Tag: #gunna

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FM News Trending

Young Thug’s Latest Album “Business Is Business” Released During Incarceration

"Business Is Business" Album Released By Young Thug
Young Thug. Image source: AllHipHop.

Young Thug, the Atlanta-bred rapper known for his innovative sound and style, has recently orchestrated a monumental album release, captivating fans with his highly anticipated project titled “Business Is Business.” Released on June 22, the incarcerated artist, who has captured the attention of music enthusiasts worldwide, made this exciting announcement through his social media channels just last Thursday.

What immediately catches the eye is the album’s striking black-and-white cover art, which transports us to a courtroom scene. Positioned in the center, Young Thug commands attention, surrounded by his co-defendants on either side. This powerful imagery raises many questions about his artistic expression and personal journey.

Following the remarkable success of his previous album, “Punk,” released in 2021, fans have been eagerly awaiting this new project, hungry for Young Thug’s distinctive blend of rap and melodic innovation. However, the circumstances surrounding this release make it even more exciting. It serves as his first full-length album since his recent arrest and later imprisonment on RICO charges, alongside fellow rapper Gunna and numerous others, as part of a massive gang indictment.

Listen to “Business Is Business” here.

With these developments in mind, we wonder: What artistic revelations does Young Thug’s “Business Is Business” hold? How have his experiences with the legal system influenced his music and outlook? Will this album further solidify his status as a boundary-pushing artist?

The Transformative Effect Of Star Support On Thug’s Album Release

After Thug dropped the bombshell, the renowned producer Metro Boomin took to Twitter, revealing the album art and fueling anticipation with a thought-provoking caption: “BUSINESS IS BUSINESS AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE TONIGHT!! … FREE TWIN. I LOVE YOU.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by SEX!! (@thuggerthugger1)

As if the excitement wasn’t already sky-high, influential figures like Drake, 21 Savage, and Coi Leray joined the hype, sharing the album’s mystery countdown on their own social media platforms days before the official announcement.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @21savage

Do you have any idea what impact this kind of support will have on Thug’s upcoming album? How did this cryptic countdown capture such a vast audience, leaving them wanting more? It’s like an orchestra warming up for a concert. All the individual instruments are tuned, getting ready for the big show. When all the instruments come together, the finished product is much more powerful than it would have been without individual contributions. This is what star-studded support has done for Thug’s upcoming album: it’s taken it from a single curiosity to a huge thing.

From Allegations To Indictments: The Legal Chaos Surrounding Gunna

In a riveting turn of events, Gunna has recently unveiled his highly anticipated album, “A Gift & a Curse,” comprising a compilation of 15 songs. What’s even more astonishing is that this album is Gunna’s first release since his incarceration. However, the question arises: What led to his arrest in the first place?

"Business Is Business" Album Released By Young Thug
Gunna’s fourth studio album “A Gift & a Curse.” Credit: Genius

Listen to the album here.

Enter the Young Slime Life gang, a group that strongly resembles Young Thug’s independent label, Young Stoner Life. This gang, allegedly consisting of Thug and others, found themselves caught up in a web of criminal activities. From murder and drug and gun possession to witness intimidation, carjacking, robbery, theft, and drug dealing, their list of charges was staggering. It’s difficult not to wonder how such a notorious operation could come to light.

"Business Is Business" Album Released By Young Thug
Rap stars on Young Thug’s independent label Young Stoner Life. Credit: Pitchfork

Additionally, the prosecution’s case grew even stronger with the addition of indictments encompassing 28 individuals affiliated with YSL. These defendants faced a hefty 56 counts relating to gang activity and racketeering. Amidst this legal chaos, Gunna was accused of committing various felonies, including receiving stolen property and drug possession with the intent to distribute.

The Storyteller Within The Rapper

With Gunna’s album release coinciding with his release from jail in December, it raises thought-provoking questions about his artistic journey and his legal troubles. How will this recent chapter in Gunna’s life shape his music? Will it be a testament to his resilience and growth? Only time will reveal the many layers of Gunna’s career.

