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Young Thug’s YSL Trial: Judge & Prosecutor Get Into Heated Argument In Court

April 17, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Fulton County Superior Court Chief Judge Ural Glanville called out District Attorney Adriane Love in court during Young Thug’s ongoing YSL RICO trial on Wednesday. He was unhappy with the late-minute submission of a 105-page PowerPoint presentation, which led to a shouting match between himself and the state’s attorney.

“That’s too late,” he remarked, before wagging his finger. “The evidence is excluded. I’m gonna exclude because I told you that this was gonna happen. We’re excluding that and I’m gonna exclude the PowerPoint that you all submitted. You’re not gonna wholesale introduce it.” From there, the prosecutor approaches the podium and argues that they attempted to reach out to the defense on multiple occasions.

Young Thug’s Attorney 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)

The judge fires back: “But you all should not be identifying this stuff the moment of trial while the jury’s sitting in a box. I am not gonna tolerate this any further.” Over the next two minutes, tensions only escalate. Eventually, the jury returns and the judge demands the prosector sit back down. Check out the heated interaction in the video below.

The YSL Rico Trial Gets Heated

Things got heated today during Young Thug’s YSL RICO trial as the judge and one of the state prosecutors yelled at each other during court. pic.twitter.com/Dneu9C8bzT

— XXL Magazine (@XXL) April 17, 2024

The latest drama comes after Chance The Rapper made headlines the day before for labeling the case a “circus of a trial.” “For my birthday I just wish my brother was home with his family,” he wrote on Instagram. “This circus of a trial has had him in custody for over a year and with all the legal errors, jury misconduct, and conflicts of interest by the state he deserves to at the very least fight this from home.” Be on the lookout for further updates on Young Thug on HotNewHipHop.

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Young Dolph Murder Suspect Begs Judge To Allow Him To Work

February 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The alleged mastermind behind Young Dolph’s murder, Hernandez Govan, wants this accusation to weigh less heavily on him. Moreover, according to AllHipHop, Hernandez Govan filed a request to Judge Jennifer Mitchell, who presides over his case, to ease his house arrest terms to he can find employment. Govan faces first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder charges. His current 24-hour house arrest lockdown began with his leave on bond in May of 2023 for $90,000. Govan reportedly wants to find work to support his wife and daughter, something that the court already denied him.

Furthermore, Judge Lee Coffee denied Govan’s previous request for this house arrest relaxation. This was due to claims that he violated his bond terms by failing to get permission to travel outside of Shelby County, and doing so anyway. Not only that, but the judge warned Govan was probably at risk of falling victim to a targeted attack thanks to his alleged involvement in Young Dolph’s murder. “Memphis Shelby County, Tennessee is the first most violent metropolitan area in the country,” Coffee remarked. “This case has generated a substantial amount of publicity, and if you’re running around free… somebody might be trying to kill you.”

Young Dolph Performing In Georgia In 2020

Young Dolph Murder Suspect Judge House Arrest Work Hip Hop News — COLLEGE PARK, GEORGIA – AUGUST 23: Rapper Young Dolph performs on stage during the Parking Lot Concert series at Gateway Center Arena on August 23, 2020 in College Park, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Reportedly, Hernandez Govan isn’t too concerned with this risk, and simply wants to work to provide for his family. However, it seems like this trial, which is set to begin on June 3 of this year, won’t involve too much hometown bias, or at least much less than what suspects feared. Justin Johnson in particular, another suspect in this case, allegedly begged that the jury in this case not be from Memphis to avoid a strong connection to the victim. This is because the rapper’s passing was so impactful, shocking, and deeply saddening for the community that jurors from the local area are much less likely to be impartial.

Johnson actually got his wish, and now we’re just waiting for the rest of the trial to manifest itself. We can’t really guess as to whether the court will be receptive to Govan’s request, but we can’t image previous precedent paints a pretty picture. As such, it’s likely that the outcome of this trial will define them for much of their lives. For more news and the latest updates on the Young Dolph case, stick around on HNHH.

