Tag: RICO

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YSL Lyrics Used Against Them As Evidence In RICO Case By Georgia District Attorney

YSL
Image via Billboard

Art is a great way to express yourself, except when people use it against you. For Young Thug and Gunna their YSL lyrics from Slime Language 2 are now evidence in the RICO case they are facing.

Since the indictment of the 28 members of YSL on May 9, 2022. Rap lyrics have been evidence. But this is a controversial topic for a lot of folks. The Fulton County prosecutor claims the lyrics are overt acts in the RICO conspiracy and should be evidence. Other states, such as New York, have actually created legislation to limit the use of song lyrics in criminal trials. Considering they are a form of art and not a depiction of reality.

What YSL Lyrics Are Problematic?

A few of the songs that the prosecution point out as evidence are Young Thug’s song Anybody. Along with Take it to Trial, Ski, and Slatty.

The District Attorney states the lyrics “serve in preserving, protecting, and enhancing the reputation, power, and territory of the enterprise YSL.” In particular the lyrics cited in documentation include. “I killed his man in front of his momma, like fiick lil bruh, sister, and his cousin.” “‘Kill em, not leaving a trace.” Although Thug is not accused of murder. But he is accused of renting a car later used for a killing.

Gunna’s attorney states that the indictment falsely shows his music as a part of a criminal conspiracy. Rather than just lyrics. However, Fani Willis, the district attorney for Fulton County district says “The First Amendment does not protect people from prosecutors using lyrics as evidence.” Willis’ goal is to remove the entire YSL group for the community. Since they are being portrayed as a gang and a threat to the community. Again thanks to lyrics.

 

Brittany Belizor

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Jail Tales Trending

Young Thug Drops Freestyle To His Nephew From Jail

young thug

In his second time speaking out since his arrest, Young Thug dropped a freestyle from his jail cell. The clip has since been trending, making the rounds online. In the video, Thug spits the freestyle to his nephew and YSL signee BSlime.

 

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Young Thug’s tone in the freestyle is introspective, reflecting on his current situation and what he misses from the outside. However, the bars also indicate that though his spirits are high, he understands what is at stake.

The freestyle comes just days after Gunna, who is also in jail on the same charges, released a letter on his 29th birthday. In the letter, Gunna proclaimed, “For now, I don’t have my freedom. But I am innocent. I am being falsely accused and will never stop fighting to clear my name!”. The letter also addressed the “Protect Black Art” petition, which seeks to protect artists from having their lyrics used against them in court.

The latest on Young Thug’s case

Young Thug, Gunna, and 26 others still remain indicted on Georgia RICO charges. Slime was recently denied bond by a Fulton County court, with prosecutors arguing that he still represents a threat to the community.

The prosecution also attempted to have Thug’s attorney, Brian Steel, removed from the case. They raised concerns that Steel may attempt to deter potential witnesses from testifying against his client. However, the judge allowed Steel to remain on the case.

The prosecution’s case relies heavily on song lyrics and social media posts. Dozens of examples are listed in the indictment, including photos of defendants in YSL jewelry. Lyrics from songs such as “Slime Sh*t” and Gunna’s “Fox 5” are also referenced.

Young Thug broadcasted an audio message from jail to Hot97’s Summer Jam in New Jersey on Sunday. In the message, he encouraged people to sign the “Protect Black Art” petition.

“You know, 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,” he said in the message.

A trial date is set for January 9, 2023.

Written by Olan Bryant

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Gunna Writes Letter, Meek Mill Encourages Fans To Respond

gunna
Image via Getty/Paras Griffin

Gunna has received plenty of support from fans in the wake of his arrest. He recently responded to these fans in a long letter.

Earlier this week (June 14) YSL rapper Gunna penned a lengthy note on Instagram. The date marked 34 days since his arrest and Gunna’s 29th birthday.

 “This year I had the whole world pushing P,” he began. Of course, Gunna is referring to his viral phrase that took the Internet by storm with the release of ‘Drip Season 4ever’ in January.

Gunna then makes a sharp accusation. “For now, I don’t have my freedom. But I am innocent. I am being falsely accused and will never stop fighting to clear my name!”

A support system for Gunna

Gunna, less commonly known as Sergio Giavanni Kitchens, is currently facing a RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) charge. This charge carries some dire jail time with it. With a maximum sentence of 20 years, such a charge is certainly nothing to scoff at.