It’s as if Gunna is writing a book with each new chapter he enters in his life. His journey to this point may have had some bumps and detours. However, each new experience he adds to the story will bring a new perspective and nuance to the way he creates music.

Written by Nikiya Biggs | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

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FM Legal Trending

Gunna To Release First Project Since Release From Jail

Gunna is dropping his first album since his release from prison after getting a plea deal this past December. He pleaded guilty to a racketeering conspiracy charge.

Title, Release Date & Cover Art

His newest project will be called “A Gift & A Curse.” It will drop on Friday, June 16 at midnight on all streaming platforms; including Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon Music. The surprise announcement came on Wednesday on his 30th birthday. We don’t know what the track list looks like or if special guests will appear. However, the Southern rapper showed us the album art which is a painted portrait of him with a skull and flowers on his head.

“Bread & Butter” Lyrics Address Snitch Allegations

The YSL’s new album comes after he released a new single “bread & butter.” The “Pushin P” rapper has kept his cards close to his chest since his release from jail. In this new record, the Georgia native gives us a glimpse at his journey and he combatted the snitching allegations. Gunna clarifies he never gave a statement and the DA did some sneaky sh** that he fell for, but he added “because this time I be prepared for it.” His lawyer spoke out and did confirm that “Gunna did not snitch” to strike plea deal. The rapper allegedly said nothing and is not cooperating. Plus, the plea can’t be used in court against any other defendant.

Gunna “bread & butter” music video. Image source: YouTube.

Rappers And Fans Call Gunna a “Snitch”

Sergio Giavanni Kitchens, also known as Gunna, has had problems following him out of prison as some has marked him as a snitch. Many believe Kitchens did this to get out of doing a lot of prison time. He was even reportedly chased out of an ATL mall while being called a “rat” and a “snitch.” The crowd that followed him around the mall seemed to get a little aggressive, but luckily nothing happened. His fellow rappers were questioning the plea deal situation as well. Boosie called the YSL rapper a “rat.”

The rapper received a time-served, suspended sentence.

Written by Vhannah | Instagram | YouTube

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Jail Tales Trending

Jacquees Stands With His Brother Gunna

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 17: Singer Jacquees performs onstage during the 1st annual In My Feelz Festival presented by Umbrella Managment at Banc of California Stadium on December 17, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

R&B crooner Jacquees isn’t choosing sides in the YSL case.  Recently, many rappers have unfollowed Gunna on social media, causing the internet world to come up with different conclusions.  Meek Mill, Lil Baby, and Lil Durk are just a few of the rappers to disassociate themselves from the DS4 rapper.  The self-proclaimed “King of R&B” is not going to follow suit.

Jacquees Is Not a Follower

Jacquees has collaborated with both Young Thug and Gunna.  In 2019, all three artists combined to make “Verify”.  Jacquees remains that he just wants to see the YSL team free.

“Oh, yeah, I just stay outta that.  I just wish everybody the best.  Free my brother, though!  That’s the biggest thing.” Said Jacquees to TMZ.

Cleary, he is trying to keep everything positive.

Jacquees is Busy

Earlier this month, Jacquees opened a new business.  The “B.E.D.” singer is the owner of The Wine and Tapas Bar in Georgia.  Jacquees was born in Decatur, Georgia which is not far from the establishment.  He aspired to have a place of business in his community, where black and brown people can have the opportunity to work.  His dedication to his community shows as he even hired his childhood friend to be an executive chef at the bar.

Aside from owning a new bar, Jacquees has also started his apparel line with Frozen Roses Collection.  The line is an ode to his mother as he calls himself a “mama’s boy”.  The line consists of hoodies, hats, and t-shirts.

