The St. Catherine North Criminal Investigations Branch has arrested and charged 45-year-old Marlon Plunkett, otherwise known as Kiprich, on Monday, February 10.
According to a statement from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), “Plunkett is charged with Use of Audio and Audiovisual Communication to Promote Criminal Activity.” The authorities stated that, “this stems from a song that he had recorded and played across media platforms endorsing gang violence and paying tribute to members of the One Order Gang.”
The police further confirmed that “he was subsequently charged after a question-and-answer session in the presence of his attorney.”
Plunkett was granted bail and is scheduled to appear in the St. Catherine Parish Court later this month.
Several jurisdictions around the world have been making similar moves against artists and artistic expressions.
In May 2022, rapper Young Thug (Jeffery Williams) and several associates from his label, YSL Records, were indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Prosecutors alleged that YSL functioned as a criminal street gang involved in various illegal activities. The indictment included references to song lyrics and social media posts that prosecutors argued were evidence of the gang’s activities. Young Thug pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including racketeering and gang conspiracy, in October 2024 and was sentenced to 40 years including 15 years probation and 20 years “backloaded” if he does not successfully complete the probation.
In 2014, San Diego rapper Brandon Duncan, known as Tiny Doo, was charged under a California law that allows for the prosecution of individuals benefiting from gang activities. Prosecutors argued that his album “No Safety” featured lyrics that promoted gang violence, even though there was no direct evidence linking him to specific crimes. Duncan faced charges based solely on his artistic expression, leading to debates about freedom of speech and artistic expression. The charges were eventually dismissed, but the case highlighted the legal risks artists can face over their content.
Patrick Gordon Macdonald (Canada):
In July 2023, Canadian graphic designer Patrick Gordon Macdonald was arrested and charged with participating in the activities of a terrorist group and facilitating terrorist activity. Operating under the pseudonym “Dark Foreigner,” Macdonald was accused of creating and distributing propaganda videos for the neo-Nazi group Atomwaffen Division. This marked the first time in Canada that an individual was charged under both anti-terrorism and hate speech legislation for artistic content.
In February 2025, Melbourne artist Jack Gibson-Burrell faced court for allegedly creating the prolific “Pam the Bird” graffiti. He was accused of endangering the public by abseiling from buildings to create his artworks, posing significant risks to people below. Gibson-Burrell faced 50 charges, including criminal damage and burglary, with damages exceeding $100,000. The case underscored the legal consequences artists can face when their methods are deemed hazardous or unlawful.
