Tag: young thug

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Young Thug Charged With More Gun, Drug, and Gang Charges

Young Thug, who is already part of a 56-count indictment against the RICO Act, has more charges to deal with now. These charges are gun, drugs, and gang-related.

Most of these charges come from the weapons and drugs seized from Young Thug’s home on the day of his arrest. One of the weapons was a modified machine gun.

According to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ office, the new charges are focused only on Young Thug and four others, including Yak Gotti and Duke. According to Willis, these new indictments are more proof that Thug has been a gang leader for years.

However, Thug, Yak Gotti, and Duke’s attorneys are all saying that they believe that their clients are innocent. They are planning to fight tooth and nail to prove it in the courtroom.

Young Thug has been in jail since the arrest. He has been denied bond twice. He will most likely stay in prison until the date of his trial. Part of the reasoning for the denial is something that Thug said in 2015. “Anybody goes into courtroom and tells the god’s honest truth, they’ll be f—ing killed.”

There is still one more set of indictments to go, according to D.A. Wallis. However, he told reporters in July to expect two rounds of indictments over the next sixty days. This is the first round.

The trial has been set for January 9, 2023. Follow us for more updates as  this case unfolds: FMHipHop:  Twitter, Instagram, Facebook.

Written by Justin Acosta

Twitter: @hahalacka

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FM Legal Trending

New US Bill Suggests Restricting the use of Rap Lyrics as Legal Evidence

senate
image via MGN

Georgia Police have been cracking down on violent rap. But a newly introduced bill could be the saving grace for Atlanta’s biggest rap stars.

Young Thug, Gunna, and 26 other associates in connection to YSL were arrested this May for several serious charges. Murder, conspiracy, and drug possession are just a few of the accusations, in addition to common themes in YSL’s music. What counts as evidence, and what’s considered artistic expression? This is a question that’s been on everybody’s mind. Soon, we may get an answer in the form of a new bill.

a YSL affair

The Restoring Artistic Protection (RAP) Act firstly seeks to restrict the usage of rap lyrics as admissible evidence in court. Secondly, the bill is designed to protect artists’ right to “artistic expression”. This recently formed bill could potentially change the legal landscape of the country, as the usage of music as evidence has become commonplace.

Young Thug, real name Jeffrey Williams is the most recent and notable example of this. Specifically, lyrics from ‘Bad Boy’, ‘Take it to Trial’, and ‘Nobody’ has been used by Georgia prosecutors during legal proceedings.

“[Thug] got into a beef if you will with another rapper by the name of Rayshawn Bennett, also known as YFN Lucci,” a prosecutor said during his bond hearing. “At some point, Lucci’s mother was shot at and the song comes out, ‘Bad Boy,’ that says, let’s see…‘You better watch the way you breathe around me ‘fore that breath be your last boy, Smith & Wesson .45 put a hole in his heart, better not play with me, killers stay with me, I shot at his mommy now he no longer m me.”

The lengthy indictment cites explicit lyrics from ‘Nobody’, a 2018 Nicki Minaj collab.

“I never killed anybody but I got something to do with that body,”

A New Bill in Town

The newly proposed bill was offered by congress lawmakers Hank Johnson and Jamaal Bowman, representing Georgia and New York respectively.

According to a Billboard report, the goal of the rap act is to protect “creative or artistic expression” and limit how it can be utilized in a courtroom. It also requests prosecutors prove song lyrics have  “literal meaning” in relation to the case when presenting to them to a judge or jury.

“Our judicial system disparately criminalises Black and brown lives, including Black and brown creativity,” Bowman said in the initial proposal.

“We cannot imprison our talented artists for expressing their experiences nor will we let their creativity be suppressed.” He continued. This is a sentiment shared by many rap fans who are fearful of their favorite artist censoring themselves.

This is a big step in a long battle to get lyrical content out of the courtroom. Currently, there are two similar bills in New York and California awaiting their fate. The New York Bill-S7527 has officially passed the state senate, however, it still needs another deciding vote by the New York assembly.

