Rapper Kenny Mack Sentenced for Gun Possession

U.S. District of Oregon Judge Robert E. Jones  sentenced rapper Kenny Mack to more than seven years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Mack, 36, whose real name is Nathan Paul Burke, was named the 2009 Artist of the Year at the West Coast Hip Hop Awards. His most recent release was the 2010 album "The Streets Ain't Safe." He has worked with a variety of artists, including Snoop Dogg, Outkast, Redman and Method Man, Cool Nutz and more.

Before his most recent arrest, Mack had been involved in a number of community events, including Food Wars 3, Hoop Hop and the Good Look Clothing Drive.

Mack had previous convictions for drug trafficking and unlawful use of a weapon, which factored into the 90-month sentence. Police say they arrested Mack during a gang sweep inside the Spare Room Tavern in Northeast Portland, when the rapper and alleged Inglewood Family Blood associate gave chase, throwing a loaded .45 caliber handgun in the bushes.

The sentencing comes after Portland Mayor Sam Adams and U.S. District Attorney Dwight Holton announced that they would be using strict federal sentencing guidelines for gang members with prior aggravating conditions who were caught with illegal guns.