Suge Knight
Suge Knight, a controversial figure in the world of music is shown at his desk Aug. 8, 2001, in Los Angeles at Death Row Records, a label he founded. Reuters

Rap star Marion “Suge” Knight was charged with murder and attempted murder Monday for allegedly running over two men with his car, the Los Angeles Times reported. If convicted, the 49-year-old rap mogul could face life in prison.

This isn’t the first time Knight is suspected to have been involved in a killing. After Tupac Shakur was slain, it was widely believed Knight was involved in killing Tupac’s rival, Notorious B.I.G. The latter was suspected of paying the Southside Crips, a Compton, California, gang, $1 million to kill Tupac, an in-depth investigation by the LA Times found.

Another theory put forward in the documentary "Biggie & Tupac'' alleged Knight planned Tupac’s killing when the rapper decided to leave his record label Death Row Records. Knight denied being involved in either slaying.

Despite the many theories, Knight was never charged with murder until now, when he allegedly commited a hit-and-run after an altercation at a film shoot for a video promoting the upcoming biopic about hip-hop group N.W.A titled “Straight Outta Compton.”

Knight allegedly ran over actor Cle "Bone" Sloan, and fatally struck his longtime friend Terry Carter in the process. He was in Compton, driving a Ford Raptor, according to the felony complaint filed in LA County Superior Court.

Knight denied having intentionally committed the hit-and-run, claiming that he had just been assaulted by at least two men and was attempting to flee his attackers, Knight’s attorney James E. Blatt told the Times.

Knight is the founder of Black Kaptial Records and the co-founder of Death Row Records, which represented rap artists such as Shakur, Snoop Dogg, Outlawz and Dr. Dre. Knight is expected to make his first appearance in court on Tuesday.

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