Jay-Z has been an outspoken advocate for free speech within rap. Earlier this year, he gained signatures from high-profile artists like Big Sean, Meek Mill, and Kelly Rowland in support of Bill-S7527. Being a rapper himself, Jay clearly prioritizes the status of rap as an art form. With so much star power behind it, and approval from the senate, this NY legislature might just make it all the way.

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Written by Dreema Carrington

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Young Thug’s Nephew Deonta Grier Arrested for Murder

Young Thug

On July 6th Young Thug’s nephew, Deonta Grier, took the life of Destiny Fitzpatrick, his girlfriend. And now the world is awaiting a response from Young Thug.

Grisly Finding

According to TMZ, police arrived at the scene to find Grier in tears. However, Destiny Fitzpatrick was no longer alive. Fitzpatrick lay dead in a pool of her blood from an alleged gunshot to the face. According to the source, when police first questioned Grier, he informed police of his identity. He told authorities he was a nephew of Young Thug. And the information has since been confirmed.

The Account of Young Thug’s Nephew

People noted Grier initially gave a conflicting report. He at first claimed he had engaged in a struggle with masked men breaking into the property, thus leading to her death. However, neighbors alerted the police to other information. Reportedly, there was an alleged argument at the residence before the incident. And Grier later admitted to the shooting.

 

Young Thugs Nephew

Young Thugs Nephew. Image Source: Fulton County Sherriff’s Office

Young Thug

This event is indeed grim. Given the relational ties, many wonder what Young Thug has to say about the issue. However, Young Thug remains incarcerated. And according to reports, he and fellow artist Gunna have both been denied bond. In fact, Gunna’s recent plea was struck down. So, behind bars, they remain as both await trial for RICO charges, and the star is due in court on January 9th, 2023. However, attempts were made to get a comment from the artist regarding the news of his nephew’s arrest. Unfortunately, sources state he has yet to respond.

Tragedy Beyond Rationalization

The murder of Fitzpatrick is such a sad and tragic tale. And currently, outlets are not reporting details on the motive underlining the incident. Regardless, there is never any valid justification for such a violent act. Condolences go out to the family of Destiny Fitzpatrick.

Written by: Renae Richardson

 

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Gunna Denied Bond; Will Sit in Jail Until 2023

Gunna denied bail until 2023
INDIO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 15: Gunna performs with Lil Baby onstage at the Coachella Stage during the 2022 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival on April 15, 2022 in Indio, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Coachella)

Sergio Kitchens, aka Atlanta rapper Gunna, was denied bond today.  This means he will finish out 2022 and bring in 2023 behind bars.  Over 20 people including Kitchens and Young Thug have been charged with racketeering.  This is the second time Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville has denied Gunna’s bond.  Back in May, his bond was denied by Judge Glanville as well.  He has also denied bond for everyone involved in this indictment, as he is looking forward to a speedy trial.

Gunna mugshot

Glanville v. Gunna

Judge Glanville again denied the rapper’s bond because he fears Kitchens will intimidate witnesses from going on trial.  Steve Sadow, Gunna’s lawyer, claims prosecutors have not provided evidence proving his client would be a threat to witnesses.  The prosecutors want the witnesses’ information to be private, such as phone numbers and addresses.   They have also asked that statements made from people who cooperated with authorities be disclosed as well.  Judge Glanville went in favor of the prosecutors by issuing an order.  If witnesses’ information must be provided, the defense attorneys are not allowed to share the information with their clients, or anyone related to them.  Prosecutors are afraid for the safety of the witnesses and their families.

Remaining Behind Bars

Fulton County Assistant District Attorney Don Geary believes Kitchens should remain behind bars because of other crimes he has allegedly committed.  Gunna’s parents have opted to put their home up and Gunna himself has opted for himself to be on supervised house arrest.  Sadow states that all Gunna wants to do is go home, go to work (record music), and prepare to win his case.  Gunna has remained innocent throughout all of this.  His legal team still believes his one RICO charge does not hold any weight.  Just like at the first hearing, the prosecutors continue to claim that Gunna is not just a part of the alleged street gang, he is one of the bosses.  Judge Glanville did not want to risk the head of a “street gang” to have outside access.

