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Carlos Coy (born October 5, 1970), known professionally as SPM (an initialism for South Park Mexican), is an American rapper and convicted sex offender. His stage name was incorporated from his Mexican heritage and the South Park neighborhood in Houston, Texas, where he was raised.

Growing up into a life of crime in mid-1980s, he later started his rap career in 1994. One year later, in 1995, he and his older brother co-founded independent music label, Dope House Records, and released his debut studio album, Hillwood, that March.

On May 18, 2002, Coy was convicted of aggravated sexual assault of a child, sentenced to 45 years in prison and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. He is currently serving his sentence at the Ramsey Unit near Rosharon, Texas; his projected release date is on April 8, 2047. His parole eligibility hearing began on October 7, 2024. While incarcerated, he has continued to record music.

Early life

Carlos Coy was born on October 5, 1970 in Houston, Texas. His father was a former United States Marine from Falfurrias. Coy's mother dropped out of high school to marry his father; they divorced in 1974.

His mother had worked full-time to support the family and was unable to apply for welfare. Because of this, Coy's older sister, a hairdresser, described herself as his "mother and sister", having to take care of him on most occasions. Coy emotionally felt disturbed by the aftermath of his father's separation from his mother and absence from the family. He grew into trouble once he took his parents' divorce hardly.

He attended various elementary schools, before entering the music magnet program at Welch Middle School, learning how to play the piano before transitioning to the violin. His family moved from Southeast Houston to South Park, where he attended Woodson Middle School. He later started skateboarding and breakdancing. At the age of 10, he was arrested for arson after he accidentally burned down the living room of the house of his friend's parents as result of him smoking a cigarette mixed with marijuana.

At the age of 13, he became a crack cocaine dealer during this time. He attended Milby High School until he was expelled in 1987 while in the ninth grade following a physical altercation with a female student which provoked him to assault her. He was sent to an alternative school, before dropping out soon after. Coy later obtained a GED and enrolled in San Jacinto Junior College for a business associate degree, but failed his classes. He did not have enough money to pay off his student loans and dropped out of San Jacinto, returning to Houston's South Park neighborhood. In a 1999 interview with the Houston Press, he reminisced on being expelled from Milby, saying "One more year in high school, and I would have went to jail for fucking bitches."

His older brother helped him find a legitimate job, working at a chemical plant for minimum wage, but after experiencing skin problems, including rash development, he was fired. Unemployed again, he worked as a door-to-door perfume salesman, but did not receive the money he expected. He continued dealing drugs. In 1992, he was invaded by robbers who held him at gunpoint in exchange for cash, jewelry and drugs. That same year, he lost a close friend to gun violence. He relocated to his mother's trailer home for safety and asked God for a sign.

Career

Coy's interest in music resurfaced after watching a television commercial about rap. He initially began his career as a Christian rapper. After performing a verse at a freestyle event, a competitor who performed afterwards threatened Coy and his mother by calling him a "wetback", rapping that he would murder his mother and claiming that he would drag her lifeless body to his car trunk. The impact of the event made him an outcast.

In 1994, Coy bought cassette tapes and resumed rapping. He began recording songs under the alias, South Park Mexican (SPM for short), an ode to his Mexican heritage and his origins in Houston's South Park. In 1995, Coy and his older brother co-founded their own record label, Dope House Records. He released his debut album, Hillwood, locally in March 1995. He sold the album from the trunk of his car, at flea markets and car shows for $5 each. Its title reference the Houston neighborhood of the same name. He caught the attention of Southwest Wholesales, an independent music distributor in farwide Harris County. Throughout the summer of 1997, he started working on his second studio album, Hustle Town, which was released on March 3, 1998. The album became a hit in the Houston underground rap scene. It was supported by its single, "Mary-Go-Round".

On December 22, 1998, Coy released his third album, Power Moves: The Table, which garnered mainstream attention. On November 23, 1999, he released his fourth album, The 3rd Wish: To Rock the World; its lead single, "High So High" charted at number fifty on the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks chart. Its follow-up single, "Wiggy", did not match the same success as "High So High".

In February 2000, he signed Dope House to a distribution deal with Universal Records, a now-absorbed music division of Universal Music Group. It earned him an advance of $500,000 and national distribution. Universal released two of Coy's studio albums, Time is Money (2000), and Never Change (2001). The compilation, The Purity Album (2000), included the single "You Know My Name", which peaked at number thirty-one on the rap chart. San Antonio Express-News writer Ramiro Burr summarized South Park Mexican's lyrical content in a 2001 profile: "SPM delivers raunchy lyrics about growing up in the barrio and living the party life. But he says he also focuses on working hard and having hope for a better life."

