Bronx drill star Sha EK, born Chalim Perry, is now facing some of the harshest charges imaginable. Arrested on February 2nd in New York, the rapper has been charged with murder and 10 additional counts—an indictment that not only threatens his rising career but also sends shockwaves through the drill community. In a scene that’s all too familiar to those who ride or die for the streets, this arrest marks a turning point in a battle that’s been raging between raw, real music and relentless legal pressure.
On the early afternoon of February 2nd, NYPD moved in hard on Sha EK as part of an ongoing investigation into a series of violent incidents linked to the drill rap scene. Authorities say the charges—murder among them—are severe, setting the stage for a legal showdown that could see the Bronx-born artist behind bars for years if convicted. Cases like these have a long history in New York, where drill rappers have been caught in the crossfire of lyrical bravado and real-life consequences. Sha EK’s future hangs in the balance as the legal process unfolds—with arraignments, pre-trial hearings, and a looming trial—and the streets are watching closely.
Born on April 8, 2003, in the Melrose neighborhood of the South Bronx, Sha EK’s life has always been steeped in the struggle and survival of NYC’s toughest corners. After surviving a gunshot wound at 15, he turned pain into power and began his rap career in 2018. With breakout hits like “D&D,” Sha EK quickly emerged as one of the most potent voices in Bronx drill—earning millions of streams and catching the eye of major labels.
His signing with Warner Records and the release of his debut mixtape, Face of the What, marked his meteoric rise in a scene that thrives on authenticity and raw grit. His music, filled with aggressive bars and street narratives, reflects the harsh realities of the Bronx and continues to inspire a loyal fan base that sees his success as a victory for their entire community.
The arrest of Sha EK is part of a larger, long-standing feud between the law and New York’s drill community. Officials have long argued that violent, unfiltered language in drill rap is responsible for street violence. Others claim such a stance unfairly targets rappers for speaking about life in a direct, unfiltered form. Earlier cases have pitted drill rappers in similar court cases, with controversy over whether the rap inspires violence or merely describes it. As the NYPD intensifies its crackdown, many in the community believe that this is yet one more try at shutting down a form of cultural expression that’s been screaming in the streets for years.
Social media is abuzz with reaction to Sha EK’s arrest. Rap peers, hardcore enthusiasts, and key personalities in NYC’s hip-hop scene have taken to social media, with many decrying the arrest as an over-policing act. On Twitter and Reddit, followers cry “freeing the streets” and defend Sha EK’s work, stating that his rap reflects the violence he’s witnessed and not glorify it.
Industry insiders have mixed feelings: a few acknowledge the gravity of the accusations, but many say an overzealous legal position could suffocate the same free thinking that’s taken Bronx’s drill rap to new heights.