He explains: “As a Black man in America, it seems as though my art is only acceptable when I’m a source of entertainment for the masses.” The message here has been heard from rappers before. With rap, the line between entertainment and illegal activity is becoming blurrier. More often now than ever, rap artists are seeing real consequences for their words. Specifically, lyrics from “Take it to Trial” and “Ski” were used as evidence against the 29-year-old.

Gunna continues: “My art is not allowed to stand alone as entertainment, I’m not allowed that freedom as a Black man in America. It is a sad reality that slavery is still alive in America today and still affecting my people. In 12 states more than half of the prison population is Black, one of those states is Georgia.”

He finishes the letter with a heartfelt sentiment. “We still pushing P: Power, Prayer, Progress, Passion, Productivity, Praise, Precision, Peace, Prosperity, Patience, Pride and Persistence,” he writes.

Gunna’s dedicated fanbase gave the letter a warm reception, calling for the ‘Far’ rapper’s release.

https://twitter.com/lulbayla/status/1536797037697585155?s=21&t=-KfY-tic8kmJycpuKLqwrQ

https://twitter.com/uchecityoffici1/status/1536987851409309698?s=21&t=-KfY-tic8kmJycpuKLqwrQ

https://twitter.com/isaiahjhn_/status/1536805167219322884?s=21&t=-KfY-tic8kmJycpuKLqwrQ

Meek Mill speaks from the heart

One of YSL’s loudest advocates, since the arrests began, has been Meek Mill. In addition to initially calling for Young Thug and Gunna’s release, he also spoke out about their bail denial. On the same day of Gunna’s note, Meek tweeted out a message for his fans and loved ones. “Write gunna thug and ysl  so they feel and hear the love,” he typed.

“write casanova.. write..Dugg..write Lucci Write ralo That mail kept me alive in there,” he added. Of course, the advice is from real-life experience. Meek has spent his fair share of time behind bars. In 2017 he was sentenced to prison for two to four years over small charges, most notably performing a wheelie without head protection. During that time, Meek garnered massive support from his rap peers and the city of Philadelphia, collectively. He now knows better than anyone that large-scale support is what’s needed during tough times. Truly, Meek has branded himself a YSL advocate.

https://twitter.com/MeekMill/status/1536870372066336769

YSL Mayhem

Many believe Gunna’s involvement in the crimes committed within YSL was minimal and undeserving of the long wait for his 2023 trial. Prosecutors, however, disagreed harshly with that position during his second bail hearing. While no video has been released of the hearing, journalist Jewel Wicker confirmed claims made about Gunna as a documented gang member and alleged risk for witness tampering. This convinced the judge to keep him behind bars. Gunna isn’t entirely unfamiliar with police run-ins. In 2018, he was arrested for being in possession of amphetamine, Xanax, ecstasy, marijuana and oxycodone.

It’s notable that, unlike many other YSL members listed in the RICO indictment, Gunna does not have any extra charges. In stark contrast to his peers, Gunna’s rap sheet seems quite thin. This may still change as the story develops.

The ‘P power’ rapper is only one out of 28 arrested for violating the RICO act, amongst other serious charges. Record label and suspected gang YSL has stalled as Young Thug fights for his freedom. That fight has proved a particularly hard one. Gunna and Thug were flatly denied bail in May. In addition to this, Young Thug’s hearing confirmed his position as YSL’s leader and main alleged offender for Fulton County Police.

“… Young Thug is the leader of the gang, he is dangerous, and if he crosses them, he will kill them or their families,” Judge Glanville stated. Clearly, the battle is just beginning for Gunna, Young Thug and the rest of YSL.

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Dreema Carrington|IG: @dr3amgirl79|Twitter: @notdreema

 

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Brooklyn Rapper 22Gz Arrested At JFK Airport

Image Source: XXL Magazine
Image Source: XXL Magazine

22Gz, one of the pioneers of the Brooklyn-drill rap sub-genre, was arrested at the John F. Kennedy International Airport on Sunday morning (June 12th). NYPD caught and arrested the rapper at the famous airport immediately after 22Gz landed because of his connection to attempted murder charges after three victims were shot at a party on March 6. 22Gz was set to perform at Hot 97’s Summer Jam event the same day until the arrest took place. It’s also been reported that 22 spent most of his time in Atlanta, perhaps to avoid the eventual run-in with New York’s police.