His Universal releases did not gain much mainstream attention; Jason Birchmeier of AllMusic suggested, "Coy's hardcore rapping proved to be too harsh for the masses". He was dropped from Universal after his arrest on child sexual abuse charges. His 2002 album, Reveille Park, a compilation of freestyles, was released by Dope House shortly before Coy's trial for sexual assault began. Dope House also released two more albums recorded by Coy while he was incarcerated, When Devils Strike, released in 2006, debuted at #46 on the Billboard 200, and The Last Chair Violinist followed two years later in 2008. Following a six-year hiatus, he released The Son of Norma on September 30, 2014.

Criminal and civil matters

2001–02: Child sexual assault cases

On September 25, 2001, Houston police arrested Coy on a charge of aggravated sexual assault of a female child who, at the time, was nine years old. He was released from county jail after posting bail. The incident occurred on a Labor Day weekend, earlier that month. A Harris County jury indicted Coy on December 10, 2001.

Two more charges followed in March 2002 for the sexual assault of two 14-year-old girls in a hotel room in New Caney; Coy was held without bail. Coy's trial began on May 8, 2002, when the mother of the nine-year-old girl testified that her daughter left a sleepover because of abuse.

The next day, the girl, who also claimed to have had insomnia, testified that Coy touched her inappropriately when she was sleeping with her friend, who was Coy's daughter. He then proceeded to perform oral sex on the girl. After hearing her crying in the bathroom, Coy angrily threatened the victim to either remain silent on the incident or he would repeat the abuse. Driving her back to her mother's house, Coy also complimented her dancing abilities and coerced her to lie to her parents, claiming that her stomach was hurting. He promised to her mother and grandparents that he would plan on building a dance studio to fulfill her dreams. However, after he left, the child explained to the family that he sexually assaulted her. Coy maintains his innocence in this case, claiming that he was set up, after he had a one-night stand with the ex-wife of the child's father. Once her father knew of it, Coy proclaimed that the person exacted revenge on him by instigating his daughter to report him for the abuse. However, there was no DNA nor physical evidence to confirm the charge. The father also denied the claims of Coy's one-night stand and subsequent revenge. In other cases, Coy's brother believed it was an attempt to extort him for money.

On May 18, 2002, following a ten-day trial, the Harris County Courthouse jury found Coy guilty of aggravated sexual assault of a child. He was sentenced to 45 years in prison on May 30 and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. Coy, whose Texas Department of Criminal Justice number is 01110642, is incarcerated in the Ramsey Unit in Rosharon. His projected release date is April 8, 2047.

There had been persistent messages from online posters calling for his release, but also mixed reception, due to Coy's criminal behavior.

2024: Parole hearing

His parole eligibility hearing started on October 7, 2024.

2000–01: Child support lawsuit

In July 2000, Houston police officers appeared at the headquarters of Dope House Records with court orders for Coy, involving a lawsuit filed by a 20-year-old female who claimed that, in 1993, he impregnated her when she was 13. Their son was born months later. At the time of the lawsuit, their child was 6 years old. The plaintiff later demanded child support payments from him.

After a DNA paternity test, it was confirmed 99.9% positive that Coy was, in fact, the biological father of the victim's son. He was ordered to pay the victim and their son $28,000 in unpaid child support as well as hospital fees for prenatal and birth expenses.

Following Coy's arrest on charges of aggravated sexual assault in late 2001, the Harris County District Attorney's office announced that the 1993 incident would be pressed as a criminal charge against him.

2005: Lawsuit from victim

In February 2005, the aggravated sexual assault victim, now twelve years old that year, was rewarded (on behalf of her parents) $25,000 in damages and liability.

Personal life

Coy is the father of three children. He has remained a close friend to rapper Baby Bash throughout the incarceration. He was once married to Carolyn Rodriguez from 2010 to 2019.

Discography

Solo albums

Collaboration albums

• Wanted with Lone Star Ridaz (2001)
• 40 Dayz/40 Nightz with Lone Star Ridaz (2002)

Compilation albums

• Lone Star Ridaz with Happy P (2000)
• The Purity Album (2000)
• Pocos Pero Locos Presents the SPM Hits (2013)

Mixtapes

• Screwston: The Day Houston Died (2001)
• Screwston Vol. 2: Pink Soda (2001)
• Screwston Vol. 3: Stuck in da Mud (2002)

Soundtrack albums

• Latin Throne (1999)
• Latin Throne 2 (2000)

