Amir Junaid Muhadith (born Chauncey Lamont Hawkins , June 20, 1975 in Harlem, New York) best known by his stage name Loon, is an American rapper formerly signed to P. Diddys Bad Boy Records. In 2004, he parted ways with Bad Boy Records starting his own label, Boss Up Entertainment. After having converted to Islam in 2009, he subsequently ended his music career. While on a trip to Brussels, he was arrested on November 22, 2011, and extradited to the United States and sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for long-standing drug offences.[1] Music career Chauncey Hawkins born in Harlem became part of P. Diddys Bad Boy Records under the name Loon. He released his self-titled debut album Loon and made many guest appearances on songs of the R&B and hip hop genres. He is best known for his role in P. Diddys 2001 hits I Need A Girl Pt. 1. In 2004, Loon left Bad Boy Records to start his own label, Boss Up Entertainment. Loon started his music career as a member of Mases rap collective Harlem World. Along with his music, Loon was featured in two movies directed by Damon Dash, State Property 2 and Death of a Dynasty. Conversion to Islam Loon converted to Islam in 2009. Born as Chauncey Lamont Hawkins, he changed his name to Amir Junaid Muhadith. He traveled to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest site of Islam to perform Umrah.[2] Following his conversion, he decided to end his rap career, and focus on his faith and giving Dawa. He frequently speaks about his life and the reasons why he converted to Islam.[3] Arrest and imprisonment Loon had earlier felony records going back to 1993 when he was 18, and another felony conviction in 2006. The former rapper was accused of knowingly and intentionally possessing with intent to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin in North Carolina from early 2006 to late 2008. He was initially arrested and indicted for felony of heroin distribution in May 2011, but fled to Algeria after being released from jail.[4] On November 22, 2011, he was arrested when he arrived in the Brussels Airport and sent to jail in Vorst. He had arrived to Belgium to give a lecture. His lawyer, Isa Gultaslar, filed a motion for release. After being detained for 6 months in Belgium, Loon was extradited to the United States following a request by American authorities based on earlier charges.[5] On July 18, 2013 Loon was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison on heroin charges.[6] On July 16, 2013, Loon was sentenced to 14 years in prison for his alleged involvement in a drug ring during the mid 2000s[4] having already served 20 months prior to sentencing, he would be eligible for parole after serving eight-and-a-half years of his sentence. Loon claims he was forced to plead guilty for getting a lesser sentence, because of earlier felony convictions and to avoid a mandatory life sentence with no chance of parole.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 06:31:46 +0000
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