The Cash Money artist released his latest album, Sincerely For You, last month.  The album was executive produced by Future with features from Tory Lanez, Summer Walker, 21 Savage, and 6Lack.  Future has a verse as well on “When You Bad Like That”.  They just shot the video for the song last week.  Sincerely For You landed in the number 20 spot on the Billboard R&B chart on its debut.

Written by: Brandon Simmons

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FM Community Jail Tales Trending

Gunna and Goodr Gift over $100,000 in Gift Cards

Goodr and Gunna Gift $100,000
Gunna attends his DS4EVER LA Listening Party. Image source: Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images for DS4EVER.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and Gunna is ready to raise spirits! The 5th annual “Great Giveaway,” featuring Gunna, in partnership with Goodr Organization and Wal-Mart, tried to make this happen for many families. 

Unfortunately, due to safety concerns, Walmart cut ties with the organization and the artist. 

Moreover, Goodr released a statement, to AllHipHop, regarding the changing events. 

“Gunna and the entire Goodr team were looking forward to brightening the holidays of the 1,000 families that registered.” In addition, “We are aware of how much the promised gifts meant to those families, and we are collectively working to find an alternate solution. Registered families will be updated about the event’s status. Goodr apologizes for any inconvenience this unexpected turn of events has caused.”

Ultimately, Gunna and Goodr take matters into their own hands to spread holiday cheer. The organization and Gunna will distribute $100 gift cards to the pre-registered families in College Park.

The CEO and founder of Goodr, Jasmine Crowe, also released a statement on social media.

“It was essential to Gunna, his Great Giveaway Family Foundation, and Goodr to make sure that families received the assistance promised to them no matter what.” 

Gunna’s Racketeering Charges

At a virtual hearing on Dec 14, Sergio Kitchens, known as Gunna, was released from prison and pleaded guilty to a racketeering conspiracy charge. Therefore as a part of the YSL, Young Slime Life, Kitchen’s sentence held five-years total with one year in prison. The indictment is against the label and also Young Thug.

According to prosecutors, the YSL alleges it is a criminal street gang that claims affiliations with the Bloods. Young Thug, Gunna, and 26 others faced racketeering charges back in 2021.

Moreover, Young Thug is hit with new charges including possession of a machine gun. The charges are in relation back in 2015, when Thug rented a vehicle that was involved in the murder of Donovan “peanut” Thomas Jr. Judge Glanville has denied the motion to throw out any evidence.

Additionally, the two artists have been incarcerated in the last six months with many denied bond requests. Nonetheless,  judge Ural Glanville confirmed the legal proceedings to begin on January 9, 2023, reports 11Alive.

As a result, Gunna clarifies he will not be in any involvement with the authorities, he tells WSBN-TV.

Written By: Abbi-Rae De La Rosa| Twitter: @justabbi_

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Lil Baby Claims Atlanta is the Hub for Hip-Hop

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 17: Lil Baby performs at the 2022 Something in the Water Music Festival on Independence Avenue on June 17, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images)

Lil Baby performed at the LA3C festival in Los Angeles this past weekend.  It was the first festival for the LA3C, an organization driven to celebrate the creativity and culture of the city of Los Angeles, and the It’s Only Me rapper was the headliner.

Snoop Dogg and Kyle were the other rappers to hit the festival stage.  During the festival, he was asked about where hip-hop was as a genre right now. He responded by giving a big praise to Atlanta, his hometown.

“As far as culture, I feel like I been feeling.  Atlanta is like the ruler of the culture as far as Hip Hop…” Lil Baby told Billboard magazine.