Written by: Brandon Simmons

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Young Thug Crowned ‘Coach of the Year’

Young Thug takes the title of ‘Coach of the Year’ by Spotify’s “most influential” HipHop playlist, RapCaviar. All of this while the rapper is currently incarcerated and fighting federal indictment. RapCaviar announced on Wednesday (June 22) the finalist of their third annual All-RapCaviar team. 

An Instagram post featuring Young Thug’s own digital avatar, RapCaviar explained why they gave such an honor to the rapper. RapCaviar goes on to call the Atlanta native an icon and the catalyst behind many major artists. 

“Young Thug is a musical icon,” wrote RapCaviar. “He founded Young Stoner Life Records, helped jumpstart the careers of artists like Gunna and Lil Baby, and has mentioned Atlanta rappers like Lil Keed and Lil Gotit. That’s why we’re naming him our 2022 #AllRapCaviar Coach of the Year.”

First-team selections included names like Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Kanye West, Jack Harlow, Gunna, Future, and Doja Cat, but despite heavy names, Young Thug won one of the highest honors when he was crowned Coach of the Year for 2022. 

Bittersweet moment for Young Thug and others at YSL

Truly, this is an amazing accomplishment for the YSL label but comes at a very difficult time for many involved. Thugger, Gunna, and 26 of the crew’s associate heads are currently facing racketeering charges. Additionally, Young Thug himself is facing ‘Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization’ charges, better known as RICO charges. Also the unfortunate death of YSL rapper Lil Keed, who unexpectedly passed away due to health problems at the age of 24. 

Despite this, the award highlights the work and dedication that Young Thug, his crew, and the YSL label have done. Work that helped make the “Slime Language 2” compilation debut at the No.1 on the Billboard 200. That compilation album also helped Gunna’s “DS4Ever” album beat out The Weekend for the top spot on the chart.

Written by Patrick Rodriguez | Twitter |

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FM Legal Trending

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.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by DARK MODE🖤 (@1bslime_)

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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Jail Tales

Gunna Finally Speaks From Jail: ‘PROTECT BLACK ART!’

Gunna
Gunna at the 2022 Met Gala. Photo: Getty Images

Gunna has finally spoken since being arrested early May. He is a part of the RICO case with Young Thug and YSL, which includes over 50 charges. Gunna has been accused of being a part of the alleged street gang. He wrote a letter while in jail to all his fans, friends, and family.  The letter is posted on his Instagram and Twitter today on his 29th birthday.

Happy Birthday, Gunna!

In the letter, he mentions that 2022 was one of the best years of his life reflecting on the success of his album, which includes the smash hit, Pushin P. Growing up in Atlanta, Gunna reveals he never thought rap would change his life and the people around him. He stands by his innocence and sheds some light on the good that he has done for his community. Gunna also touches on the state of hip-hop’s lyrics vs. the judicial system.

Rappers took to the comment to support their friends such as T.I., Doe Boy, and Dave East.

https://twitter.com/1gunnagunna/status/1536724439928283136?s=21&t=kUq8gEOljPGDOCbhOsR6Vw

Protect Black Art

Kevin Liles of 300 Entertainment and Julie Greenwald of Atlantic Records are heavily involved with the YSL RICO case. There is a petition on Change.org titled “Protect Black Art,” which is aimed to prevent the courts from using lyrics as evidence in cases. There is one bill that has been passed, but only through the Senate. The “Rap Music on Trial” bill, also known as Senate Bill S7527, was passed in New York after YSL was indicted. Jay-Z and Meek Mill led the charge with that one as Senate Bill S7527 calls for a restriction when prosecutors use rap lyrics as evidence in criminal cases.

The state assembly has yet to approve the bill which means it can’t be signed into law just yet. The bill will be put up for a vote in January of 2023. Greenwald and Liles have been urging fans, friends, and family to get their local representatives to endorse the Senate bill. Last week, Liles testified for Young Thug to be released on bail, but it was denied. He believes other genres of music don’t get taken to trial and not only does this case violate the First Amendment, but also sheds more light on the injustices of Black people in this country.

Written by: Brandon Simmons

 

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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