Jimmy Wopo’s NYC trip lands rapper in jail
Pittsburgh rapper Jimmy Wopo released his new single, “Westbrook,” on Thursday while being held at the Allegheny County Jail.
The 20-year-old Wopo, whose real name is Travon Smart, was booked on June 28 for a probation violation stemming from a 2015 drug case.
Wopo’s Pittsburgh manager Taylor Maglin explains that the Hill District rapper, who is approaching 12 million views for his YouTube videos, stepped out for business, traveling to New York City on June 14 to meet with label executives at Atlantic Records.
“One of the main violations was leaving the state without permission. Now, this is my fault,” said Mr. Maglin, who co-founded the hip-hop website The Daily Loud. “I should've been more aware of this.”
He said the other violation was failure to report regularly.
“This is something I also should’ve been on him more about,” Mr. Maglin said. “The music was just the main focus, building the catalog, connecting with the publications and labels, expanding the fanbase. there is no excuse though you have to abide by the law. Lesson learned.”
The PG reported early Friday that Wopo filed a request to lift his detainer on July 7, but on Thursday Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Donna Jo McDaniel refused.
On Monday, Judge David R. Cashman, for whom Wopo was also serving probation, did grant a request to lift the detainer.
Wopo pleaded guilty before Judge McDaniel in October 2015 to felony drug conspiracy charges and was ordered to serve three years probation. He also pleaded guilty to a felony drug count before Judge Cashman in March where he was ordered to serve 18 months probation.
Mr. Maglin said Friday morning, “I spoke with Wopo yesterday, and he’s more focused than ever. He’s been writing multiple songs behind bars and is ready to get back to the music.”
He added that an album is in the works and that “we have major label offers flying in at the moment, so right now I'm just sorting through that and figuring out our best option.”
Defense attorney Owen Seman, who represents Wopo, said his client’s violations stemmed not just from traveling out of state but also from a general failure to report to his probation officer.
Wopo had gone to New York City for 24 hours to meet with two major record labels, Mr. Seman said.
“It’s a big opportunity, and he should have handled it differently. He’s a young kid who didn't really take it seriously because his career hadn’t taken off,” he said. “Now that it has, he is acutely aware of his need to comply with probation. And any future business trips, I will be asking for permission in advance.”