Artist censorship or legitimate attempt to curb gun culture? A Gatineau rapper known for his ties to street gangs will no longer be allowed to talk about firearms in his music videos or on social media. This rare probation condition was imposed on Joey Gauthier-Langlois, who was sentenced to 45 months in prison last Wednesday.
Joey Gauthier-Langlois, known by his stage name Joey G, built a Glock pistol using a 3D printer, according to the agreed statement of facts filed in court. He also pleaded guilty to possession of a restricted firearm and possession of drugs.
The rapper’s multiple references to crime in his songs have not fallen on deaf ears. Upon his parole or release from prison, he will be banned from making any direct or indirect reference to firearms on any social media platform, including YouTube.
It is quite rare for a probation condition to limit an artist’s musical output in this way.
Guns are, however, a recurring theme in Joey G’s music. He explains that he is a criminal and “always has his strap [arme à feu] ” in the lyrics of his song entitled Angel & Demon.
His video clip Cold bloodwhich has 133,000 views on YouTube, addresses similar topics. “At the end of my barrel, you just see the fire,” he says in the melody.
IMAGE TAKEN FROM YOUTUBE
Album cover Blood for Blood by Joey G
He will now have to look elsewhere for inspiration as he begins a 45-month sentence, or nearly four years, in prison, according to a joint suggestion by both parties. He has been held on remand since 2023.
Gunshots at Bab Sharqi
It was an investigation into shots fired at the Bab Sharqi restaurant in Montreal’s Saint-Laurent borough in March 2023 that led police to Joey Gauthier-Langlois.
Analysis of surveillance cameras and automobile experts from the Montreal Police Department identified the vehicle of a man named Nathan Purenne as being involved in the event, according to the summary of facts.
The suspects in this case were observed at the Gatineau rapper’s home on the evening the shots were fired. A 3D printer, a laptop, an AR-15 rifle and a Glock pistol casing were seized during searches conducted in April 2023 at the suspect’s home.
PHOTO FILED AS EVIDENCE
Objects seized from the accused
The firearm’s characteristics match those provided by a computer document found on Joey Gauthier-Langlois’ computer, which allowed authorities to conclude that he had made it himself in the comfort of his home.
IMAGE FILED IN COURT
File collected by the police from the accused’s computer
Disassociated from his gang?
“Joey G” had caused a stir among underground rap fans last November. A strange video showing the artist in a cell while he was incarcerated had made the rounds on social networks the year of his arrest. Joey Gauthier-Langlois appeared to have a facial injury and made comments denigrating his own gang.
One of the members of his group, a collective of musicians called LV considered by the police to be a street gang, had disassociated himself from him in a message published in Le Journal du Hip Hop, an online media covering Quebec rap. “My team had not heard about the disassociation, but those who knew knew. […] For us, loyalty is the most important thing. […] “This is the last time you’re going to see him by my side,” explained the member in question, Brandon D’Anjou-O’Meally, aka Cupidon. He is a rapper who has been gaining popularity in recent years. The latter is currently incarcerated in connection with a firearms case.
The initials LV refer to the Vikingz, a criminal group from Gatineau that is affiliated with Laval street gangs. However, Joey Gauthier-Langlois’ allegiance and status within the gang were not detailed in court.
In addition to being banned from making references to firearms on YouTube and any other online platform for a period of three years after his release from prison, Joey Gauthier-Langlois will have to refrain from owning and using a 3D printer.
“Given the context and the seriousness of the offence, in addition to the scourge linked to firearms in the Montreal region, we believe that this condition improves the chances of success of his rehabilitation and minimizes the risks of recidivism, which are the objectives of a probation order,” indicated to The Press Me Marie-Christine Lajoie, the prosecutor in the case.
Me Anthony El-Haddad defended the accused.