No Limit Records rapper McKinley “Mac” Phipps has been behind bars for 21 years for a crime he claims he didn’t commit, and now it looks like he could be receiving clemency.
According to a report from The Huffington Post on Monday (Feb. 22), the Louisiana Board of Pardons and Parole recommended earlier this week that Mac, 43, be made eligible for parole immediately. The parole board apparently voted unanimously for the New Orleans rapper’s release, but the ultimate decision is up to Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards. If Mac’s clemency is approved, he will have to sit before the parole board once more.
The hip-hop artist, who played a pivotal role in Master P’s No Limit Records empire in the late 1990s, was convicted of manslaughter in 2001, in connection to the February 2000 shooting at Club Mercedes in Slidell, La., which killed 19-year-old Barron “Bookie” Victor Jr. Mac was sentenced to 30 years behind bars.
Mac’s wife, Angelique Phipps, seemed hopeful of the new update in her husband’s case. “Today’s been a good day,” she said. “It’s kind of the beginning of the road to freedom, but there’s still some more bases to go. It’s a start. One step closer.”
She added, “Not only is this amazing for us, but I believe that it also provides hope for those in comparable situations. Our goal is in sight, and we will get to the finish line.”
Back in 2015, an investigation led by The Medhill Justice Project sparked doubt regarding a key witness testimony. Thus, offering hope for Mac’s release due to false imprisonment.
As far as the details of the incident, Mac was present at the club that night to help promote an open mic event. His mother, father, friends and associates were there as well. Mac was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, which according to Louisiana is when “the offender has a specific intent to kill or to inflict great bodily harm.”