Today In Hip Hop History: Young Thug, Gunna And 26 Other YSL Members Arrested On RICO Charges Two Years Ago

young thug gunna arrest

On this date in 2022, Young Thug, his former partner Gunna and 26 of their YSL associates were arrested in Fulton County, Georgia and charged in a 56-count Georgia RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act.

Filed by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, the RICO charges against Thug, whose real name is =Jefferey Williams, were confirmed following a search of his home and he was charged with seven additional felonies related to possession of illegal substances and illegal firearms. He was denied bond several times and has remained in the Cobb County Jail since his arrest.

On November 27, 2023, Thug’s state RICO criminal trial officially began. Five of his co-defendants are currently going trial with him as well. On December 12, 2023, it was agreed that the continuation of the trial would be delayed until January 2024 after his co-defendant Shannon Stillwell was stabbed multiple times during a fight that occurred in the Fulton County Jail. The trial resumed on January 2, 2024.

The YSL RICO trial is being recognized as the longest trial in Georgia state history.

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Happy 54th Birthday To Wu Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killaaaaaahhh!!!

Ghostface Killah Starks

On this day in 1970, rapper/actor Dennis Coles aka Ghostface Killah was born. The chamber of eccentricity comes almost exclusively from Tony Starks, who has been compared to the likes of Slick Rick with his signature, six inch high eagle bracelet and other excessively gaudy jewels.

At the foundation of the Wu saga, Ghost’s face was unseen and wasn’t revealed until the Chef’s Only Built For Cuban Linx classic “Purple Tape”. With ten solid solo albums under his belt, Ghostdini continues to impact the game along with his WTC family.

The Source Magazine would like to send a super shout out to the “Ironman” of Hip Hop on his degree day! Enjoy!

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DJ Vlad Issues Apology After Attacking a Princeton Professor’s Employment During a Social Media Debate

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DJ Vlad has issued a public apology to Professor Morgan Jerkins for attacking her employment in a Twitter dispute over the Drake and Kendrick Lamar battle.

Hitting X, Vlad wrote, “After considerable reflection, I would like to apologize to @MorganJerkins for tagging her job in my replies during our Twitter exchange last weekend.”

In case you missed it, DJ Vlad has been a controversial figure in hip-hop media. Still, within the past few years, the controversy has intensified with his line of questioning and the numerous rappers who’ve been charged with crimes after being interviewed by him. Now, on social media, it appears that DJ Vlad, aka Vladimir Lyubovny, has threatened a Black Ivy League professor’s job over her comments to him about his perspective on the Kendrick vs. Drake beef.

On Saturday (May 4), the internet was in an uproar over Kendrick’s back-to-back responses to Drake in their ongoing rap beef. Vlad commented that he wasn’t a fan of K Dot’s “Not Like Us” track, tweeting, “Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” needed a better mix. It takes away from the song.” The 50-year-old YouTuber was met with a barrage of criticism, but one brash comment caught his attention.

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Morgan Jenkins, who according to her X profile, is a “New York Times bestselling author” and “@princeton CWR faculty” member, told Vlad that the Kendrick vs. Drake beef was “a BLACK FOLK AFFAIR”. Vlad immediately responded with threats towards Jenkins, making it obvious that he would be contacting Princeton to inform the University about Ms. Jenkins comment on social media.

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TheSource.com will update this story if Vlad keeps his word and calls Princeton tomorrow.

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Al Green and Teddy Pendergrass Receive Streaming Boosts After Being Sampled in Kendrick Lamar’s Diss Tracks to Drake

Al Green

Artists sampled in Kendrick Lamar’s diss to Drake receive a streaming boost.

According to Billboard, Teddy Pendergrass’ “You’re My Latest, My Greatest Inspiration” saw a significant surge of 76% in streams, jumping from 76,000 from Apr. 26-29 to 134,000 from May 3-6, following its use at the beginning of “Euphoria.” Similarly, Al Green’s “What a Wonderful Thing Love Is” experienced a remarkable increase of 283% over the same time frame after being featured on “6:16 in LA.”

Additionally, “BBL Drizzy,” the King Willonius song sampled by Metro Boomin for his anti-Drake beat challenge, has seen a substantial rise in streams, soaring from a negligible amount at the end of April to 185,000 from May 5-6.

Al Green has acknowledged his sample on Kendrick Lamar’s “6:16 in LA.” Hitting X, Green dropped the title of the song sampled, tweeting, “What a Wonderful Thing Love Is.”

With the dust settling on “euphoria,” Kendrick dug into Drake’s bag of tricks and dropped a timestamp record, “6:16 in LA.”

