Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five Member Kidd Creole Charged With Murder of Homeless Man

Update (Aug. 4, 10:16 a.m. EST):

According to the New York Times, Kidd Creole allegedly stabbed the homeless man, named John Jolly, because he thought Jolly was hitting on him. Assistant District Attorney Mark Dahl claims Jolly asked Creole, "What's up?" Creole took it as an assumption by Jolly that he was gay, and says that the question sounded threatening.

Original Story:

The Kidd Creole, a member of the legendary rap group Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, has been charged with the murder of a homeless man on a Midtown street in New York City. TMZ reported the news late Wednesday (Aug. 2).

According to law enforcement, Creole, whose born name is Nathaniel Glover, used a small knife to stab a 55-year-old homeless man by the name of John Jolly twice in the chest and once in the head. The indicent took place after Jolly allegedly used a gay slur when referring to Creole. Jolly died at Bellevue Hospital a short time later.

Police tell TMZ they were able to identify Creole by examining surveillance footage, and they say his motives for attacking Jolly were rooted in anger.

For Creole, this is an unfortunate turn for someone who, as a member of the Furious Five, was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame 10 years ago. Along with Grandmaster Flash, Melle Mel, Keith Cowboy, Mr. Ness/Scorpio, and Rahiem, the Furious 5 became the first rap group to seriously discuss the deteriorating conditions of the inner city when they dropped "The Message" about 35 years ago.

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