FBI Director Kash Patel has launched a probe into Empire Records, the label behind rappers such as King Von and XXXTentacion, hinting at potential charges if evidence mounts up. The announcement spotlights suspicious payment disputes some of these artists faced before their murders.
Empire Distribution, founded by Ghazi Shami, rocketed to fame signing drill and trap stars amid hip-hop's streaming boom. XXXTentacion died in a Florida robbery in 2018, while King Von, Young Dolph, MO3 and PnB Rock fell to gun violence in the years after, each amid public gripes over label royalties.
