It’s been a long time coming for rap legend, Michael “Mystikal” Tyler. He’s been locked up ever since August 2017, on a rape and kidnapping charge. But on the evening of Tuesday, February 12, 2019, he’s finally getting to roam the earth as a free man…sorta.

Mystikal ain’t necessarily ‘free,’ so to speak, but he’s out on bond for the time being- and a very expensive bond at that. TMZ reported that after months of trying to gather the $3 MILLION he needed to bail outta the pen,’ the “Shake It Fast” rapper managed to do so, with some outside help.

Word on the Old School curb is that the former ‘No Limit soldier’ has just inked a record deal with a currently undisclosed record label and used his signing bonus (and probably future earnings) as bail money. His family also reportedly chipped in to make up for the difference that his new record deal didn’t cover. He’ll be out on bond until his May 2019 trial.

Details On Mystikal’s Rape Case

In August 2017, Shreveport, Louisiana police issued a warrant for Mystikal’s arrest after a woman claimed that either Mystikal or his associate, raped her in 2016, after one of his shows at a local casino. Mystikal turned himself in at that time, where he was booked on first-degree rape and second-degree kidnapping charges. He and his camp adamantly denied the woman’s claims and he pled not guilty.

What Mystikal’s Lawyers Had To Say After He Made Bail

Via TMZ: Mystikal’s attorney, Tim Yazbeck, tells TMZ … “It’s been a long time coming for Mike, but now he can get back to being the artist he is, doing what he loves, and seeing his kids again.”

Mystikal’s other legal eagle, Joel Pearce, tells TMZ … they’re confident in their case. Pearce said, “Based on all of the evidence we have, we strongly believe that an amicable resolution is not only possible but probable as an outcome in this case and that Michael Tyler will never be made to return to jail for a crime he didn’t commit.”