  In this paper we study various von Neumann algebraic rigidity aspects for the
property (T) groups that arise via the Rips construction developed by
Belegradek and Osin in geometric group theory \cite{BO06}. Specifically,
developing a new interplay between Popa's deformation/rigidity theory
\cite{Po07} and geometric group theory methods we show that several algebraic
features of these groups are completely recognizable from the von Neumann
algebraic structure. In particular, we obtain new infinite families of pairwise
non-isomorphic property (T) group factors thereby providing positive evidence
towards Connes' Rigidity Conjecture.
  In addition, we use the Rips construction to build examples of property (T)
II$_1$ factors which posses maximal von Neumann subalgebras without property
(T) which answers a question raised in an earlier version of \cite{JS19} by Y.
Jiang and A. Skalski.