2022: Hip-Hop Vs. The Law/Government

While 22Gz arrest shouldn’t be ignored or minimized, there are tons of rappers having issues with law enforcement this year. One of the biggest examples is the current RICO charges formed against Young Thug’s Young Stoner Life collective/label. Young Thug delivered a message to fans during Summer Jam, urging the prevention of lyrics to be used against entertainers in a court of law. There’s the Protect Black Art initiative that Thug and other respected peers have urged their fans to sign the petition for. This law would be revolutionary for Hip-Hop artists and should arguably have already been implemented legally. Take a look at the Young Thug’s full message that appeared on stage at Summer Jam.

 

What Will Happen To 22Gz?

Being a rapper has become one of the most dangerous careers in the world. This isn’t 22Gz first run-in with the law, but there’s no telling what the outcome of this will be. Do you think 22Gz is connected to these serious charges? And is there a chance his lyrics could be used against him? Read more of FM Hip-Hop’s featured articles today.

 

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

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Court Denies Young Thug Bond In RICO Case

Young Thug
Young Thug Denied Bond in RICO Case

A judge denied Young Thug’s bond on Thursday, keeping the rapper behind bars for the foreseeable future. Judge Ural D. Glanville deemed the Atlanta rapper a “danger to the community” and a potential flight risk. WSB-TV Atlanta reporter Michael Seiden broke the news about the YSL founder with a simple post on Twitter.

The Atlanta rapper was arrested on May 9 along with Gunna and twenty-six more people. The artists face fifty-six charges of gang activities, including murder, robbery, and also racketeering. Young Stoner Life, Thug’s label, also faces charges of being a criminal street gang.

RICO Court Hearing

Young Thug’s lawyers were pushing for a release on bond, with the rapper to be detained on monitored house arrest. They argued that Thug was not a flight risk due to not owning a private jet, despite the rapper’s $8 million net worth. His defense also maintained that the prosecution’s cited lyrics were not applicable, as it is unclear who sang or wrote the words. However, they lost the argument, and the judge denied their request for bond.

300 Entertainment co-founder Kevin Liles offered to financially vouch for Young Thug. Liles also testified on behalf of the rapper before he was denied bond. The businessman maintained that position when informed the cost could exceed $1 million, stating, “I’m willing to back him personally and professionally.” Revolt TV shared the video on Instagram.

 

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Young Thug and Gunna face several charges, most notably conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (or Rico) and also murder. Their trials will take place on Jan. 9, 2023.

Also, stay tuned to FMHipHop.com for further news on the subject, and give us a follow @FMHipHop on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter!

Written by Evan Montgomery

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Jail Tales Trending

Kevin Liles Gives Emotional Testimony For Young Thug

Young Thug
Image via Getty Images

300 Entertainment’s CEO Kevin Liles has nothing but love for Young Thug. The co-founder testified in court today on the rapper’s behalf. While Thug was watching remotely, Liles teared up during his testimony, expressing to the judge what a great person Thug is. “I’m kind of emotional because of how good this guy is,” he told the judge. “I’m willing to back him personally and professionally.” Liles also offered to help financially with the bonds if Thugger couldn’t himself.

He continues to say “The Jeffery I know, he’ll give me the clothes off his back. The Jeffery I know, I can give him my kids and he’ll give me his kids.”

Machine Gun Kelly Speaks About Young Thug

Machine Gun Kelly also spoke highly about the rapper. According to The New York Times’  Joe Coscarelli,  MGK sent a video message to the judge talking about Thug’s philanthropic work in the community. He and fellow rapper Gunna were arrested last month in Atlanta. The arrests were considered under the RICO act, which is also considered gang-related activities. These indictments go up to around 56 counts of hurdling crimes such as murder and armed robbery. Yak Gotti, Peewee Roscoe, Duke, and Unfoonk, Thug’s brother, were also arrested at the time. Meek Mill also expressed his thoughts on the case. In an Instagram post, he wrote “Thug and Gunna ain’t no crime bosses, they successful rappers with influence that didn’t leave their environment behind….”

YSL’s History

The hitmaker has been associated with a criminal street gang that started in 2012 named YSL. It later became the name of his record label. In 2015, Thug was accused of renting the car that was a part of a drive-by shooting that ended up killing Donovan Thomas Jr., a rival gang member. Lyrics from his songs are being used as evidence in the case.

Check out more news like this at FMHipHop.com

Written By: Roy Lott

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Cordae defends YSL, condemns rap lyrics being used in court

cordae
Cordae by Raven Varona

The list of rappers backing Young Slime Life grows longer every day, and now MD artist Cordae is stepping up.