Atlanta is Hip-Hop

Lil Baby does have a point here.  Atlanta has been home to some of the hottest artists out right now.  Future, Young Thug, 21 Savage, Quavo, Offset, Gunna, Playboi Carti, Latto, and J.I.D. all hail from Atlanta!  Future’s album I NEVER LIKED YOU is up for a Grammy for Best Rap Album this year and is his eighth number one album.  Young Thug is up for a Grammy along with Gunna for their song “Pushin P”.

https://twitter.com/nowhiphopnews_/status/1599442174885494784?s=46&t=xsJ5wtJ6Q0y5nfg_7xEiSQ

Playboi Carti is known for his live performances, and he has already been tapped by Rolling Loud to be the headliner for their California festival next year.  Latto is up and coming as she has snagged a Grammy nominee for Best New Artist.  J.I.D. ‘s album The Forever Story is regarded as one of the best albums of this year!  And of course, Atlanta is home to many rap legends.  T.I., Ludacris, Jeezy, OutKast, 2 Chainz, Gucci Mane, Killer Mike, and Jermaine Dupri are all products of Atlanta.  They are all still making music today after all these years!

The South Runs It

Lil Baby might be right about Atlanta being the “ruler of the culture” when you think about all the talent, past and present.  The South has been holding hip-hop down for years now, with Atlanta being at the forefront.  Memphis has been picking it up lately with all the new and exciting artists coming out of there.  And Florida has always had someone to represent.  It must be something in the water in the South.  Will Atlanta ever lose the crown?  If Lil Baby is around, I doubt it.

Written By: Brandon Simmons

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Young Thugs Legal Team Request Lyrics And Other Work Not Be Used Against Him In RICO Trial

Young Thug
Photo Source: Getty/Suzi Pratt

Young Thug is currently facing gang-related charges as a part of the Young Stoner Life Records RICO case. His legal team is working hard to keep his lyrics out of the trial.

According to HipHop DX, court documents reveal that Thug’s lawyers have requested that the rapper’s song lyrics, music videos, and social media posts be excluded as evidence in the trial. The motion states, “The admission and use of these lyrics, poetry, and artistry against Young Thug in his upcoming trial would be a Constitutional violation and an abuse of discretion, too prejudicial and unconstitutional.” It continues to read, that using this kind of evidence against Young Thug is racist and discriminatory as they believe the jury will be poisoned and prejudiced by these lyrics and such.

The trial against Thug, Gunna, and multiple members of the YSL gang is set to begin!

The RICO trial is set to begin on January 9th, of 2023 and could last almost a year. The current members listed in the 56-count indictment have been locked up since May. Both Thug and Gunna have been denied their bond requests multiple times.

Earlier this month, several new photos of the artists surfaced the internet. The photos show Young Thug and Gunna as they appeared in court video pre-trial hearing. Both were seen rocking jumpsuits and Thug noticeably praying.

Judge Glanville stated, “The biggest driver that I see is that I’ve no-bonded most all the people in this trial… They deserve to have a right to go to trial.” Fulton County D.A. Fani Willis also had filed the motion for a two-month delay in October allowing some of the defendants more time to find legal representation. Prosecutors also revealed during the hearing that they plan to call about 300 witnesses to the trial.

 

Stephanie Kinberg

Instagram @OfficialWaveyS

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FM Legal Trending

Defense Attorney In YSL RICO Case Asks Judge To Delay Trial

YSL RICO Case Attorney Asks Judge To Delay Trial
Young Thug's Appearance in court following the RICO arrest. Image source: arvin.temkar@ajc.com.

Things are getting scarier for the members of the infamous Young Stoner Life record label signees. This past Thursday, October 6th, the Fulton County defense attorney Fan Willis filed for YSL’s RICO trial in Mar 2023 instead of Jan.

While there’s only a 2-month difference, this is still bad news for all 28 YSL RICO defendants, including Young Thug & Gunna.

The attorney states, “a continuance to the final week in March would protect the speedy trial rights of those who have asserted those rights while also ensuring that the additional eight defendants have properly prepared appointed counsel.” 

Some defendants do not have an attorney yet, so Young Thug’s attorney also requests that all of the defendants in the YSL case have a mutual trial.

