A chart-topping rapper signed to hip-hop mogul Rick Ross's record label narrowly avoided spending the festive period in custody this week after being charged with a serious federal cannabis offence.
Court Appearance and Bond Conditions
Vaughn Matthews, known professionally as Nino Breeze, surrendered to U.S. Marshals at the federal courthouse in Tampa, Florida, on Monday. He faced a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, as first reported by TMZ.
Following a court hearing, the artist agreed to stringent release conditions. Matthews must post a $100,000 cash bond and provide an additional $100,000 in property as collateral, securing his temporary freedom.
His legal team, attorneys Bradford Cohen and Mark Rankin, confirmed to outlets that their client would be home for Christmas. Reports indicate the presiding Florida judge acknowledged the rapper's 'promising music career' and urged him to continue pursuing it.
A History of Legal Troubles
This recent charge is not Matthews' first significant encounter with the law. In 2016, he pleaded guilty to federal charges related to possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking and as a convicted felon.
That case resulted in a sentence of six years and six months in prison. According to court documents from the time, a police search of his home uncovered:
- Over 20 pounds of marijuana.
- 3 firearms and more than 50 rounds of ammunition.
- Over $86,000 in cash.
- A $55,000 diamond watch, despite being unemployed.
Further investigation revealed Matthews had used the postal service to traffic substantial quantities of cannabis. He mailed at least 50 packages from California to Florida, moving a total of more than 230 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of around $1 million.
"Here’s a guy that’s really hurting our community because he’s bringing all these drugs into our community," St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway said at the time.
From Prison to Promising Music Career
Matthews was released from prison in 2022 after serving nearly five years. Upon his release, he focused on his music, leading to a pivotal career move.
In 2024, he signed a record deal with Rick Ross's Maybach Music Group. His biggest hit to date is 'Type A N***a', a collaboration with Ross and Memphis rapper Moneybagg Yo, which has amassed over nine million online streams.
Reflecting on his incarceration in an interview with YouTuber Ian Bick, Matthews stated he was "good" at serving time due to his past. "I stayed focused. I was reading and educating myself. I was working out, writing music," he shared. He also noted that the viral nature of his million-dollar drug bust played a part in launching his music career.
Following this week's court hearing, Matthews posted a message on his Instagram Stories that simply read, "I can't be faded." Daily Mail has contacted his representative for further comment.