In the song, Lamar acknowledges Drake and his OVO team are shook by the “euphoria” diss, evidenced by DJ Akademiks’s demeanor, who has been Drake’s mouthpiece throughout the beef.

Additionally, Lamar states that members of the OVO team are looking for Drake’s downfall and actually are working on his team.

“Everybody inside your team is whispering you deserve it
Can’t Tootsie Slide out of this one it’s just gone resurface
Every dog has its day, now live in yo purpose.”

You can hear it below.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Gatorade Adds WNBA Champion A’ja Wilson to Elite Athlete Roster

Gatorade Adds WNBA Champion A’ja Wilson to Elite Athlete Roster

Gatorade has signed back-to-back WNBA champion A’ja Wilson to its esteemed athlete roster, solidifying its commitment to supporting top talent across global sports.

Wilson joins a prestigious lineup of basketball stars, including recent signees such as #1 WNBA draft pick Caitlin Clark and NBA standout Luka Dončić. As Gatorade continues its legacy of partnering with elite athletes, Wilson’s multiyear deal signifies a new chapter for both parties.

“We’re thrilled about the addition of A’ja Wilson to our elite athlete roster ahead of the 2024 WNBA season,” said Jeff Kearney, Head of Sports Marketing at Gatorade. “A’ja has already had an outstanding career full of many accomplishments, and we’re excited to be fueling her as she furthers her impact within sport and beyond.”

A’ja Wilson added, “Partnering with Gatorade is a dream come true. They’ve been fueling me on and off the court since I started out, and like I’ve said before – Gatorade helped me get my MVP, for sure.” 

As a Gatorade athlete, Wilson will feature prominently in the brand’s marketing campaigns, with her first appearance slated for later this Spring. With her impressive track record, including two WNBA championships and MVP titles, Wilson brings a wealth of experience and skill to the partnership.

Adding Wilson to its roster, Gatorade underscores its dedication to women’s sports, bolstering its lineup of female athletes, including Suni Lee, Serena Williams, Sydney McLaughlin, and Caitlin Clark, among others. As a founding sponsor of the WNBA, Gatorade’s enduring support for women’s basketball enters its 22nd season, further cementing its commitment to fueling the best in the game.

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Candace Parker Named President of adidas Women’s Basketball

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adidas proudly announces Candace Parker’s transition to President of adidas Women’s Basketball, marking a significant milestone in her sixteen-year partnership with the brand. This appointment follows Parker’s retirement, symbolizing her dedication to advancing the women’s game and leaving a lasting impact on future basketball athletes.

Eric Wise, Global GM at adidas Basketball, states: “We are honored to be a part of Candace’s historic legacy as she transitions from signature athlete to this new leadership role within adidas Basketball. As a true innovator with a profound passion for the game, we are confident that she is a perfect fit to evolve the adidas Women’s Basketball business and catalyze a new era of growth and credibility for the brand.”

In her new role, Parker will collaborate with adidas to shape a dynamic platform to influence and uplift women’s sports. Parker will leverage her WNBA expertise to lead initiatives focused on access, representation, and global inclusivity. With adidas’ support, she will drive innovative strategies to empower athletes and inspire the next generation.

“Stepping into this new leadership role is a deeply personal next step in my journey with adidas,” said Candace Parker, President of adidas Women’s Basketball. “From high school to college to playing pro to now, this appointment by adidas symbolizes a shared commitment to making impactful change and setting new benchmarks for the future of women’s sports. It’s not just about products; it’s about fostering a movement focused on innovation, representation, and access.””  

Parker’s leadership extends to building upon adidas’ acclaimed women’s basketball roster, featuring stars like Aliyah Boston, Hailey Van Lith, and Chelsea Gray. Additionally, she will oversee adidas Women’s Basketball product lines, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to female athletes.

This appointment highlights adidas’ dedication to promoting women in basketball and acknowledges Parker’s transformative impact as a change agent and sports advocate. As a visionary on and off the court, Parker paves the way for inclusive leadership in the sports industry.

Candace Parker assumes her role as President of adidas Women’s Basketball effective immediately, signaling a new era of innovation and empowerment under her guidance.

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21 Savage Delivers Electrifying Performance at Sold-Out LA Show on ‘american dream’ Tour

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Grammy award-winning artist and humanitarian 21 Savage captivated audiences with a sold-out performance at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum, marking the third stop on his highly anticipated ‘American dream’ tour. The global hip-hop superstar, adorned in two tracksuits by designer Grace Wales Bonner, treated fans to an unforgettable night of music and spectacle.

