Drill rapper jailed for 27 years after his lyrics proved he tried to kill teen

Ryan Maqsood was jailed for attempted murder (Pictures: Metropolitan Police/Rex)

A drill rapper has been jailed for 27 years over a brutal gang stabbing after a police expert deciphered his lyrics and found they contained details only one of the knifemen could have known. 

Chilling CCTV footage captured seven attackers on push bikes on a ‘ride out’ hunting for rivals in Farringdon, north London, on April 15, 2019. Two could later be seen peeling off and chasing down the 16-year-old victim, who was stabbed 19 times with Rambo-style blades and left for dead. 

Detectives found a rucksack hidden inside some bushes nearby containing DNA belonging to 26-year-old Ryan Maqsood. His sample also matched a swab taken from one of the knives inside. 

As part of the investigation, they also analysed drill tracks written and performed by Maqsood under the stage name ‘Rashy’. 

Despite the young victim, who suffered wounds to his face, chest and legs, wanting no part in the trial, Maqsood, of no fixed address, was eventually found guilty of attempted murder. 

Judge Anthony Leonard KC jailed him for 27 years at the Old Bailey. 

Detective Sergeant Katy Phipps, who led the investigation, said: ‘[The teenager] is extremely lucky not to have succumbed to his injuries. 

‘The evidence we gathered during this investigation left the jury with no doubt as to his guilt, despite the fact the victim did not wish to assist police. 

‘The drill music recovered from Maqsood’s phone included very specific details that we believe could only have been known to someone who was there when the incident took place.’ 

Maqsood’s lyrics were found to contain details that only could have been known by someone at the scene (Picture: Metropolitan Police)

Bragging about the attack on one track, he rapped: ‘Aim for the lungs, intestines, kidneys, send one of them down under, Sydney. 

‘Don’t try and jump on cars, Legs and chest bro, Shave that head like Britney.  

‘Last time I stepped in Bourne bro, Carved up his face like pumpkin. 

‘Now little man gotta hide his face..he’s looking a mess I’m serious.’ 

An officer with specialist knowledge in drill music gave expert evidence in court to explain to the jury what the lyrics referred to. 

The jury was also provided with expert evidence on local gangs for further context. 

Evidence revealed that the stabbing had been motivated by a conflict between street gangs within Islington. 

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Ryan Maqsood’s own lyrics were used against him as crucial evidence.