Rapper Belo Ordered To Pay $8 Million To Victims Family

A Chicago judge yesterday (February 2) ordered Do Or Die rapper Belo to pay $8 million in damages to the family of a man he murdered in 2002.

Belo, born Darnell Smith, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in 2007 for shooting and killing Raynard "B-Dog" Pinkston during a dispute in 2002.

Pinkston was murdered as the men were watching two other people fight.

Police said when Pinkston attempted to intervene, Smith shot him to death in the street.

Belo pleaded guilty as part of a plea agreement and is now serving 10 years behind bars. He was initially facing first-degree murder charges.

Belo’s girlfriend, Felicia Hamilton, was also convicted in the case in 2007 for paying witnesses to change their testimony. She is currently serving a five year sentence.

According to Chicago’s WBBM 780, the $8 million was part of a settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit that was filed against Belo by Pinkston's brother, D'Angelo Dixon.

Belo is best known for his role in the group Do or Die with group members AK-47 and Nard.

Their biggest hit record is the 1996 hit single “Po Pimp,” which was released on the album Picture This, which helped break Twista’s career.