The show started with an energetic performance by rapper 21 Lil Harold, followed by Dreamville artist J.I.D. and Nardo Wick. 21 Savage took the stage to the thunderous cheers of fans, opening with his crowd-favorite track ‘No Heart’. He performed a mix of iconic hits, including his Grammy-nominated song ‘Spin Bout U’ and ‘a lot’ from his platinum-certified album i am > i was.

Joined onstage by J.I.D for their hit collaboration ‘Surround Sound’ and later by Nardo Wick for ‘Who Want Smoke??’, 21 Savage showcased his versatility and collaborative spirit. The evening concluded with a mesmerizing rendition of ‘redrum’ from his latest album ‘american dream’.

The ‘American dream’ album made waves upon its release, debuting at the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 200 Charts and maintaining the top position for two consecutive weeks. All 14 songs from the album also charted on the Billboard Hot 200, further solidifying 21 Savage’s status as a chart-topping sensation.

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Tyrese Facing Defamation Lawsuit from Ex-Wife Norma Gibson

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R&B singer Tyrese finds himself embroiled in a legal battle as his ex-wife, Norma Gibson, takes legal action against him for defamation of character and privacy invasion. The feud between the former spouses has escalated, with allegations flying in both directions, leaving a trail of public scrutiny and repercussions.

According to court documents obtained by The Blast, Norma Gibson filed a lawsuit against Tyrese, alleging multiple damages stemming from his public disclosure of private information and defamatory statements. Tyrese had taken to social media on April 30 to accuse Norma of various offenses, including owing over $25,000 in their daughter’s tuition fees and other crimes.

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Norma vehemently refutes these allegations, asserting that Tyrese’s actions not only defamed her character but also exposed their daughter to unwarranted public scrutiny. In her lawsuit, she accuses Tyrese of cyber harassment, defamation, and doxxing, claiming that his Instagram posts encouraged his 20.4 million followers to attack her.

The court documents detail Tyrese’s alleged dissemination of private and confidential information, including their daughter’s full name, birthdate, address, and the name of her high school. Norma contends that Tyrese knowingly shared this information in an unredacted court document, exposing their daughter, a minor, to potential harm and invasion of privacy.

Norma accuses Tyrese of spreading lies and false accusations, which have led to widespread public attention and media coverage. She asserts that their daughter and herself have unwillingly become subjects of public scrutiny under distressing circumstances.

In light of these offenses, Norma seeks relief and judgment against Tyrese in a jury trial. She demands compensation for damages, including general and special, attorney fees, and punitive damages to punish Tyrese and deter such conduct in the future.

Thoughts?

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Future Aiming for Another Three-Peat: Announces May 10 Mixtape

Future Delivers "MASSAGING ME" Video from 'I NEVER LIKED YOU' Album

Future is ready to drop off even more music. With two albums still smokin’ in We Don’t Trust You and We Still Don’t Trust You in collaboration with Metro Boomin, Future is ready to get back to it, announcing another tape for May 10.

“Fuck yo album Shit ain’t slappin like my MIXTAPE,” Future wrote. “MAY TENTH. MIXTAPE PLUTO.”

Well, who album is that drops on May 10? This guy. What you make of that?

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Latto Teases New Single Featuring a Classic T.I. Banger

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Latto looks to be back with another banger. Hitting social media, the Clayco rap queen posted a snippet of a single featuring T.I.’s “24’s.”

You can hear the tease in the IG post below.

Latto is making history again as the first woman and female rapper to headline Atlanta’s Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash this summer. This marks the 29th annual music festival and will be held at the State Farm Arena on June 22. The rapper recently stopped by the radio station to drop the announcement.

“It’s pressure for them, not me,” Latto said after the radio host asked if she felt pressure to be the first female headliner for the iconic Atlanta festival. 

Latto teased that there would be special guests, who would be announced later.

“I’m bringing out hellaaaaaaa special guests,” she posted on Instagram before inviting fans to buy tickets. Latto has collaborated with big names as of late, including Jennifer Lopez and Usher, just this year alone. 

She is currently promoting “Sunday Service,” her latest solo single.

Get this: Latto may be the first woman to headline the Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash, but it won’t be the rapper’s first time performing at the festival. Last year, she was a surprise guest with Cardi B, NLE Choppa, and 21 Savage.

Expect this summer’s Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash to feature performances by rapper Killer Mike, Key Glock, Hunxho, Bossman DLow, Boosie Badazz, Tee Grizzley, and Rob49. The event will pay homage to Atlanta’s Big Oomp Records, the city’s first independent record label, with rap pioneers Big Oomp and DJ Montay.

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