Cordae on team YSL

Atlanta A-listers Gunna and Young Thug are in custody and awaiting their day in court. Unfortunately, they’ll have to wait until 2023 for that day. ‘From a Birds Eye View’ rapper Cordae spoke up this Wednesday (Jun 1) in defense of YSL as a collective.

In addition to this, Cordae also disapproves of the practice of rap lyrics being used as evidence in a court of law.

 

This upcoming trial may prove problematic for both Young Thug and Gunna, who don’t shy away from speaking about criminal activity in their songs. However, this is where artistic expression and freedom of speech come into play.

This method of using lyrics is becoming more and more commonplace, the most noteworthy examples being Tay K’s 2019 trial and Snoop Dogg’s 1993 murder trial. Luckily for Snoop, he was able to narrowly avoid a guilty verdict. However, Tay K wasn’t as fortunate with a 55+ year sentence.  It’s believed the contents of his biggest song ‘The Race’ played a big role in how hefty Tay’s sentence came out to be in comparison to his accomplices.

Meek Mill follows up

Cordae isn’t the only artist going up for YSL. Meek Mill also hopped on Twitter Wednesday claiming everyone deserves a bail preceding their trial.

“Free thug … free gunna …” He posted that morning.  “free ysl … everybody deserves a bail,”

Meek has stood up for rappers in the “lyrics as evidence” debate for quite some time. Back in January, he was one of many artists to add a signature to The Rap Music on Trial bill. This New York legislature is being led by State Senators Brad Hoylman and Jamaal Bailey. It was firstly designed to prevent rap lyrics from being utilized as hard evidence in criminal trials. Aside from Meek, several high-profile artists backed the bill. Jay Z, Big Sean, Killer Mike, Fat Joe, and Vic Mensa also provided their signatures in solidarity. Clearly, this is an issue weighing heavily on the music industry as a whole.

“Across the country, we are seeing a disturbing trend of prosecutors introducing an artists product as evidence against them in a criminal trial” Hoylman told FOX 5 NY. “Prosecutors are telling the judge and the jury, ‘You should take this music, the words to the music, literally.'”

On Jun 2, Young Thug’s lawyers will appear in court and make one last argument for bail. He’s being accused of violating the Racketeer Influenced & Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act, in addition to several other serious crimes including robbery, murder, and drug possession.

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Young Thug’s Attorney Filed To Be Removed Due To Conflict of Interest

Young Thug and Gunna try for bail

Young Thug continues to be behind bars until the trial is complete. He and Gunna are charged with at least one count of conspiracy to violate the RICO Act. Prosecutors claim that they are part of the gang that has the same name as their record label.

According to WSB-TV reporter Michael Seiden, Young Thug’s court date for his bond has been delayed to June 2. The prosecution has also filed for Thug’s attorney, Brian Steel, to be removed from the case. They are claiming that there is a conflict of interest. Judge Glanville did not go into detail on this, however. The delay was so that the judge could focus on those claims. However, that does not mean that Steel is gone.

Gunna has already tried for bail on May 23. His attorney reportedly proposed several different bond conditions, including a $750,000 secured bond, house arrest with electronic monitoring, and forfeiture of three properties. Gunna’s parents were also prepared to give up their homes for their son. He was even prepared to have all of his phone calls recorded. However, Gunna was denied bail. The court was afraid that he would intimidate the witnesses. His trial is set for January 2023.

What is the RICO Act?

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO, is a federally recognized law from the 1970s. It was developed to fight against organized crime. It draws from a list of federal and state crimes, including fraud, theft, computer crimes, embezzlement, credit scams, investment schemes, human trafficking, illegal gambling, bribery, kidnapping, murder, money laundering, counterfeiting, and various drug charges.

However, this is in Atlanta. Georgia has its own version of RICO. It is similar to the regular RICO, but its definition of a criminal enterprise is more lenient. The regular RICO requires crimes for longer than a decade. Georgia’s RICO does not have that requirement.

If Young Thug and Gunna are found guilty, they can be sent 5-20 years in prison.

Read about artists who have spoken out in support of YSL’s recent investigation.

Written by Justin Acosta

Twitter: @hahalacka

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Young Thug’s Jail Isolation Is Nothing To Snicker About

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 is entering the harsh reality of the jail system. 

Young Thug’s Indictment; YSL Claimed “Racketeer Influenced & Corrupt Organization”

Recently, Young Thug and 27 members of YSL have been indicted by Fulton County for ‘Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization’ better known as RICO.

