Tag: young thug

Categories
Trending

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

Categories
Trending Updates

Young Thug Joins Viral “Cut Ties” Trend

young thug
Young Thug attends the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA.-Getty Images

Young Thug‘s imprisonment hasn’t stopped him from joining in on the “cut ties” trend doing the rounds on social media. In light of Kanye West’s anti-Semitic remarks, major corporations have been severing their business ties to the rapper. Companies like Adidas and Foot Locker have ended their partnerships following Ye’s controversial comments.

Kanye’s downfall has inspired several memes on social media, including one where rappers joke about “cutting ties” with themselves. Celebs such as Jadakiss and 50 Cent have hopped on the viral trend. Young Thug is the latest rapper to hop on the “cut ties” trend, issuing a statement on Twitter.

“JEFFREY HAS REPORTEDLY CUT TIES WITH YOUNG THUG”, the Atlanta rapper tweeted from jail. This isn’t the first time Thugga has shared a message from behind bars. In September, the “The London” artist shared a stream of tweets about rumored girlfriend Mariah The Scientist.

Thug also sent a tweet to Michael Phelps, asking the Olympian swimmer for swimming tips. Earlier this month, he urged Lil Baby to release his new album It’s Only Me, three days before the project dropped. “Wham, if you don’t drop in 3 days we ain’t bruddas,” Young Thug tweeted.

The origins of the “cut ties” trend

As for the Kanye West meme, even Ye himself got involved in the trend. In his return to Instagram, West shared a fake news article about himself. “Ye has reportedly cut ties with Kanye West”, the “Jesus Walks” rapper captioned the photo.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)

The trend is a response to the news of Kanye’s DONDA Academy reportedly closing down for the remainder of the year due to his anti-Semitic tweets. Not only will the school be shutting down, but the basketball team has also been barred from an upcoming tournament.

However,  a contradictory message was sent out to DONDA Academy’s parents hours after the initial news broke. The message asked parents to join in worship as the school reopened, declaring it back “with a vengeance.”

Written by Olan Bryant

Categories
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

Follow and like FMHipHop on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!

Categories
FM Legal Trending

Young Thug Claims his Rights Were Violated With Illegal Search

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.

Atlanta Icon Young Thug keeps fighting for his freedom with yet another plea to the judge. Now, he’s tackling his interrogation.

You Have the Right To Remain Silent

It’s been a rough year for Young Thug and YSL. In May, the “Check” rapper and several associates went into custody for a pile of serious charges, including conspiracy and murder. 

The 65-count RICO indictment carries a long sentence for YSL members, particularly Young Thug, whom the prosecutors claim is the ringleader. Young Thug, real name Jeffrey Williams, now finds himself in a world of trouble.

Young Thug’s attorney is making some big claims on behalf of his client. According to Brian Steel, a pair of officers interrogated the 31-year-old without reading his Miranda rights while detained in Dekalb County jail.

Young Thug’s attorney pointedly named Cobb County officials David Raissi and ATF Special Agent T. Cunningham as the two responsible. Steel says Raissi and Cunningham began interrogation without notifying him beforehand.

“Any statements which were not voluntarily made were made in violation of [Young Thug’s] Constitutional right to counsel,” Steel expounded in court documents. “Additionally, no mention can be made that [Young Thug] was given the opportunity to speak with law enforcement since this is post-arrest.”

Young Thug Vs. DA

In addition, Young Thug is requesting back his computers and phones after law enforcement took the electronics in a July 2015 search. Seven years ago, Thug allegedly got into a verbal altercation with a security guard that included violent threats. This spurred a police raid into his home, where law enforcement reportedly found drugs and guns. Luckily for the Georgia rapper, all charges from the incident were thrown out due to the unconstitutional search.

In April 2017, the court ordered the return of all the laptops and phones the law enforcement seized earlier. However, Thug never received his belongings.

Ignoring requests from the judge, Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael Sprinkel had the devices searched by digital intelligence company Cellebrite. Brian Steel says there was no search warrant to rifle through his client’s devices following the April ruling. The search violated Young Thug’s “possessory interests in his lawfully obtained property that the prosecution had absolutely no legal right to possess,” as Steel put it.

Light of Hope for Young Thug

Now, the prosecution and Steel are in a tug of war with the seized property. Apparently, opposing lawyers aren’t giving up the devices.

“Instead, without lawful right to keep, hold, inspect, possess or examine Mr. Williams’ property, the prosecution ‘team’ continued to illegally hold Mr. Williams’ property and search these items,” Steel detailed.

There’s been a lot of drama surrounding the evidence derived from the devices. Attorneys are now calling for judge Ural Glanville to suppress its use in court. As Young Thug’s January 2023 trial creeps closer and closer, this may be a helping hand for a case suffering so far.

Written By Dreema Carrington

Follow and like FMHipHop on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!

Categories
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

Follow and like FMHipHop on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

Categories
Trending

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?

 

Follow and like FMHipHop on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!

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

Categories
FM News Trending

Kanye West Calls For Young Thug’s Freedom

Kanye Young Thug Texts Appear On Instagram
Kanye West and Young Thug at the Versace fashion show in 2019. Image source: Roy Rochlin, Getty Images.

Kanye West has called for the freedom of Young Thug, who is currently facing RICO charges with other YSL members. This news comes from DJ Akademiks via Instagram, where the DJ was apparently texting West when the topic came up. In the text, Kanye says, “We gotta get thug outta jail,” and Akademiks replies, “Just sent this to Kim.”

