New York, NY – After serving a two-year sentence in federal prison for producing
false identification documents and bank fraud, Jamaican dancehall artiste Stamma
Gramma is officially making his return to music—reinvigorated, reformed, and ready to
reclaim his place in the industry.
Born Michael Williams, the entertainer rose to fame in 2013 with his breakout hit
Scammer Anthem, a track that would later come to echo elements of his real-life story.
Holding a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, Williams’ unique
blend of tech knowledge and musical talent made him a standout figure—but
ultimately contributed to a life-altering fall from grace.
“It was rough. It was challenging on a mental, psychological, and spiritual level,”
Williams shared. “Being investigated by the long arms of these American federal
agencies really bring you to your knees. It humbles you, exposes you, and strips you
to the bare bone.”
He described the experience as harrowing: “I’ve had sleepless nights, tormented
days, and moments where I was physically present, but mentally trapped in a vacuum
of emptiness. I was sunken in an abyss of darkness. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst
enemy. When I saw United States vs Michael Williams, I wished the ground would
open up and take what was left of me. It was me—a youth from Jamaica
College—against the world’s most powerful government. One man versus 100 gorillas,
literally. If it weren’t for the grace and mercy of God, I don’t believe I could have
coped.”
Williams was arrested following a multi-agency raid on his properties in New York and
Connecticut. He pled guilty in July 2022 and was sentenced to serve time at
Allenwood FCI, a federal correctional institution in Pennsylvania known for housing
white-collar and high-profile offenders.
Before his legal troubles, music had always been his first love. “I’ve been doing music
since I was 13. It meant everything to me to see the spotlight. But in hindsight, it came
too soon. That song—Scammer Anthem—was more of an experiment. I wasn’t ready
for the scrutiny or the attention that followed. And at the time, I was juggling college
life while caring for a very ill partner.” A forensic psychological evaluation conducted before his sentencing revealed a childhood marked by trauma, emotional neglect, and psychological abuse. The report, submitted by Forensic Mitigation Specialist Reynaldo Cusicanqui, indicated that these factors contributed significantly to Williams’ decision-making and identity formation in early adulthood.
Despite the isolation of prison life, Williams remained creatively active. He wrote 368
songs and drafted two unpublished books. He also dedicated himself to reading over
200 works on topics such as psychology, philosophy, leadership, trauma, and spiritual
Growth. Now back on the outside, Stamma Gramma is focused on redemption—both personal and professional. He is preparing to release a new album titled Baby Face Assassin, a deeply reflective body of work inspired by his experiences behind bars and his journey back to purpose.
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References for the facts contained in the story is provided in the links below:
JAMAICA OBSERVER – Stamma Gramma returns after sentence in US federal prison – Jamaica Observer
NY STATE GOV – Fake OSHA Card At Javits Center Expansion Construction Uncovers Massive Fake ID Scheme | Office of the Inspector General
NEWS 12 – Two men plead guilty in massive counterfeit document scheme
IMDB – Stamma Gramma – IMDb