US rapper Mystikal has been arrested on rape and domestic abuse charges

New Orleans rapper Mystikal was arrested on charges of rape and domestic abuse on Sunday, after local police were called to a suspected domestic abuse victim in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The 51-year-old rapper, whose real name is Michael Tyler, was subsequently charged with first-degree rape and felony domestic abuse.

"On July 30, approximately 11:58PM, deputies within the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office responded to an area hospital in reference to a sexual assault," local police wrote in a statement on Facebook. "Detectives interviewed the victim who sustained minor injuries during the attack. Through further investigation, Michael 'Mystikal' Tyler was identified as a suspect."

Known for his Grammy-nominated 2000s hit ‘Shake Ya Ass’, Mystikal previously served a six-year sentence in 2004 after being found guilty of sexual assault and extortion.

“He was arrested and booked into the Ascension Parish Jail." police confirmed "He is charged with First-Degree Rape, Simple Robbery, Domestic Abuse Battery – Strangulation, False Imprisonment, Simple Criminal Damage to Property. This is an ongoing investigation. Further details may be limited at this time.”

In an April 2021 interview with the Associated Press, Mystikal said:“When I look back and listen to the music, man – I was a nasty lil’ rapper.”

He added: “A lot of my music now, I imagine myself rapping it to God and if I can rap it, I’m proud."

If you’ve been affected by sexual assault or rape in the music industry, you can contact Association For Electronic Music’s helpline. Click here to find out more or call 0800 030 5182.

Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter