Memphis rapper Ricky Hampton, known professionally as Finesse2Tymes, is once again facing serious legal trouble after being arrested in East Texas alongside his girlfriend, Halle Buckingham, who is also known by the name FNG Shugga. The arrests, which stem from multiple alleged drug-related offenses, have drawn widespread attention due to Hampton’s growing profile in the hip-hop industry and his public response to the situation on social media.
Law enforcement records indicate that the couple were taken into custody on separate days in mid-January, with Hampton later released from jail while Buckingham remains detained on a substantial bond. The case adds another chapter to Hampton’s ongoing legal history and raises further questions about how repeated encounters with the criminal justice system may impact his career and personal life.
According to information from the Rusk County inmate database, Hampton, 33, was arrested on Thursday, January 15. His girlfriend, Buckingham, was taken into custody a day earlier, on January 14. Both arrests occurred in East Texas and involve multiple felony and misdemeanor charges related to controlled substances. While Hampton has since returned to social media to address the allegations and make pointed accusations against another prominent Memphis rapper, the legal proceedings themselves remain in their early stages, with prosecutors yet to fully outline the evidence that will be presented.
Details of the Arrests and Charges Filed in East Texas
Law enforcement records show that Ricky Hampton was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 2, and possession of a prohibited substance or item in a correctional facility. In Texas, Penalty Group 2 offenses typically involve substances such as MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, along with other synthetic drugs. Charges related to prohibited items in a correctional facility can significantly complicate a defendant’s legal situation, as they often carry enhanced penalties and suggest alleged conduct that occurred after an initial arrest.
Halle Buckingham faces an even broader set of allegations. Police records indicate she was charged with multiple drug offenses as well as tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. Under Texas law, tampering with evidence is a serious offense that can result in substantial prison time if a conviction is secured, particularly when the underlying case involves felony drug charges. Buckingham’s bond was set at $526,000, a figure that reflects both the number and severity of the charges against her. As of the latest available information, she remains in custody.
The circumstances surrounding the arrests have not yet been fully detailed by authorities, and it remains unclear whether the charges stem from a traffic stop, a targeted investigation, or another law enforcement operation. Court records and probable cause affidavits are expected to provide further clarity as the case moves forward. What is clear, however, is that both defendants now face a legal process that could take months or longer to resolve, depending on motions, plea negotiations, or the possibility of a trial.
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Hampton was released from jail shortly after his arrest, though details regarding his bond amount or the specific conditions of his release have not been made public. His release allowed him to quickly reappear online, where he addressed the situation directly with his followers.
Social Media Response and Public Accusations
Following his release, Hampton took to Instagram Stories to comment on his arrest, using the platform to deny serious wrongdoing and to direct blame toward fellow Memphis rapper MoneyBagg Yo. In one post, Hampton wrote that MoneyBagg Yo had alerted police to his whereabouts, claiming, “Bagg put the police on me.” He went on to suggest that unnamed individuals wanted him to remain incarcerated and downplayed the severity of the substances he allegedly possessed.
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The posts quickly circulated online, drawing reactions from fans and observers of the Memphis rap scene. Public accusations of cooperation with law enforcement, often referred to in hip-hop culture as “snitching,” are particularly inflammatory and can intensify existing rivalries. Hampton further escalated the situation by alleging that he possessed knowledge of past cooperation involving individuals associated with MoneyBagg Yo, claims that have not been substantiated by public records or official statements.
In addition to addressing his arrest, Hampton used social media to express concern and affection for Buckingham, writing that he was struggling without her and emphasizing her importance in his life. The posts underscored the personal dimension of the case, highlighting that the couple share a child together and have been publicly linked for some time. While Hampton’s statements offer insight into his perspective, they do not carry legal weight and are unlikely to influence the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
Neither MoneyBagg Yo nor his representatives have publicly responded to Hampton’s accusations. Law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests have also not indicated that the investigation was prompted by information from another artist, and such claims remain speculative absent corroborating evidence.
A Pattern of Legal Trouble and Ongoing Implications
The January arrests are not the first time Hampton and Buckingham have encountered law enforcement together. In September 2025, the couple were arrested on allegations involving drugs and possession, marking an earlier incident that raised concerns about recurring legal issues. Approximately one month after that arrest, Hampton was again taken into custody on similar charges. This pattern of repeated arrests has contributed to increased scrutiny of the rapper’s conduct offstage, even as his music career has continued to gain traction.
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Finesse2Tymes emerged from Memphis with a reputation for raw storytelling and street-oriented narratives, themes that have resonated with a broad audience. His rise has been accompanied by high-profile collaborations and growing visibility within the industry. However, repeated legal challenges can complicate touring, recording, and promotional opportunities, particularly if court appearances or incarceration interfere with scheduled commitments.
For Buckingham, the current situation appears even more precarious due to the high bond amount and the additional charge of evidence tampering. Remaining in custody while awaiting trial can have significant personal and legal consequences, including limited access to family and reduced ability to assist in one’s own defense. Defense attorneys often argue for bond reductions in such cases, though success depends on factors such as criminal history, flight risk, and the nature of the alleged offenses.
From a broader perspective, the case reflects ongoing tensions between public personas and private behavior in the hip-hop industry. Artists with rapidly expanding platforms often face intense public scrutiny when legal issues arise, and social media responses can amplify controversies rather than contain them. While Hampton’s Instagram posts may resonate with supporters who view him as being unfairly targeted, they may also complicate legal strategies by placing statements on the public record.
As the legal process unfolds, the focus will shift from social media narratives to courtroom proceedings. Prosecutors will be tasked with proving the elements of each charge, while defense attorneys will likely challenge the legality of searches, the handling of evidence, and the credibility of law enforcement accounts. The outcome will depend on the strength of the evidence and the decisions made by judges and, if applicable, juries.
At this stage, the arrests of Ricky Hampton and Halle Buckingham represent allegations rather than convictions. Both are entitled to the presumption of innocence under the law. Nevertheless, the seriousness of the charges and the history of prior arrests ensure that the case will remain closely watched by fans, industry observers, and legal analysts alike.
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