Well-known Memphis rapper BlocBoy JB has been detained by deputies in Shelby County on suspicion of hiding a man suspected of several violent crimes -- including solicitation of murder, according to court documents.
Shelby County sheriff's deputies said James Baker, 22 -- better known by his rap name, BlocBoy JB – was detained Thursday around 5 p.m. at a home.
The Shelby County Sheriff's Office narcotics division was conducting surveillance because of a drug complaint – but detectives with the Multi-Agency Gang Unit had information that BlocBoy JB was hiding a man named Marquan Perry, who according to jail records was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder and solicitation of attempted first-degree murder, WHBQ-TV reported.
Sheriff's deputies said it was part of a multiagency investigation. Authorities said 20 people were detained from the home.
According to details in an arrest affidavit, on Thursday a deputy smelled marijuana and saw several people outside the home smoking. The deputy saw a man go inside the home and come back out with a jar that appeared to contain marijuana, the affidavit said. The deputy said he then saw the man and a woman then got into a black SUV and left.
Deputies pulled the vehicle over on Highway 385 near Forest Hill Irene Road because the man was not wearing his seat belt.
Deputies approached the SUV and saw what they suspected was marijuana in a cup holder, along with several guns in different areas of the vehicle. The drugs were tested and came back positive as marijuana, the affidavit said.
Surveillance on the home continued and detectives saw BlocBoy JB come outside, get into a car and leave. He was documented going 67 mph in a 45 mph zone and was pulled over, according to the arrest affidavit.
The detective, who said he knew the rapper was a felon, saw a Glock brand gun in the back seat and detained him.
Shortly thereafter, investigators got a warrant to search the home. It named BlocBoy JB as the target.
Once in the home, detectives found Marquan Perry in the attic. The arrest affidavit for BlocBoy JB indicates Perry was wanted on suspicion of soliciting attempted first-degree murder – but his jail intake records show that charge and a charge of first-degree murder.
Detectives continued to search the home and found marijuana, a scale, a loaded Glock and various types of ammunition in a bedroom. A driver's license and passport for BlocBoy JB (James Baker) were found in that same bedroom, according to the arrest affidavit.
Several more loaded guns – including two Diamondback Firearms DB15 rifles – were found throughout the home. Detectives also documented finding various rounds of ammunition and an EOTech laser sight.
BlocBoy JB told investigators he knows he is not supposed to be around firearms because he is a felon, but he said they were for a video shoot and he thought they were not loaded, according to the arrest affidavit. He allegedly refused to give a recorded statement saying anything more.
The incident comes just days before BlocBoy JB was scheduled to perform at the Beale Street Music Festival on Friday night.
A festival spokesman said there was not enough information to comment on whether the rapper’s performance would be affected. They said any changes to the festival lineup will be announced.
The rapper had been arrested for drug and weapon charges in Shelby County on Feb. 28, stemming from an incident that happened in July 2018.