Young Thug's Jail Isolation Is Nothing To Snicker About
Young Thug performing live at Openair Frauenfeld 2019. Image source: Commonist, Wikiimedia Commons.

The lawmakers initially created RICO to combat the Mafia in the early 70s. This complex federal law has tackled many crime families. Surprisingly, Georgia’s broader state terms have made it easier to target street gangs.  

Young Thug’s Conditions In Jail Are At The Least Questionable 

The 88-page indictment held a long list of charges. The list includes armed robbery and aggravated assault, using the lyrics of YSL members against them. Since then, Thug has headed into the spiraling and complex world of the criminal justice system.

First, Judge Robert Wolfe denied Thug bond from jail. The judge reasoned that the artist was a flight risk; Wolfe also expressed concern about Young Thug committing additional felonies. Thug’s lawyer, Brian Steel, tried to plead by re-emphasizing the cooperation level shown by Young Thug, but to no avail.

Next came the emergency bond hearing filed for the treatment in Cobb County Jail. Steel has stated that Thug has been “held in solitary confinement” with only:

“a 24-hour headlight in a windowless cell, [with no] opportunity to shower, exercise, have human contact, or access media.” 

As a result, Young Thug’s jail experience was only getting worse.

Clarity Or Confusion

Jail employees have stated this is a dramatization of what is actually happening. Jail officials of Cobb County Jail take WBS-TV on tour to show her “above board jail.” So, Michael Seiden got a first look at seeing the conditions.

Conversely, the only crew member of WSB-TV allowed inside was him. The short news special depicted the cemented room with one toilet and headlight. Somehow, this doesn’t negate their claims. Jail officials stated, “this is a jail…a detention center. It’s not the Ritz Carlton, so you have to recognize that.” 

Apparently, Thug is also being held in solitary because of his “high profile status and safety.”

Therefore, leaving it as Young Thug is just in jail. 

The Ultimate Science 

However, research has found that isolation can be psychologically harmful and induce effects such as “anxiety, depression, and paranoia.” The stress of these conditions can exuberate the worsening health conditions. Health professionals and jail officials have differing opinions on the actual mental cost of isolation.

The varying elements associated make it difficult to measure precisely. Nonetheless, Young Thug’s responses to the jail conditions align with many solitary complaints. Thug’s objections must have taken a second look.

Written by Nyla Stanford

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Cherry Juice Jail Tales Trending

Casanova Thanks Chris Brown For Support Following His Guilty Plea

Casanova
Image Source: Getty Images

 Casanova has been behind bars since 2020. Yesterday, he plead guilty to crimes related to his RICO case.  Fourteen members including Casanova plead guilty for drugs, robberies, and possession of guns.  There are records of criminal activity from New York to Florida.

Casanova Crimes

The feds named him leader of the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation Bloods Gang.

“Like 12 of his co-defendants, Caswell Senior, an accomplished recording artist and performer, now stands convicted of playing a leadership role in Gorilla Stone.”, says U.S. Attorney Damian Williams.

Casanova was involved in a shooting in Florida 2020.  The shooting was over a gambling dispute. In 2018, he was involved in a robbery in New York.  Casanova is facing a maximum of 60 years in prison.  It seems like not too many people have reached out to Casanova.  He posted on Instagram that Chris Brown was the only one to show love.

 

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Hov to the Rescue?

The Roc Nation rapper says Jay-Z has done more than enough to help him out.  Apparently, fans want to see Hov more involved in his artist’s case.  Casanova took to Twitter to stop asking about Jay-Z’s involvement.

RICO

Casanova has been dealing with his RICO case for almost two years!  Just recently, Young Thug and Gunna have been the latest rappers to be arrested on RICO charges.  Fulton County arrested Young Thug on Monday. On Tuesday, Gunna turned himself in.  The Fulton County district attorney accused Young Thug of being the founder and leader of the gang.  The 80-page report includes over 20 people.  Some of Young Thug’s charges include theft by receiving stolen property and terroristic threats.

“It does not matter what your notoriety is, what your fame is, if you come to Fulton County, Georgia, and you commit crimes, … you are going to become a target and a focus of this district attorney’s office, and we are going to prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,” says Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

While this may be a lot to deal with, we hope for the best possible outcome.

Check out this retrospective article where west coast legend Ice-T warns young rappers of potential dangers in the OG rap game.

Written By: Brandon Simmons