New York’s drill rap scene took a dramatic turn on April 16, 2025, when Harlem-based rapper Kenny Capone was arrested in the middle of a street interview in New York City. The incident, captured on video, unfolded as Capone was discussing his incarcerated friends, expressing hope for their release. The sudden police intervention stunned onlookers and sparked buzz across social media, highlighting the intense scrutiny faced by artists in the drill music world. Here’s a detailed look at what happened, Capone’s career, and the broader context of this shocking moment.
The interview was unfolding on a busy New York street, with Kenny Capone, a rising star in the NY drill scene, answering questions about his friends who are currently behind bars. Dressed in a black and gray Nike puffer vest over a gray hoodieow “HOOD FAVORITE” hoodie, Capone appeared relaxed as he spoke candidly. The interviewer, possibly from the platform One Mic NYC, known for showcasing local talent, asked,
“So how do you feel about all your brothers being booked right now?”
Capone’s response was heartfelt.
“Shit crazy, bro,”
he said.
“I don’t want none of my guys. I don’t always jail on nobody. I just feel it more as though the guys is innocent. They be back real soon. Oh my God, bro.”
His words reflected loyalty to his crew, believed to be members of the Sweepers, a Harlem-based group tied to the drill scene. He expressed optimism, believing his friends would soon be free.
The conversation briefly shifted as the interviewer asked,
“So how y’all doing? Everything all right?”
Capone replied,
“Everything’s good,”
and confirmed his first interview was going smoothly, saying,
“3 buck.”
But the mood changed abruptly when police officers arrived on the scene. A voice, likely an officer, was heard saying,
“Do me a favor, just back up.”
Chaos ensued as Capone realized he was being detained.
In the midst of the commotion, Capone remained composed but urgent.
“Ma, may you take my phone so you can call my mother,”
he pleaded.
“Can you take my phone? That’s my cousin. I call his mom.”
He added,
“Yo, can you remember the call. That’s my birthday, bro. I got money in my pocket.”
The mention of it being his birthday added a poignant layer to the moment, underscoring the unexpected nature of the arrest.
Another voice, possibly a family member or friend, was heard saying,
“Yo Jay, my son Kenny just got a book. Snapping Kenny right now. I can’t get his mom’s number.”
The term “book” is slang for being arrested, and the speaker’s urgency suggested they were trying to alert others about the situation. The video, shared widely online, captured the raw emotion of the moment, leaving fans and onlookers stunned.
The police intervention was swift and unexpected. Based on the video and online posts, officers approached Capone mid-interview, likely acting on prior surveillance or an ongoing investigation. The exact charges remain unclear, but given Capone’s ties to the Sweepers and the NY drill scene’s frequent association with gang-related scrutiny, the arrest may be linked to such activities. The NYPD has historically monitored drill artists, as seen in cases like Sheff G’s arrest for alleged gang involvement.
Capone’s request to call his mother and his mention of having money in his pocket suggest he was caught off guard. The presence of a family member or close associate, who referred to Capone as “my son,” indicates that people close to him were nearby, possibly part of the interview crew or bystanders. The arrest took place in broad daylight, reinforcing the public nature of the incident and its impact on Capone’s image.
Capone’s comments about his incarcerated friends, whom he called “the guys,” point to his loyalty to his crew, likely members of the Sweepers or affiliated groups. He expressed a strong belief in their innocence, saying,
“I just feel it more as though the guys is innocent. They be back real soon.”
While specific names weren’t mentioned, the Sweepers are known in Harlem’s drill scene, and their members often face legal challenges due to the genre’s ties to street life. The lack of detailed information about these friends reflects the guarded nature of such discussions in the drill community, where public statements can draw further scrutiny.
Kenny Capone, born and raised in Harlem, New York, is a key figure in the NY drill movement, a subgenre of hip-hop known for its gritty beats and raw lyrics about street life. As a member of the Sweepers (also known as TTGZ), Capone has carved out a reputation for his versatile lyricism, drawing from his tough upbringing. According to his Genius profile, Capone joined a gang at a young age, a choice shaped by the challenges of growing up in Harlem. This background informs his music, which resonates with fans for its authenticity.
Capone’s discography includes standout tracks like “Hazard Lights, Pt. 2 (Pill Thoughts)” released in 2024 and “Squid Game (feat. Kenny Capone)” in 2023, available on platforms like Apple Music and SoundCloud. His work often reflects the struggles and loyalties of street life, a hallmark of drill music. A 2023 freestyle with One Mic NYC showcased his ability to captivate audiences, further boosting his profile. Despite his rising fame, Capone’s career is now overshadowed by this high-profile arrest, which could impact his trajectory.
This arrest marks a significant controversy for Kenny Capone, amplifying the ongoing tension between NY drill artists and law enforcement. The drill scene, while celebrated for its raw energy, is often criticized for its perceived glorification of violence and gang culture. High-profile cases, like the arrests of Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow for alleged murder conspiracy, highlight the NYPD’s focus on drill rappers. Capone’s arrest during a public interview adds fuel to this debate, raising questions about whether artists are unfairly targeted.
Beyond this incident, Capone’s gang affiliation with the Sweepers may have drawn legal attention, though specific prior legal issues are not documented. The drill scene’s broader challenges, including the deaths of young rappers like Jayquan McKenley and Tahjay Dobson in 2022, underscore the risks faced by artists in this genre. Capone’s arrest, especially on his birthday, humanizes these struggles, showing the personal toll of navigating fame and street life.
