Friday, September 15, 2006

Do or Die's Belo Speaks on Murder Charge, "I'm Definitely Not A Fucking Murderer"

In an exclusive interview with us, Belo of the Chicago rap group Do or Die spoke candidly about his upcoming murder trial.
As previously reported by SOHH, Belo (born Darnell Smith)
is set to stand trial for murder in the first degree for allegedly shooting and killing Raynard Pinkston in November of 2002. With the trial date set for October 3, Belo expressed his feelings on the case.
"I can't really talk about the specifics but it's a plain case of self-defense," Belo told SOHH exclusively. "The prosecution wants to paint this picture of me like I'm a monster and a murderer and people who know my character know that that's just not me. I'm definitely not a fucking murderer."
Felicia Hamilton, Belo's girlfriend, was also charged with two felony counts of communicating with a witness and obstruction of justice after allegedly paying $500 to one of the witnesses in the rapper's case, something that Belo feels is just an attempt to get to him. "Things aren't going for them [prosecution] the way that they'd want them to go so they're trying to lock up my baby's mom and anybody close to my people to get to me," said Belo.
The veteran rapper also feels that he has been treated unfairly because of him being a
hip-hop artist. "If it wasn't for me being a [rapper] they wouldn't be pushing it like that. At the end of the day, they're trying to get paid and get as much publicity as they can and with me being a rapper from Chicago, they're trying to blow it up. I just stay strong through prayer. I've been through so much but it's the fact that God knows my heart that allows me to keep it moving."
In related news, Belo is also gearing up to
release his debut solo set entitled The Truth. The disc will be the rapper's first without fellow Do or Die members AK and N.A.R.D and will feature appearances by the Outlawz as well as production from frequent Twista collaborator Legendary Traxtster. With no plans of slowing down, Belo also stated that he plans on touring to support the album after his trial is over.
The Truth is set to hit shelves on October 17 on The
Legion Records.