co-defendant

Is Gunna A Crip Gang Member? YSL Co-Defendant Claims Yes

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Gunna’s been enjoying life outside the walls of his cell since December 2022, but that doesn’t mean his name is completely removed from the YSL RICO trial. Though he hasn’t been in court watching Jeffrey Williams attempt to fight the slew of charges brought against him, the Atlanta-based creative has been making his support for Young Thug felt consistently during performances. Despite his solidarity, Gunna remains on the outs with several rappers, Lil Baby among them, who’ve accused him of “snitching” on the So Much Fun artist.

In order to come home from jail, the 30-year-old took what’s known as an Alford plea. Since then, he’s been mostly focused on his music with a Gift & a Curse putting him back on the map in 2023. Now, however, Gunna is facing allegations from another YSL co-defendant – Trontavious “Slug” Stephens – who’s been on the witness stand for a minute now. According to Thugger’s business partner, his “Hot” collaborator is one of the gang members who was a part of the Young Slime Life collective. Mostly Bloods are tied to the group, however, some Crips apparently were too.

Read More: Young Thug & YSL Trial: State Motions To Block RICO Case’s Live Stream

Gunna Has Ties to Crips, Trontavious “Slug” Stephens Says in Court

“Is Gunna a Crip?” one prosecutor asked Slug during his time on the stand on Monday (January 22). As per HipHopDX, the latter simply responded, “Yeah.” In the past, the embattled lyricist was denied bond due to his alleged links to Atlanta’s Shady Park Crips. “[My client] is not involved in any of the so-called Shady Park Crips matters,” his attorney declared back in 2022.

While Gunna’s name is being brought up in the Georgia courtroom full of his old friends, the “fukumean” hitmaker’s been booked and busy overseas amid Paris Fashion Week. He’s always had a love for styling himself in designer drip, but thanks to his newfound confidence, the YSL star is building relationships with brands like never before. Check out Chris Brown’s reaction to his recent performance at the link below, and tap back in with HNHH later for more music/pop culture news updates.

Read More: Chris Brown Vibes To Gunna’s Performance During Paris Fashion Week

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Young Thug’s Co-Defendant Stabbed In Jail, RICO Trial Gets Recess

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One of Young Thug’s co-defendants has been stabbed in jail, leading to a recess in the rapper’s ongoing RICO trial in Atlanta, according to Meghann Cuniff. Judge Ural Glanville explained the reason for the delay in court on Monday as a “medical issue.”

“We had a medical issue come up with one of our participants. So I’m going to have to recess for the day. These things happen. We’ll come back tomorrow morning at 9:00.” He added that they’ll “see how things go at that point in time and we’ll take the week as it comes.”

Read More: Meghann Cuniff Talks Tory Lanez & Megan Thee Stallion, Her Origins In Journalism, And Rising Above Social Media Narratives

Young Thug’s Lawyer Arrives In Court

Brian Steel, attorney for rapper Young Thug, arrives at the Fulton County Courthouse on November 27, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Opening statements are set to begin in the case against 31 year old US rapper Young Thug and 28 others, who are facing a racketeering indictment accusing the defendants of a number of offenses that support an overarching conspiracy charge, including murder, assault, carjacking, drug dealing, and theft. (Photo by Christian Monterrosa / AFP) (Photo by CHRISTIAN MONTERROSA/AFP via Getty Images)

Thug’s latest day in court comes after Kanye West previewed new music featuring the rapper in Miami on Sunday evening. The unreleased song is expected to be featured on the tracklist for Ye’s new album with Ty Dolla Sign, Vultures, which is dropping on Friday.

Judge Glanville Announces Recess

In one song, Kanye raps “This one here for YSL, I ain’t talking Saint Lauren… Free Larry [Hoover], free Young Thug/ While we at it, free [Big] Meech.” Be on the lookout for further updates on Young Thug’s RICO case on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Kanye West Previews Young Thug Collaboration For Ty Dolla Sign Project

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YNW Melly And YNW Bortlen Allegedly Used “Rihanna” As Code Name For Key Witness

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YNW Melly is just ahead of his second trial in his alleged double murder case, and things took a turn this week when he was hit with a witness tampering charge. The news came after it was revealed that Melly’s co-defendant, YNW Bortlen, had been arrested and given a similar charge. It also followed police raiding the home of Neak Baby, Bortlen’s girlfriend. It was initially unclear what led to the new charges, however, more information has now been unveiled.

