Apparently Peter Nash’s status as rap’s “Prime Minister Pete Nice” does not exempt him from paying New York state taxes.
The Albany Times Union reported that the Clifton Park resident and retired rapper pled guilty to misdemeanor criminal tax fraud in Albany County Court Tuesday, July 1.
Nash did not attempt to use his rap moniker to avoid taxes, but the Albany Count District Attorney’s Office said he must pay the Empire State $13,101 in back taxes, penalties and interest. He will also be on probation for three years, the district attorney’s office said. He will be sentenced on Aug. 26.
As Master of Ceremonies for the group 3rd Bass, Nash released three albums between 1989 and 1991, two of which went gold. “Pop Goes the Weasel!” a track directed towards Vanilla Ice’s unwelcome a popularity in rap circles, reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard rap charts. 
Nash subsequently quit the music business and devoted his time to baseball history and memorabilia.
According to several published sources, Nash owned a memorabilia shop in Cooperstown, and authored a book titled Legends of Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery.
His baseball endeavors also include attempts to secure property for an official grave site of Negro League players.
Nash was involved in litigation in 2009 with an auction house relating to the authenticity of baseball memorabilia he consigned for sale which resulted in him signing a court order admitting to having committed fraud.
Robert Van Winkle was not approached for comment.
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