Rappers Paul Wall, Baby Bash Face Judge On Drug Charges

HOUSTON, TX -- Two Houston area rappers who were arrested last week during a raid conducted by narcotics agents in the Heights, appeared before a judge Tuesday to hear the levied against them.

Paul Wall, aka Paul Michael Slayton, 35, was initially charged with manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance, also faces charges of organized crime and is accused of working with three other men to sell Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC which is a key active ingredient in marijuana.

Slayton was arrested Dec. 23 with nine other people, including fellow Houston area rapper Baby Bash, aka Ronald Ray Bryant, 47, during a smoke session at a Heights-area smoke shop, which Bryant referred to as “a gathering of the cannabis community.”

During court proceedings, Slayton was read his legal warnings by state District Judge Denise Bradley, who also outlined conditions of his bond, which include random drug testing.

Slayton, who claims to suffer from back problems, told Bradley that if he were drug tested that day, that he’d test positive for marijuana, marijuana oil, codeine, hydrocodone, the muscle relaxer Soma and Ativan, which is similar to Xanax.

Bradley advised Slayton, and his attorney Jolanda Jones, to provide the court with evidence of the medical condition, such as proof of valid medical prescriptions.

According to prosecutors, law enforcement officials had monitored several social media sites for illegal activity since the summer, and that Slayton’s Facebook and Instagram pages were among those sites.

According to court documents, two undercover officers had infiltrated the party to gather evidence.

Last week, a “smokeout” was advertised on the “Secret Smoke Society” Instagram page that listed the location in the Heights and a $10 cover for entering the smoke session, which was held on Dec. 23, in the Heights.

On Dec. 23, officers arrived with a warrant and arrested Slayton, Bryant and eight others.

Inside the smokeout, law enforcement officials collected a host of illegal drugs that included marijuana, THC, codeine, the prescription drug OxyContin, which is a powerful pain medication.

Both Slayton and Bryant posted a $20,000 bond after their arrest last week.

Officials said all those who were arrested are currently free on bond and required by court order to abstain from drugs and alcohol while their cases are pending.
If convicted, prosecutors said, the group can face up to life in prison.

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