Singles

Guest appearances

See also

• History of the Mexican-Americans in Houston

• Texas
• Biography
• Hispanic and Latino Americans

References

1. "Who is SPM?". Medium. 2023-08-28. Archived from the original on 2024-05-08. Retrieved 2024-05-08.
2. Anwer, Saeed (2024-01-31). "Who is SPM, And Why Is He In Jail?". Dodcui. Retrieved 2024-05-08.
3. ^ Lomax, John Nova (June 6, 2002). "South Park Monster". Houston Press. Archived from the original on March 17, 2007. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
4. ^ Turner, Allan (December 16, 2001). "Legal troubles dog local rap star". Houston Chronicle. p. A1. Archived from the original on October 18, 2012. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
5. Bella, Timothy (2012-08-29). "Should Hip-Hop Artists Be Allowed to Release Albums From Jail?". The Atlantic. Retrieved 2024-05-08.
6. ^ "Ask Another Mexican | Music | Houston | Houston Press | The Leading Independent News Source in Houston, Texas". www.houstonpress.com. Retrieved 2024-05-08.
7. Guerra, Joey (November 23, 1999). "SPM creating a buzz with 'Third Wish'". Houston Chronicle. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
8. Watkins (@GrouchyGreg), Grouchy Greg (2000-08-25). "South Park Mexican Signs Major Deal". AllHipHop. Retrieved 2024-05-08.
9. Burr, Ramiro (January 5, 2001). "South Park Mexican says it's time to stop the party". Houston Chronicle. Archived from the original on February 13, 2001. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
10. Lindsey, Craig D. "South Park Mexican". Dallas Observer. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
11. Harris, Chris (October 11, 2006). "Evanescence Butcher The Killers In Battle For Billboard #1". MTV News. Archived from the original on November 30, 2006. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
12. O'Hare, Peggy (September 27, 2001). "Local rapper arrested on sexual abuse charge". Houston Chronicle. p. A24. Archived from the original on October 19, 2012. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
13. Christian, Carol (December 12, 2001). "Sexual assault indictments charge rapper". Houston Chronicle. p. A38. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
14. Lezon, Dale (March 13, 2002). "Rap star arrested on more sexual abuse charges". Houston Chronicle. p. A32. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
15. Christian, Carol (March 26, 2002). "Bail denied in case of rap musician Coy". Houston Chronicle. p. A16. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
16. Christian, Carol (May 9, 2002). "Mom testifies in rapper sex case". Houston Chronicle. p. A40. Archived from the original on October 18, 2012. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
17. CHRISTIAN, CAROL. "Mom testifies in South Park Mexican assault case". Chron. Retrieved 2024-05-08.
18. "Women testify of sex with rapper as young girls". Plainview Herald. 2002-05-20. Archived from the original on 2024-05-09. Retrieved 2024-05-08.
19. Christian, Carol (May 10, 2002). "Girl says alleged assault by rapper wasn't a dream". Houston Chronicle. p. A43. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
20. "Coy, Carlos v. The State of Texas--Appeal from 351st District Court of Harris County". Justia Law. Retrieved 2024-10-07.
21. Christian, Carol; Mack, Kristen (May 31, 2002). "Rapper gets 45 years for molesting girl". Houston Chronicle. p. A37. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
22. ^ "Offender Information Details: Coy, Carlos". Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
23. Ahmed, OrNah, Insanul. "The 30 Biggest Criminal Trials in Rap History". Complex. Retrieved 2024-05-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
24. Abraham, Nibu (October 1, 2014). "Son of Norma (But What of Others' Daughters?)". Free Press Houston. Archived from the original on October 5, 2014. Retrieved October 19, 2014.
25. Alvarez, Olivia Flores (October 23, 2006). "Free SPM (oh, and buy his new CD)". Houston Press. Archived from the original on April 29, 2007. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
26. Eustice, Kyle (2024-10-05). "South Park Mexican Up For Parole After Serving Decades In Prison For Assaulting 9-Year-Old Girl". AllHipHop. Retrieved 2024-10-07.
27. CHRISTIAN, CAROL. "Protesters confront South Park Mexican outside court". Chron. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
28. CHRISTIAN, CAROL. "South Park Mexican charged in sex assault indictments". Chron. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
29. KHANNA, ROMA. "Family of 'South Park Mexican' victim awarded $25,000". Chron. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
30. ^ "Chart History: SPM". Billboard. Retrieved August 7, 2020.

• 1970 births
• 21st-century American criminals
• Drug dealers
• American music industry executives
• American prisoners and detainees
• American people convicted of child sexual abuse
• American rappers of Mexican descent
• Living people
• Prisoners and detainees of Texas
• Rappers from Houston
• Underground rappers
• Universal Records artists
• San Jacinto College alumni
• Gangsta rappers
• 21st-century American rappers