Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder Kareem “Biggs” Burke, who contributed to the surge of JAY Z‘s early career, was set free from federal prison in 2015 after pleading guilty to drug conspiracy back in 2012.
Biggs’ former associate, Manuel Geobanny Rodriguez-Perez a.k.a. “El Monstro,” is currently facing life in federal prison for confessing to his involvement in nine murders, according to the New York Daily News.
“The 43-year-old pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy in Manhattan federal court (on June 7th) — and admitted responsibility for nine murders and 10 attempted murders in that conspiracy.”
The kingpin (which prosecutors have referred to him as) controlled the New York City marijuana market from the early 90s to 2010.
Biggs was tied into the conspiracy after being recorded speaking to “El Monstro” about marijuana distributors. Police also observed Biggs stacking money from Rodriguez-Perez into his BMW trunk, the Feds affirmed in October 2010.
In 1996, Roc-A-Fella Records was founded by JAY Z, Biggs and Damon Dash. The record label was responsible for kicking off the careers of not only Hov but also Kanye West, Beanie Sigel, Memphis Bleek and more.
The full indictment is available here