By Sam, Professional Journalist
Miami, July 10, 2025 — Orlando-based rapper Hotboii, whose real name is Javarri Latre Walker, was arrested in Miami on July 9, 2025, for allegedly possessing a firearm and trespassing on school property while on probation. The incident, which occurred at Doral International Academy of Math and Science, has sparked widespread discussion among fans and raised concerns about the rapper’s ongoing legal troubles. This marks another setback for the 24-year-old artist, who was released from prison in September 2024 after serving over two years on Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) charges. Below, we explore the details of the arrest, Hotboii’s legal history, and the implications for his career.
Details of the Arrest
According to a police report obtained by TMZ Hip Hop, City of Doral police responded to a call at approximately 3:40 AM on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, regarding two “suspicious males” running through the parking lot of Doral International Academy of Math and Science. Officers identified Hotboii as one of the individuals, alleging he scaled a fence on the south end of the school property. Surveillance footage reportedly captured him tossing a black Carhartt bag over a fence into an adjacent upscale community. Inside the bag, police discovered a black Glock 45 9mm firearm.
A records check revealed Hotboii’s status as a convicted felon on probation, stemming from a 2021 RICO case. He was booked for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and trespassing on school property with a firearm. The charges carry significant weight, as Florida law prohibits felons from possessing firearms, and school property violations heighten penalties. Posts on X confirmed the arrest, with @RapUpdatesTv and @SaycheeseDGTL reporting the charges and sharing Hotboii’s mugshot.
Hotboii’s Legal History
Hotboii’s latest arrest is part of a pattern of legal challenges. In July 2021, he was among 34 individuals apprehended in “Operation X-Force,” a multi-agency investigation targeting gang violence in Orange County, Florida. Authorities accused him of leading the 438 gang, allegedly involved in a deadly feud with the rival Army gang, linked to the deaths of innocent bystanders, including Ocoee High School football star Dexter Rentz Jr. and 16-year-old Tavyiah King. Hotboii faced charges of racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering, with prosecutors citing Instagram posts featuring firearms and lyrics referencing gang affiliations, as well as a gun found in his car at a friend’s funeral.
His attorney, Lyle Mazin, argued that 438 was a hashtag representing Hotboii’s Pine Hills neighborhood, not a gang, and that the rapper was targeted due to his fame. Mazin also claimed the gun belonged to Hotboii’s security detail, necessitated by threats from rival gangs. In September 2024, Hotboii secured a plea deal, pleading guilty to a single count of conspiracy to engage in racketeering activity. The RICO charges were dropped, and he was sentenced to time served (805 days) with five years of probation.
Earlier, in August 2022, a Miami gun possession charge was dismissed, raising hopes for bond reinstatement, but Hotboii remained in custody until his 2024 release. His probation terms, though not fully public, likely include strict conditions prohibiting firearm possession, making the July 2025 arrest a significant violation.
Fan Reactions and Career Impact
The arrest has ignited reactions on social media, with fans expressing disappointment and concern. One X user commented, “Hotboii getting arrested again is not surprising,” while another lamented, “He stays in the headlines, but not for music lately.” A fan pleaded, “Hotboii, you gotta move smarter, man. This can’t keep happening.” Another user speculated, “He didn’t give enough info to the feds so they threw em back in,” reflecting rumors about his probation status.
Hotboii, signed to Interscope Records, Geffen Records, and Rebel Music, rose to fame with his 2020 single “Don’t Need Time,” which earned RIAA platinum certification and featured a remix with Lil Baby. His albums Double O Baby (2020), Life of a Hotboii (2021), and Blinded by Death (2022) solidified his status in Florida’s rap scene, with Blinded by Death debuting at number 89 on the Billboard 200. Following his September 2024 release, he dropped “9/11 (First Day Out),” which garnered 1.2 million YouTube views, signaling a strong comeback.
However, this arrest threatens his momentum. On July 9, hours after his release from custody, Hotboii posted a cryptic Instagram video captioned “Sorry I was on the run,” teasing new music. The clip, showing him smoking and dancing, received over 46,300 likes, but fans remain divided, with some praising his resilience and others urging better choices.
The Broader Context of Rap and Legal Troubles
Hotboii’s legal woes mirror those of other Florida rappers, including YNW Melly, currently detained on capital murder charges, and 9lokkNine, who pleaded guilty to weapons charges in 2021. The 438-Army gang feud, blamed for multiple homicides, underscores the challenges artists face in separating their music from street affiliations. Hotboii’s attorney has argued that his client’s lyrics and social media presence were misconstrued as gang promotion, a common issue in RICO cases targeting rappers.
The July 2025 arrest raises questions about Hotboii’s probation status and potential consequences. Violating probation could lead to reinstatement of jail time or additional penalties, depending on the court’s ruling. The Orange County Corrections Department has not disclosed further details, and Hotboii’s legal team has yet to comment publicly.
Implications and Next Steps
This incident could jeopardize Hotboii’s career, particularly as he was rebuilding after his 2024 release. His collaborations with artists like Lil Uzi Vert, Kodak Black, and Polo G, and his Interscope deal, position him as a rising star, but recurring legal issues may deter industry partners. Fans on X expressed hope for his future, with one writing, “Damn HotBoii you gotta move better gang this shit can’t keep happening to you I need a feature smh.”
The Doral Police and Orange County authorities are continuing their investigation, with possible hearings to determine probation violation penalties. Fans await updates on Hotboii’s legal status and potential new music, as his post-arrest Instagram activity suggests he remains focused on his craft.
Conclusion
Hotboii’s arrest on July 9, 2025, for firearm possession and trespassing on school property while on probation is a significant setback for the Orlando rapper. Coming just months after his release from a two-year RICO sentence, the incident highlights the challenges of navigating fame, legal constraints, and past affiliations. As Hotboii faces potential probation violation consequences, his fans and the industry watch closely, hoping the talented artist can overcome this hurdle and refocus on his music. For now, the case serves as a reminder of the fine line between artistic expression and legal scrutiny in the hip-hop world.
Sources: TMZ, Times Now, Orlando Sentinel, The US Sun, HotNewHipHop, XXL, HipHopDX