YoungThreat, Featured on Kendrick Lamar’s 'GNX,' Hit With Murder Charges

The Los Angeles rapper was arrested in December in connection with an October shooting and is being held without bail.

YoungThreat with dreadlocks and facial tattoos wearing a black hoodie stands in front of a SiriusXM backdrop.
Image via Cindy Ord/Getty Images

YoungThreat, a Los Angeles rapper who appeared on Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 album GNX, is facing multiple felony charges, including murder and attempted murder, according to court records that have recently come to light.

The rapper, real name Deonta Simuel, was arrested on Dec. 16 in connection with an alleged shooting that occurred roughly on Oct. 14 in California.

While the case itself is not new, No Jumper recently obtained and shared documents that led to widespread reporting.

Contrary to early online claims, YoungThreat is being held without bail, not on a $4 million bond, according to available court information. He is scheduled to appear in court again on Jan. 22, though authorities have not publicly released detailed information about the alleged incident.

Court records state YoungThreat is being charged with murder stemming from the Oct. 14 incident. Prosecutors have also filed enhancements alleging one or more prior serious or violent felony convictions, as well as a prior serious felony enhancement.

In addition, the rapper is facing a charge of attempted murder, tied to the same October date, along with the same prior-conviction enhancements. Another charge accuses him of shooting at an inhabited dwelling or vehicle.

Court documents further show a charge of a felon in possession of a firearm. YoungThreat has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

YoungThreat rose to broader public attention after appearing on the title track of GNX, Kendrick Lamar’s highly anticipated 2024 album. The song also featured Hitta J3 and Peysoh, with production from Sounwave, Jack Antonoff, Kenny & Billy, Tobias “Rascal” Breuer, and Tim Maxey. The track peaked at No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a major moment in YoungThreat’s career.

Following the album’s success, the rapper released It Gets Greater Later in December 2024 and followed up with Reincarnated in April 2025, positioning himself as a rising voice within the Los Angeles rap scene.

Representatives for YoungThreat have not publicly commented on the case. As proceedings continue, the rapper remains in custody without bail.

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