The Violation Of Thug’s Rights

Earlier this year, we saw Fulton County charge Young Thug & many of his associates with RICO indictments. Thug & his attorney revealed that the Atlanta rapper was not told his Miranda Rights during an interrogation. These two officers’ failure to do this is unconstitutional & is a direct violation of the “Wyclef Jean” artist’s civil rights. “Any statements which were not voluntarily made were made in violation of [Young Thug’s] Constitutional right to counsel,” Brian Steel (Young Thug’s attorney) pointed out. This could prove to be a vital detail in supporting one of Hip-Hop’s most influential artists. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that this will help any of the other member’s situations.

The Future Of The Record Label

The future of YSL is already significantly dependent on whether Young Thug, Gunna & the other members beat the indictment. If things weren’t grim enough, the label’s brightest young talent Lil Keed passed away shortly after the RICO took place. Many have doubts about the futures of all these individuals involved in the case. With that said, it’ll be historical if YSL can beat these charges & reclaim its spot in Hip-Hop. What do you think will result from the group’s 2023 trial?

Written by: Oryah Brown | Instagram: @oryah.wav

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FM Legal Trending

The State Of Georgia Complains To Forfeit Young Thug’s Belongings

YSL RICO Case Attorney Asks Judge To Delay Trial
Young Thug's Appearance in court following the RICO arrest. Image source: arvin.temkar@ajc.com.

Young Thug has already spent a reasonable amount of time in custody. He initially went under arrest based on the questionable RICO case, which applies to YSL artists’ song lyrics as allegedly credible evidence. 

The court also denied bond to Young Thug on multiple occasions. His inability to fulfill commitments resulted in more problems, such as A-1 Concert Entertainment suing the artist for missing out on the “Young Thug and Friends” music festival. 

All of the above was insufficient for the state of Georgia’s judicial branch to reverse to third-world standards. You know, the ones supporting the usage of a product of artistic expression as a piece of reasonable evidence. The new questionable reports now come in. 

According to AllHipHop, the state seized Young Thug’s belongings and now wants to forfeit them. The belongings at least include almost $150k in cash and 87 pieces of jewelry. There also was such significant evidence as “a green…sweatshirt.” 

Maybe law enforcement should also bring up extremism charges. Since the shirt has “the phrase ‘SLIME OVER S#### Make America Slime Again.'” 

Why Forfeiting Young Thug’s Property?

The reason why the authorities want to forfeit Thug’s property remains unclear. The Rafaello & Company jewelry claims to own nine chains from the artist’s apartment, which he allegedly never gave back.

However, even the law enforcement declares that “[out] of the nine jewelry pieces which Rafaello & Company Inc. asserts to own…only four pieces resemble any of the…jewelry seized. The other five pieces…do not resemble any of the pieces of jewelry seized.” The reasoning behind seizing the rest of the property, apart from 9 chains, is also unclear.

Thug’s lawyer, Brian Steel, also seems confused by the state’s actions. It makes sense since one can easily find them unconstitutional. 

“Forfeiture of the seized property is barred by the prohibition against excessive fines set forth in the Eighth Amendment,” Steel explained. “The property was either purchased in lawful arms length transactions…or the items were gifted to Claimant by persons who have untainted funds.”

While the situation with Young Thug’s property remains unclear, the artist himself doesn’t seem to get out of jail anytime soon. 

Thug’s incarceration is very controversial due to a multitude of reasons. Questionable lyrics-evidence, and allegedly terrible jail conditions. Multiple bond denials eventually brought more civil court cases to the artist–and now the questionable property seizure, which even the Georgian police finds troublesome to forfeit.

Hopefully, this sorrowful situation will soon end for Young Thug, and the overall problem of using lyrics as evidence will also end.

