2007 shooting - was being monitored by the Rap Unit
Elliot, however, was deemed a 'person of interest' for his suspected ties to Bronx-based gang Dub City. He also has been arrested 26 times.
He was indicted in 2012 for being connected to a violent turf war that involved 15 shootings, including one that killed a member of the gang, authorities shared.
Elliot would serve 2.5years for a felony drug possession conviction. He was paroled in November 2016.
Prior to his joining Dub City, Elliot was said to have 'previously been associated with a known crew known as the 'Mac Ballas,'' according to an undated memo written by officers in the 13th Precinct.
'Intel revealed that Jahmeek's new crew association has caused tension with the 'Mac Ballas,' and there may be possible retaliation against [him],' the intelligent officers' memo states.
Ma's lawyer, Dawn Florio, rejected the notion that the two were connected.
'Remy does not know Jahmeek Elliot. Never heard of him, doesn't know him,' Florio said.
'She does not travel in an entourage. She travels with her husband and security guards.'
Florio stated that the rapper is 'not a fan' of the 'hip-hop police.'
'My impression of the hip-hop police is they're this shadowy, specialized unit that conducts overly aggressive investigations,' she said. 'They're constantly stalking high-profile rap artists and monitoring their every move.'
But Sgt. Jessica McRorie, an NYPD spokeswoman, asserted: 'The Enterprise Operations Unit focuses on venues or entertainers that have been connected with past acts of violence — regardless of musical genre. The primary goal of EOU is to anticipate, based on past incidents, where there is a significant likelihood of violence, and to take steps to prevent people from being hurt, or worse.'
For the 2018 event at Irving Plaza, Ma hosted an after party at Club Lust in Sunset Park - a location that the Rap Unit had looked into due to its connection to various acts
She added that the unit has aided in 'several major prosecutions' and 'continues to gather additional intelligence by responding to shootings and assaults that may occur at all kinds of entertainment venues.'
For the 2018 event at Irving Plaza, Ma hosted an after party at Club Lust in Sunset Park - a location that the Rap Unit had looked into due to its connection to various acts.
Tekashi 6ix9ine was another rapper that the NYPD monitored at the club. He is currently incarcerated on federal racketeering charges
Rapper 50 Cent celebrated his birthday at the venue in 2017 but for a scheduled performance at the club in 2016, a sergeant at Patrol Borough Brooklyn South reached out to the 72nd Precinct to see if security was needed.
'Any plan being put into effect for 50 Cent appearing on Thursday at Club Lust?' the email stated. It is unknown what action the police took, if any.
Tekashi 6ix9ine was another rapper that the NYPD monitored at the club. He is currently incarcerated on federal racketeering charges.
The NYPD sent a New Year's Day e-mail warning the Rap Unit of his upcoming 'Trap Tuesday' appearance at the venue the next day. They shared a promotional flier with the 72nd Precinct.
Jersey City rapper AlBee Al, whose real name is Albert Robinson, was another artist who was slated to appear at Club Lust and who had a report made on him.
The Rap Unit wrote up a five-page report establishing a connection between the musician and 'multiple shootings in the New Jersey state area' in anticipation for his July 2016 performance at the venue.
Emails from February 2017 show that the 72nd Precinct had 'some concerns' for a Kodak Black performance at Club Lust
AlBee Al was said to have been a 'known BLOOD member,' with the report adding that he was acquitted of a June 2014 killing.
The rapper was also said to have been suspected or ordering a May 2016 hit in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The altercation resulted in a revenge shooting by the victim's brother that left the rapper injured.
The report states: 'The EOU will continue to observe for any future events where Albee Al will be in attendance. In addition, any of these future events that are found will be classified as High Events for future weekly Entertainment Reports.'
Black, whose legal name is Bill Kapri, is currently incarcerated in Miami on federal weapon charges
Emails from February 2017 show that the 72nd Precinct had 'some concerns' for a Kodak Black performance at Club Lust.
But Rap Unit officers asserted: 'Theres no need to worry about him.'
'Kodak is a loud mouth knuckle head. However, there have been no issues with him in NYC. In addition, hes on probation. So if he does anything wrong at all, hes going right back to jail and hes aware of that as well as his people around him.'
The detectives also noted that Black 'was arrested earlier today for parole violation and is being held without bail in the state of Florida.'
'So it's possible that and more than likely that we wont even be attending this event at Lust . . . If itll make your CO feel better, if he does get out of jail (which I doubt) in time to go to this event, I will reach out to him management and speak with them.'
'But like I said, hes simply a big mouth young kid. He's actually intimidated of NYC. So he just wants to fulfill his contract, [and] then leave.'
The appearance at Club Lust was eventually cancelled. Black, whose legal name is Bill Kapri, is currently incarcerated in Miami on federal weapon charges.
The NYPD's Enterprise Operations Unit, also known as the Rap Unit, is a special task force that monitors hip-hop shows across the city
