New York Governor Kathy Hochul has granted clemency to rapper Travell "G. Dep" Coleman, who confessed to a cold case murder from 1993 almost a decade ago. Coleman, now 49 years old, has spent 13 years of a 15-year-to-life sentence behind bars. With his sentence commuted, he will be eligible to seek parole earlier than his original 2025 date.

Governor Hochul announced the clemency decisions on Friday, revealing that a total of 16 individuals were granted either pardons or commutations. Among them, Coleman's case was included, marking the third time the governor has granted clemency in 2023.

During his time in prison, Coleman made efforts to better himself by earning an associate's degree and engaging in violence prevention and sobriety counseling programs. He also participated in various educational and rehabilitative courses, as confirmed by Governor Hochul's office. Notably, Coleman's clemency application received support from both the prosecutor and the judge involved in his case.

Before his conviction, G. Dep achieved success as a rapper, with hits such as "Special Delivery" and "Let's Get It." He was also credited with helping popularize the Harlem shake dance in the early 2000s. As part of Sean "Diddy" Combs' Bad Boy Records label, Coleman was considered one of the rising stars within the hip-hop industry. However, his career suffered a setback after his debut album in 2001, leading to drug use and subsequent low-level arrests.

In 2011, Coleman's attorney, Anthony L. Ricco, explained that his client had been burdened by guilt over the 1993 shooting of John Henkel and had voluntarily confessed to the crime. The shooting occurred during a robbery in East Harlem, resulting in three fatal shots to Henkel's chest outside an apartment complex.

While Governor Hochul's decision to grant clemency to Coleman has been celebrated by some, it has faced criticism from others. Robert Henkel, the brother of John Henkel, voiced his opposition to the prosecutor's recommendation for release, labeling it a "farce." He argued that seeking clemency for drug offenses is one matter, but not for murder.

With the announcement of his clemency and the possibility of early parole, G. Dep's future remains uncertain. However, his efforts towards education, rehabilitation, and community service during his time in prison may play a role in shaping his potential release and reintegration into society.