According to TMZ Hip Hop, documents suggest that Melly and Bortlen had been working together to keep witnesses from talking to police and testifying in their trials. They’re accused of communicating via phone, despite Melly having had his phone privileges revoked over disciplinary violations. The documents claim that another inmate would communicate to Bortlen, who was out on bond, on behalf of Melly. Allegedly, they used code names for key witnesses. The docs suggest they used “Rihanna” and “A$AP Rocky’s baby mama” as code for one woman in particular. Authorities believe they were able to instruct the witness to not appear at the trial.

Read More: YNW Melly’s Co-Defendant YNW Bortlen Has Personal Items Seized In Home Raid

YNW Melly And YNW Bortlen Charged With Witness Tampering

The documents additionally claim that Melly’s been communicating with other inmates using nonverbal cues. Authorities say they have footage of him using these cues to move hand-written notes around the facility. Melly’s team calls the allegations a “desperate attempt” to convict him.

Jury selection for Melly’s second trial is scheduled to begin on October 9. His team thinks the process could take a while, considering how long it took last time around. The 24-year-old remains confident that he’ll be able to beat the case, recently telling his father that God is at work and he’ll be home soon. What do you think of Melly and Bortlen allegedly using “Rihanna” as a code name for one of the witnesses? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates on YNW Melly.

Read More: YNW Melly Arraigned On Witness Tampering Charges In New Video: Watch

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YSL RICO Co-Defendant, Cordarius Dorsey, Charged With Murder In 2020 Shooting

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The long-spanning YSL RICO trial has taken yet another unexpected turn, according to a new report from AllHipHop. It seems that a co-defendant of Young Thug’s, Cordarius Dorsey, is facing murder charges after being accused of killing Xavier Arlandor Turner in January 2020. The Slaughter Gang member is already serving a life sentence for partaking in a 2019 slaying, for which he was granted no parole.

Documents claim that Dorsey shot Turner and another man at the Old National Village Discount Mall. At the time, the group reportedly got into an altercation with the alleged killer, and after firing his weapon, he fled the scene in a black Nissan. Aside from these new charges, it’s also been argued by authorities that the YSL member was part of a “violent gang” under Young Thug’s leadership, during which time he aided in various violent crimes across metro Atlanta.

Read More: Lil Durk Accuses Gunna Of Snitching In YSL RICO Trial: “That Man Told”

Young Thug’s YSL Co-Defendant Facing Murder Charges for Xavier Arlandor Turner’s Death

Young Thug at Onyx Nightclub on May 17, 2021, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

This isn’t the only troubling headline we’ve heard from the Fulton County courtroom in recent weeks. Several of the public defenders involved in the trial previously came forward with complaints about being severely underpaid. While one told the media he could bring in more money from working at a fast food restaurant, another said that she’s considering starting an OnlyFans profile seeing as she’s unable to take on any other clients at this time.

Thankfully, the hardworking attorneys were granted a substantial pay raise, though they still have plenty of work ahead of them. Aside from that, we’ve also had another co-defendant involved in the trial be officially severed after receiving a schizophrenia diagnosis. Prior to that, he publicly claimed to be receiving aid from Donald Trump, causing many to question his sanity. Do you think that Young Thug will ever be a free man again? Let us know in the comments, and tap back in later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: YSL RICO Public Defender Receives Pay Raise After Considering OnlyFans Career

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Robert Allen To Serve Two More Years For XXXTentacion’s Murder

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Robert Allen, one of the defendants charged in relation to musician XXXTentacion’s 2018 murder, was sentenced to seven years in prison today. He’s already served five years, meaning he’ll only serve an additional two years. Allen was also sentenced to 20 years of probation after his release. In April, the other three defendants were sentenced by the same judge, each receiving two life sentences. Michael Boatwright, Dedrick Williams, and Trayvon Newsome were all found guilty of first-degree murder and robbery with a deadly weapon the previous month. Claiming that the court had made several mistakes throughout the trial, Newsome also went on to seek a new trial in April. Allen pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and armed robbery in August of 2022. He also agreed to a deal to testify against his co-defendants, lightening his own sentence.