While his reply is whimsical and funny, many people in the comments agree with West. The RICO case that has been going on for several months now has seen Young Thug and others part of YSL labeled as criminals. The bottom of the text message exchange screenshot shows “Kanye West FREE YSL.”

See the full Instagram post below.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

The Story of Young Thug & YSL

For those who do not know much about YSL or Young Thug’s RICO case, here is a quick summary of what has occurred. Firstly, Gunna and Young Thug went under arrest and couldn’t get out on bond. Secondly, 28 members of YSL faced conspiracy charges for allegedly violating RICO law.

The 56-count indictment claims that YSL participated in activities like murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, theft, carjacking, drug dealing, and witness intimidation. Something to keep in mind is that the indictment portrays Young Thug as a sort of mob boss.

Additionally, other YSL members faced charges of attempted murder concerning the stabbing of YFN Lucci. Criminal charges against rappers are nothing new, but the evidence this time makes these recent cases unique. 

The artists’ own rap lyrics are also alleged evidence against themselves. Using rap lyrics in this way can be seen as a violation of freedom of speech. Of course, Kanye is not the only rapper to come out to support Young Thug, Gunna, and YSL.

Young Thug made a plea from jail, stating, “I always use my music as a form of artistic expression, and I see now that Black artists and rappers don’t have that freedom. Everybody, please sign the Protect Black Art petition and keep praying for us. I love you all.” See the full video of Young Thug below.

Written by Patrick Rodriguez | Twitter 

Categories
FM Legal Trending Updates

AEG Presents Takes Young Thug To Court

Young Thug

It seems like Young Thug just can’t catch a break. Currently locked up and facing RICO charges, Thug has other legal problems. AEG Presents is suing Young Thug for alleged money they report they are owed from the rapper and his team.

AEG Presents Claims Young Thug Broke Contract

AllHipHop reports that Young Thug and AEG Presents came to an agreement. Young Thug got an advanve of five million dollars from AEG and in return Young Thug would give AEG exclusive rights to all of his concerts.

AEG Presents logo
AEG Presents logo/ credit- AEG- YouTube

AEG Presents states that they signed a contract with Young Thug in 2017. They alleged that he broke the contract soon after. Claims suggest that Thug booked shows without AEG’s involvement and collected hundreds of thousands of dollars for the shows.

“Despite having granted AEG the exclusive right to promote Mr. Williams’ concert performances under the terms of the 2017 Artist Agreement, YSL and Mr. Williams immediately failed and refused to honor their respective obligations under the 2017 Artist Agreement by, among other things, disregarding AEG’s rights, performing concerts without AEG’s involvement, and retaining all proceeds generated therefrom” -AEG’s lawyer, Kathleen Jorrie

 

Young Thug
Younh Thug/ Photo Credit: Urban Islandz

AEG Will Sue Young Thug & YSL

AEG surprises Young Thug with a breach of contract. The entertainment company is seeking the five million dollars reportedly given to him and interest.

Additionally, AEG Presents says that Young Thug put up collateral to complete the contract. This collateral includes the Young Stoner Life brand, portions of Young Thug’s publishing catalog, and the Young Thug trademark.

What Happened Next?

Young Thug and YSL remained quiet on the topic for some time. Eventually they responded to AEG by allegedly stating the claims to be false. In 2021, both parties met but they could not agree on a solution.

AEG Presents continued the process through the courts. A judge didn’t hear the case because it was postponed due to Young Thug being arrested and hit with RICO charges.

Young Thug
Young Thug/ credit- Getty Images

The lawyers for AEG requested that they have extra time for their case. AEG want to continue their trial after Young Thug goes to court on his RICO charges. A judge granted them the extra time requested. The official case is AEG Presents LLC v. YSL Touring LLC. will take place in October of 2023.

AEG is looking to get $6 million dollars, the rights to YSL company and the name Young Thug and attorney fees.

 

Xavier “Writer X” Griffin | Facebook @WriterX93 |Twitter @WRITER_X_713| Instagram xaviegriffin81

Categories
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

Related Stories: Arraignment Held For A$AP Rocky

Categories
FM Legal Jail Tales Trending

Young Thug Sued For Missing Concert While Incarcerated

This is not Young Thug’s year. First, he is arrested for violating the RICO Act. Then, he got a second layer of crimes added to the list. Now, he is being sued for not being able to show up for a concert.

On June 18, “Young Thug and Friends” were supposed to go to Atlanta’s State Farm Arena. However, he was arrested for 56 counts of racketeering in May. It is kind of hard to show up for a concert while in jail.

According to court documents, Young Thug was supposed to do a 45-minute set for $300,000. Half of that money was paid upfront. A-1 Concert Entertainment, the concert promoter, only wants their money back. YSL Touring says that a refund is going to be issued, but A-1 Concert Entertainment has not received the money yet. The promoter had gotten tired of waiting and is threatening legal action.

This is not the first time that Young Thug has been sued for not showing up to a concert. In 2017, he had a $360,000 lawsuit for not going to a concert in New York.

Details of the Case

“Due to his arrest and the nature of the felony criminal charges against Williams, it was immediately apparent in May 2022 that he would not be able to perform as required in the agreement,” the court papers said. “To date, A-1 Concert has not received any reimbursement of the $150,000 owed to it.”

The contract that was signed said that in the event that Thug cancels, reimbursements are allowed. Being arrested was a forced cancellation of his performance, so they feel like they should get the money back that they paid for a service never received.

It is currently unknown when this case is going to go to trial. The court date that we do know, however, which is for the RICO case, is Jan. 9, 2023.

Written by Justin Acosta

Twitter: @hahalacka