FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – D.C. rapper Noah Settles, known professionally as No Savage, will remain out of jail despite violating the terms of his probation following a 2022 shooting inside Tysons Corner Center mall. His legal team is now seeking to lift a key probation condition—his prohibition from using marijuana—citing the artist’s immersion in a cannabis-friendly music culture.
Violent Mall Incident Still Haunts Legal Future
Settles made headlines in June 2022 after opening fire inside the crowded Tysons Corner mall during Father’s Day weekend. The shots, aimed at a group of rivals, missed their target but sent waves of panic through shoppers and staff. The entire incident was captured on surveillance video.
After pleading guilty, Settles served a three-year prison sentence. He was released but still carries a 10-year suspended sentence, meaning any future violations could result in a return to prison for up to a decade.
Marijuana Use Sparks Controversy in Court
At a court hearing Friday in Fairfax County, Settles appeared with his mother and young son. Though he’s no longer incarcerated, the rapper returned to court after violating his probation by failing multiple drug and alcohol screenings, skipping substance abuse treatment, and traveling out of state without permission—including a trip to New York for a boxing match performance.
His defense attorney argued that Settles’ marijuana use should not be grounds for punishment, especially in a legal climate where cannabis is becoming increasingly normalized.
“That music scene and social scene Noah has grown up with is infused with marijuana use,” the attorney said. “He is successful and represented by a major talent agency.”
The judge, however, pushed back.
“You’re asking me to let him smoke marijuana because he’s a rapper, even though he hasn’t done the substance abuse treatment that was ordered?” the judge responded, clearly unconvinced.
Judge Issues Caution but Grants Freedom
Despite the violations, the judge chose not to revoke Settles’ probation at this time. Instead, the rapper was given another chance to comply with the terms of his release.
“My concern is that he comes back with something more serious or he ends up dead,” the judge warned.
Settles expressed relief after leaving court, telling News4:
“I’m just happy I ain’t going to jail. That’s the biggest thing. The biggest blessing. I got my son. So that’s the biggest blessing ever – not going back to jail.”
A Promise to Change and New Music on the Horizon
Acknowledging his missteps, Settles vowed to make changes and stay on track.
“I’m heading in a straight path. I’m doing way better than ever,” he said. “Just keep focusing, keep doing what I’m doing, keep driving. I got new music dropping.”
Settles maintains that marijuana is the only substance he uses.
“The judge rules is what it is, but, I mean, at the end of the day, it’s legal everywhere. I don’t do no other drugs.”
More Legal Challenges Ahead
While Settles will remain free for now, he’s required to return to court next month after working with his probation officer and attorney on a compliance plan. His legal battles are far from over: he also faces a pending firearms charge in Washington, D.C., which could further complicate his probation status.
As the rapper navigates his career and personal life post-incarceration, the next few months may determine whether his second chance solidifies into a true turning point—or another trip back to prison.
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