Broward Circuit Judge Michael A. Usan said in court, “No sentencing is easy, and this one is hard.” He also told Allen, “I genuinely believe you are sorry for what you have done and not sorry for yourself.” XXXTentacion’s family attended the trial. The late artist’s aunt, Deandra Ellis, spoke on behalf of their family at the hearing. She claimed that the family is happy with the outcome of the trial. “I say we are content as far as what the judge threw out for the sentencing,” she shared. “We still have a long road ahead of us. It’s still a day by day process for us. Everyday is just another day that he’s missing.”

Read More: 6ix9ine Honors XXXTentacion At Concert In Romania

Allen Is Sentenced To Seven Years

Prior to Allen’s sentencing, Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives and a Multi-Agency Gang Task Force member were also called to the stand by the prosecutor, Pascale Achille. They testified that Allen would be in danger based on his decision to testify against his co-defendants. Boatwright, Williams, and Allen were all affiliated with South Florida’s ZMF gang.

After Allen’s three co-defendants were sentenced, the mother of XXXTentacion’s child, Jenesis Sanchez, took to Instagram to share a message. “After 5 long years you may finally Rest In Peace,” she wrote. She continued, “Gekyume will never get to meet you earthside but it is my job as a mother to ensure I share those special memories with him.” Sanchez went on, saying, “Jah was robbed of his life and Geky was robbed of his father.” She also shares, “For this, I will never truly have complete peace but justice being served today helps the healing process.” Sanchez concludes with, “Thank you for the love and support. I am eternally grateful for all of the supporters, your positivity, and prayers have carried these last 5 years.”

Read More: Juice WRLD, XXXTentacion, Drake Are Most-Streamed Rappers

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XXXTENTACION Murder Suspect Denied Drake’s Involvement

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In the latest update in the XXXTENTACION murder trial, former codefendant Robert Allen denied Drake’s involvement. Moreover, Allen testified against his former codefendants in court and pleaded guilty to lesser charges. On Friday (February 10), Allen told the court he never met Drake and didn’t even know who X was when they robbed and shot him. Also, he answered a series of yes-or-no questions from a defendant’s attorney during a cross-examination. As Mauricio Padilla pressed on, representing Dedrick Williams, Allen answered each prompt to form his testimony above.

ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 9: Rapper Drake performs onstage during “Lil Baby & Friends Birthday Celebration Concert” at State Farm Arena on December 9, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

“So your testimony to this court and to this jury is that you were never on the set of [Drake’s] ‘God’s Plan’ video, filmed in Miami in 2018? Is that what you’re saying?,” the attorney asked in newly released footage. “How much money in 2018 did you receive from either Drake or one of Drake’s associates?” However, Allen said he never met Drake. “You never met Drake?” Padilla continued. “You know who he is though, right?” Allen replied affirmatively, and the lawyer went on. “But actually, in 2018 when this crime occurred, you didn’t know who X was? In 2018, you’re from Broward County, correct? You listen to rap music, correct? And you’re telling this jury that you didn’t know who literally probably the most famous rapper to ever come out of Broward County was in June of 2018? That’s your testimony?”

To be fair, it’s an incredibly murky and delicate situation. While some details of the testimony are odd, the Drake theory rests on hazy connections to begin with. Moreover, the two rappers had a mostly one-sided beef. The Florida rapper aired out frustrations with Drake’s “God’s Plan” visuals and stealing his flow musically. Later, he tweeted “If anyone tries to kill me it was [Drake],” although he claimed someone hacked him.

Still, the ambiguity of the case didn’t stop defense lawyers from dragging Drake into a potential witnesses list. In fact, the court summoned the 6 God for a February 24 deposition, which will likely rule him out of the case. Regardless of what you think of these developments, let us know what you believe in the comments down below. Also, as always, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates on the XXXTENTACION murder trial.

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