Written by Nikita Serdiuk | IG: @nikitasrdk | Twitter: @nktserdiuk

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Lil Gotit Suspects Someone Is Trying To Break Into Lil Keed’s Grave

Image Source: WireImage
Image Source: WireImage

According to Lil Gotit, rapper & blood brother of Lil Keed, there’s someone that’s been trying to break into Keed’s grave. The young Atlanta prodigy passed away earlier this year (May 13) due to organ failure. This news came only days after his labelmates on Young Stoner Life Records (YSL) received RICO charges for multiple Atlanta crimes. Overall, May was a rough month for both YSL fans & the city of Atlanta, GA as a whole. While we wait for the fate of the successful label started by Young Thug, Keed’s story will never be forgotten. It’s a shame that haters or opposition would try entering his gravesite without permission for reasons likely to be negative.

 

Lil Gotit’s Response To The Unwanted Guests

Lil Gotit is very vocal about his displeasure with the grave intruders. This is quite understandable as no one wants to see their deceased sibling’s resting place disturbed or vandalized. On his Instagram story yesterday (September 8th) Gotit wrote, “Whoever going to Keed grave tryna unscrew him out the wall and stuff, when I catch [you] it ain’t gone be nan nice, so I hope [you] see this message!!!!!” This warning may or may not stop the infiltrator, but will at least set the tone right. We wish that Lil Keed & his spirit rest peacefully in his Atlanta gravesite.

Image Source: Lil Gotit's Instagram
Image Source: Lil Gotit’s Instagram

 

The Future Of YSL After Keed Death & Rico Case

As mentioned above, Lil Keed’s unfortunate death came right after YSL got served RICO charges back in May. Label owner Young Thug & premiere artist Gunna are sitting in federal custody awaiting their trial date to attempt beating these catastrophic charges. Ideally, Lil Keed would’ve had to be the one to hold the label down since he didn’t get imprisoned with his peers. Do you think Lil Keed could’ve carried the label if still alive? And will YSL have a future after this RICO case comes to a conclusion in the next few months?

 

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Written by: Oryah Brown | Instagram: @oryah.wav

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FM Legal Jail Tales

Young Thug Denied Bond Again In Racketeering Case

Young Thug
Photo Credit: Urban Islandz

Young Thug is definitely paying time for several alleged crimes. According to TMZ, Thugger Thugger was denied bail for the third time. The “Ski” rapper heard the denial while in the courtroom today. He, amongst other YSL members, was detained for being a part of a 56-count indictment. 

The charges include murder, drug and gun possession, witness intimidation, carjacking, robbery, theft, and drug dealing. In turn, the musicians have violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. 

The law enforcement is standing firm on their decision because they believe Thug is the ring leader of the YSL assemble and that he should remain locked up. 

Young Thug, on the other hand, is fighting for his freedom. His lawyer, Brian Steel, told the court that Thugger is willing to be on 24-hour home confinement. Steel also said that the prosecution was creating an insignificant point by using old lyrics from 2014 as evidence. 

After the judge made his decision, Steel told TMZ

 “The Court is honorable, and we respect its rulings. Justice will not be denied. We are totally focused on preparation for our upcoming trial and we remain steadfast in our efforts to defend Mr. Williams against these false allegations.”

Photo Credit: Atlanta Journal Constitution

Thug was previously denied bail twice following his arrest in May. Sources assume that he’ll be locked up until early 2023. 

Some time ago, the 300 Ent signee dropped a freestyle from prison. While on the phone with his nephew and a YSL member, he rapped

“I’m just sitting here in my cell like, ‘Damn, I’m really in jail’/God, give me another chance to show you I can prevail/I could put my arms from wall to wall inside this tiny-ass cell.” and “I tried to cry but ain’t nothing left/I contemplated doing myself, n*gga/The most suicides deaths are in this jail/But let’s not forget that this ain’t Hell.” 

He also dropped a special message for his fans during Hot97’s Summer Jam. 

“I just want to say thank you to all of my friends and my family for coming out and supporting us. You know, your support during this time means a lot to us. This isn’t just about me or YSL. I always use my music as a form of artistic expression, and now I see that Black artists and rappers don’t have that freedom. So everybody, please sign the ‘Protect Black Art’ petition and keep praying for us. I love you all.”

Photo Credit: Urban Islandz

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