As race issues between cops and African-Americans continue to boil over in Baltimore, Maryland and throughout the country, the Ima Boss hitmaker, who was convicted of drug dealing and gun possession and sentenced to 11 to 23 months in jail in 2008, has added his hard-luck story to those firing up street thugs and activists alike.

The rapper, real name Robert Williams, claims he was assaulted by police during his first arrest, and he has posted the proof on Instagram.com.

Alongside the shot of himself with bandages on his eyes, he writes, "Lips swollen... Stitches in both swollen eyes! One of my braids ripped out! I weighed about 130 at the time And I was found guilty of assaulting cops! It's clear 2 see I was punched and stomped by a few cops! If I wasn't blessed the way I am I still would have hatred in my heart towards cops but I forgave bcuz (sic) I know all cops ain't the same! 2 black cops got on the stand and lied and cried about how I chased them down with a gun and tried to kill them!"

The rapper reveals that first arrest, when he was 18, led to a lifetime of struggles: "I was stripped of my freedom and taken away from my family 4 times for the same case and (I'm) still on probation.. 1 step away from jail if I make one mistake!

"I can't blame my judge because the law labels cops as expert witnesses and it was cops against a black kid and she's suppose (sic) to believe a cops testimony first!! I never got a chance to speak to my judge about this from young man to woman and I hope she sees this to help other young men that won't b able to make it thru what I made it thru! After I caught the case I had no choice to hustle in the streets to get a good lawyer aka a good liar to help me get my freedom!"

Williams' message comes as rioters in Baltimore, Maryland continue to protest the death of Freddie Gray, an African-American man who died of spinal injuries while in police custody earlier this month (Apr15).