Jacksonville rapper Hakeem Robinson, who goes by the name Ksoo, is blowing the roof off claims of police brutality while awaiting trial for two high-profile murder charges. Ksoo says he has been mistreated since his days in Duval County Jail-a new layer of controversy in a case full of legal drama and public intrigue. Speaking out, he stated,
“The police done beat me again, while in handcuffs they trynna kill my spirit,”
He had also accused the jail authorities of violating his constitutional rights.
Legal troubles for Ksoo began in September 2020 when he was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in two separate killings. They represent the 2019 slaying of 16-year-old Adrian Gainer and an impending gun conviction in the shooting of an upcoming Florida competitor, Charles “Lil Buck” McCormick, stemming from 2020; this is all gang violence deeply rooted in and characteristic of Jacksonville’s hip-hop industry.
His trial for McCormick’s murder, originally scheduled for August 2024, has been delayed until March 2025, with a final pretrial conference set for March 24 of that year.
The delay comes with increasing complications in the case, including the bombshell that Ksoo’s father, Abdul Robinson Sr., is reportedly ready to testify against him. This potential testimony has sparked widespread discussion about loyalty and betrayal, fueling the public’s fascination with the case.
Meanwhile, the allegations of mistreatment have brought divided opinions with them. Supporters of the rapper see his claims as a disturbing reflection of misconduct within the criminal justice system. But others feel that timing and motive are questioned by some in light of the heinousness of the charges they deal with. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office confirmed the allegations but wouldn’t comment on specifics due to the ongoing nature of the case.
On house arrest awaiting sentencing, lawyers for Ksoo must work on two fronts: contesting the charges of murder and attending to the claims of abuse. These allegations could color public perception and perhaps become part of his defense, especially if they are able to raise reasonable doubt about the credibility of law enforcement involved in putting him behind bars.
Core issues in the case involve personal betrayal, gang-related violence, and questions of justice and accountability. The case has been rendered all the more emotionally fraught by the prospect of testimony from Ksoo’s father, further complicating a trial that has received widespread publicity. Ksoo’s case has become symbolic of societal issues, including the treatment of incarcerated individuals, the consequences of gang violence, and the pressures of fame.
While the trial date is still months away, the court of public opinion remains divided, and the outcome of this legal battle promises to have far-reaching implications.
