Federal prosecutors in South Carolina have placed rapper Blacc Zacc, whose real name is Zachary Chapman, at the center of a high-stakes criminal investigation. Arrested in late October 2025, Chapman faces charges that could lead to the death penalty if approved by U.S. Department of Justice. The case links his music career to alleged gang activities, drawing parallels to other hip-hop figures entangled in federal probes.
Born on December 17, 1990, in Columbia, Chapman built his reputation in the trap music scene. He started with mixtapes like 1st Round Draft Pick in 2010 and gained traction with releases such as High-Class Trapper (2017) and New Blacc City (2018). His 2020 signing with Interscope Records marked a breakthrough, leading to albums like Carolina Narco featuring collaborations with DaBaby and Moneybagg Yo. Tracks like “Make a Sale” and “Murder for Hire” earned him local acclaim in the Carolinas, though the latter now echoes the charges against him.
The indictment accuses Chapman of leading Dirty Money Entertainment (DME), portrayed as both a music label founded in 2015 and a criminal enterprise. Prosecutors claim DME operated as a racketeering group involved in drug trafficking, robberies, and violence from around 2020 to 2025.
RICO, or the Racketeer Influenced & Corrupt Organizations Act, is a federal law targeting organized crime by proving a pattern of illegal acts within an enterprise. Here, it’s applied to DME’s alleged operations.
At the heart of the case is a deadly plot tied to a stolen diamond-encrusted DME medallion, a symbol of gang status. Prosecutors allege Chapman placed a $10,000 bounty on rival Christian Watson after the theft in early September 2021.
Two attempts to kill Watson failed that month and in early October. On October 21, 2021, a hired shooter from Aiken allegedly gunned down Watson in his car at a Columbia apartment complex parking lot. Chapman is accused of coordinating via calls, encrypted messages, and interstate communications.
Murder-for-hire refers to paying or directing someone to commit killing, often using facilities like phones across state lines, which elevates it to a federal offense.
Federal documents describe DME as a violent street gang based in Columbia neighborhoods like Arthurtown and Bluff Estates. Members reportedly used properties, including a Blythewood house, for drug storage and operations involving cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana.
The group allegedly recruited via social media, enforced loyalty through shootings, and promoted its image through music. Gang identifiers included “DME” jewelry, tattoos, and a logo with a dollar sign and marijuana leaf.
Chapman was arrested on October 28, 2025, by U.S. Marshals and pleaded not guilty the next day. A federal magistrate denied bond on November 3, citing flight risk and community danger. He remains at Spartanburg County Jail.
The DOJ is reviewing the death penalty, a months-long process for murder-related charges. “Learned counsel” like Bill Nettles a former U.S. Attorney experienced in capital cases and co-counsel John Warren were appointed, as required by federal law (18 U.S.C. § 3005) for potential death-eligible defendants.
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott stated,
“the evidence warrants the ultimate penalty”
To deter gang violence. Trial is expected in mid-2026.
The DOJ’s capital review could conclude in 3-6 months, deciding on death pursuit. Discovery and motions follow, with trial prep. Co-defendants’ cooperation may influence outcomes. Chapman’s team, including Nettles, will challenge evidence, emphasizing presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Updates expected from U.S. District Court filings.
