Drake Affiliate Top5 Arrested By Toronto Police On Firearm Charges

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Drake’s close associate and Toronto rapper, Top5, has been arrested by the Toronto Police Service and is facing several weapons-related charges. According to an official news release from the police, the rapper, whose real name is Hassan Ali, was taken into custody on Friday, January 24.

Top5 has been charged with six separate offenses: Careless Storage of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device; Possession of a Weapon; Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm; Possession of a Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized; and Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition.

The rapper’s initial court appearance was scheduled for 10 A.M. on Saturday, January 25, though no details about the proceedings have been made available at this time.

This arrest follows warnings from industry insiders about Top5’s controversial actions. Earlier this month, Drake was publicly advised to distance himself from Top5. Despite this, the two were seen attending a Toronto Raptors game together on January 13, further drawing attention to their connection.

Top5 shared a video of himself and Drake walking to their seats during the Raptors’ victory over the Golden State Warriors. In the Instagram post, the 25-year-old rapper captioned the video: “Me & twin @champagnepapi.”

This appearance came shortly after Wack 100, a veteran music manager, issued a stern warning to Drake about his association with Top5. During an interview with No Jumper, Wack 100 claimed to possess incriminating evidence related to the Toronto rapper and advised Drake to cut ties with him.

“Drake needs to get away from Top5. He’s bad news,” Wack 100 said, holding up a USB drive during the interview. “This is how much respect I got for you, Drake. No troll, on Piru, you need to get away from that dude. This has been in existence for about 90 days, and I have made sure it hasn’t [gone] anywhere, personally. I think you know what I’m talking about.

“That dude, with his mouth and the things he says, it does not support your career. I’m telling you as a brother … get the fuck away from Top5, bro. Remember, I’m warning Drake, he’s gonna have you hemmed up, caught up and cuffed up.”

Wack added, “Dude is reckless with his mouth, he ties you to things, and he’s a dumbass.”

This recent arrest is not Top5’s first encounter with the law. Last September, he was released from jail after beating a first-degree murder charge stemming from the shooting death of 20-year-old college student Hashim Omar Hashi four years ago. Authorities believe Hashi may have been wrongly targeted in a gang-related shooting.

The case was dismissed after key pieces of evidence were ruled inadmissible. Following his release, it was revealed that Drake had contributed to the rapper’s legal fees. In a since-edited Instagram post, Top5 expressed gratitude, writing: “Shoutout big bro @champagnepapi for the Lawyer Fees & Gary Grill for being the best lawyer in Toronto #ALLAHUAKBAR.”

Top5’s legal troubles and public controversies continue to cast a shadow over his career and affiliations. For now, it remains to be seen how these charges will impact both his future and his high-profile connection to one of hip-hop’s biggest stars.