Chicago Rapper Twista Pleads Guilty to Failing to Pay $441,000 in Federal Income Taxes

Chicago rap legend Twista — once recognized by the Guinness World Records as the fastest rapper in the world — now faces a federal sentencing hearing after pleading guilty to failing to pay more than $441,000 in income taxes over a four-year period.

The Guilty Plea

Carl Mitchell, 54, known professionally as Twista, signed his guilty plea in federal court on May 26, 2026, according to court documents filed Wednesday. The filing confirms that Mitchell failed to pay federal income taxes between 2019 and 2023, accumulating an unpaid tax liability totaling $441,059.91 — an amount he has agreed to repay to the government as part of his plea agreement.

What He Faces

With the guilty plea now on record, Mitchell faces a maximum sentence of up to five years in federal prison. A formal sentencing date had not been publicly announced as of Friday. The agreement to repay the full $441,059.91 may be considered a mitigating factor when a judge determines his sentence.

Context and Significance

Twista rose to national prominence in the 1990s and early 2000s, becoming one of Chicago's most celebrated hip-hop artists. His 2004 album Kamikaze reached number one on the Billboard 200, propelled by the hit single "Slow Jamz" — a collaboration with Kanye West and Jamie Foxx. His career helped establish Chicago as a powerhouse in American hip-hop long before the city's current generation of artists took the global stage.

The tax charges cover a period of several years, suggesting a sustained pattern of non-payment rather than a single oversight. Federal tax evasion cases of this magnitude typically draw significant scrutiny from prosecutors and can result in substantial prison time, even for first-time offenders.

What's Next

With the guilty plea entered, attention now turns to sentencing. The outcome will hinge on a range of factors, including Mitchell's cooperation, his agreement to pay full restitution, and any additional context presented by his legal team. For fans and the broader Chicago music community, the case serves as a sobering reminder that financial and legal missteps can follow even the most storied careers in the industry.