MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) – “Look Alive” rapper BlocBoy JB was arrested just hours before he was due to take the stage at the Beale Street Music Festival.
According to local NBC affiliate WMC, the 22-year-old rapper, whose real name is James Baker, was arrested on Friday morning on a raft of charges that included speeding, possession of marijuana, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.
Investigators with the Shelby County sheriff’s department told Fox13 News that Baker was arrested after police observed him leaving his home and driving at a high rate of speed. A deputy pulled him over and observed a handgun on the floor of the car, WMC reported.
Since Baker is a convicted felon, the deputy detained him and obtained a search warrant for the home. In the home, investigators said they found marijuana, scales, loaded handguns and hundreds of rounds of pistol and rifle ammunition. Police said they also found a loaded semi-automatic rifle with a 50 round drum magazine.
According to WMC, Baker told investigators that the guns were in his house for an upcoming video shoot and that he was not aware they were loaded.
Baker was convicted of participating in a home invasion in 2012 and arrested in February on theft, drug, and gun charges.
He is scheduled to perform on the FedEx Stage at the Beale Street Music Festival on Friday. His publicist told BSMF officials that he still plans on performing, Fox13 reported.
