COOK COUNTY JUDGE VACATES $8 MILLION DOLLAR DEFAULT JUDGMENT ENTERED AGAINST FAMED RAPPER BELO ZERO OF THE LEGENDARY CHICAGO-BASED HIP HOP GROUP DO OR DIE

CHICAGO, Ill., – On February 20, 2013, Cook County Judge, Eileen Brewer vacated an $8 million default judgment entered against Darnell Smith, p.k.a Belo Zero.  Belo is an American Rap Artist and front man for the Chicago hip-hop group Do or Die. The group achieved mainstream success in 1996, with their debut album Picture This and lead single Po Pimp. Do or Die has sold over 3 million albums. The group has collaborated with industry heavy hitters like Kanye West, R. Kelly, Twista, No I.D. and The Legendary Traxter.

The $8 million dollar default judgment was obtained in a wrongful death civil suit initiated by the Estate if Raynard Pinkston.  Judge Brewer vacated the judgment on the grounds that it was excessive and obtained without notice to famed rapper.  Belo was represented by Johnetta G. Paye, Esq. of the law firm J. Paye & Associates Attorneys at Law.

Belo is ready to break his 11 year silence and provide a candid account about the details surrounding the shooting death of Raynard Pinkston.  He is also prepared to discuss why he entered into a plea deal with prosecutors and his life since being released from prison in September 2011.  He hopes his story can be a cautionary tale for urban youth, especially, in light of the increased number of violent and deadly shootings being carried out by young teens on Chicago’s West and South sides.