Shawn Thomas (born January 14, 1972), better known by his stage name C-Bo, is an American rapper from Sacramento, California. Known for his extensive legal troubles, he was the first notable rapper to be jailed due to his lyrical content in 1998. His 1995 song, "Deadly Game" (with X-Raided) earned this distinction, as its lyrics were a scathing critique of political officials, including governor Pete Wilson, and California's Prop. 184three-strikes law.[4][5] He ineffectively argued for appeal three times.[6]
Although some charges were dropped as it was viewed as a violation of his First Amendment rights,[7] he was arrested in California in 1998, under the suspicion that his violent rap lyrics violated his parole.[8] He rapped his court statement to the presiding judge, in Ohio, who gave C-Bo probation on the condition that he also rap in a Public Service Announcement.[9] Also known for his frequent collaborations with fellow California-based rappers, he appeared in numerous videos for Tupac Shakur.[1]
Early life
Thomas was raised in a single family home amongst three brothers and five sisters,[2] during that time he became a member in the Garden Blocc Crips.[10][11]
During a 1993 music video shoot, Thomas fired a shot in the air to get people's attention and stop a potential gang situation. Instead it made matters worse, confusing the crowd and causing more shots to ring off. His friend King Miller was killed at age 23 during the act.[2][4]
In a 1996 incident Thomas was sentenced to 15 months in jail. A firearm used by him caused a death of one man during a rival gang confrontation.[14]
In March 1998, he was sentenced to two more months in prison in Sacramento, after testing positive for marijuana which violated the terms of his probation.[15]
In August 2017, during the filming of a music video, a shootout occurred leaving 1 dead and 4 injured. This came after rapper Mozzy and Thomas had exchanged diss tracks during the same month.[16]
Personal life
Thomas is married with 3 children,[14][2] he enjoys skiing, camping and fishing.[11]
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