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Young Dolph’s Murder Trial Will Seek Jurors Outside Of Memphis

February 13, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Young Dolph’s murder trial will now pull jurors from outside of his hometown of Memphis, Judge Jennifer J. Mitchell ruled last Friday. The decision comes in response to the intense media coverage of the rapper’s killing swaying public opinion on the case. Defendant Justin Johnson’s lawyer, Luke Evans, noted in his original filing that “the victim in the case is beloved here.”

In her ruling, Mitchell said: “This court is wary that jurors from Shelby County will not be able to lay aside their opinions or impressions and render a verdict based upon the evidence presented.” Prosecutor Paul Hagerman previously suggested having a potential jury pool of about 150 to 200 people fill out questionnaires to “gauge the effect of news coverage and social media commentary.” Mitchell, however, was concerned that strategy could delay the trial even further. It’s already moved back from its original start date of March 11 to June 3.

Young Dolph Performs At Rolling Loud

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 30: Young Dolph performs during Rolling Loud New York 2021 at Citi Field on October 30, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Mendez/Getty Images)

Mia Jaye, Dolph’s fiancée and the mother of his children, has complained about the lack of progress made in the case since the rapper’s death in 2021. “I’m fed up. It’s been two years’ worth of conspiracies. Two years’ worth of unknowing. Two years’ worth of people not properly communicating to you,” she told Rolling Stone, last year. “I didn’t know if garnering more attention would hurt or help, and I wanted to help. I feel like I tried that, and I don’t feel like it was helping, I feel like we weren’t being taken seriously.”

It’s unclear where which county the additional jurors will now be pooled from. “We can get this jury from wherever,” Hagerman said. “We’re going to try this case, and we’re going to see this thing until the end.” Be on the lookout for further updates on Young Dolph’s murder trial on HotNewHipHop.

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Jam Master Jay Trial Judge Denies Defense’s Motion For Mistrial

February 9, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The trial for the murder of Jam Master Jay over 20 years ago is ramping up at a steady pace, with witness testimonies, questioning, and more evidence. However, according to the Associated Press, it seems like it overcame its first major speed bump recently, as the defense motioned for a mistrial and alleged that the prosecution exhibited misconduct. Moreover, these accusations relate to prosecutors’ questioning of a witness, which defense attorneys believe planted “a seed of prejudice” in the proceeding. As the court discussed this on Thursday (February 8), the judge realized that, regardless, they could still stay on track.

Furthermore, Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall denied the defense’s motion for mistrial in New York on Thursday. While she chastised the prosecution for their lines of questioning, she let the trial go on as planned and believe it won’t affect the outcome of the case. What’s more is that Hall even told the jury to ignore prosecutors’ questions and focus solely on the main point at hand: the murder of Jam Master Jay. Previously, she ruled that lyrics will not be admissible as evidence in this trial, Many saw as a solid victory no matter the verdict, given the controversy surrounding this practice.

Jam Master Jay In 2001

Jam Master Jay Murder Trial Mistrial Denied Hip Hop News — Jam Master Jay of Run DMC performs on stage at the Respect Festival, Finsbury Park, London, United Kingdom, 2001. (Photo by Martyn Goodacre/Getty Images)

For those unaware, Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington are accused of carrying out the crime back in 2002. Washington’s ex-girlfriend Daynia McDonald testified on Thursday, adding to other emotional testimonies in the Jam Master Jay trial. She stated that Washington “basically said yes” when asked whether he was involved in the crime, and this is when the prosecution’s questioning got them in hot water. “Did he say he killed Jam Master Jay? Did he say that people get what they deserve?” they reportedly asked, which prompted the defense to claim misconduct. Nevertheless, McDonald endorsed both sentiments, and while the jury was out of the courtroom, Judge Hall reprimanded the prosecutors.

When the jury returned, she allowed for them to ask McDonald whether Washington “said anything else about [the] murder,” and she responded with “He just said that he killed him.” For what it’s worth, prosecutors claimed that witnesses would like out of fear of retaliation. So far at press time, nothing emerged to suggest that there were inconsistencies or faults in these testimonies. For more news and the latest updates on the Jam Master Jay trial, stay up to date on HNHH.

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Pras Retrial Under Review Due To Defense Lawyer’s Incompetence: Report

January 25, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Despite his guilty verdict in a federal trial for political conspiracy and money laundering, it looks like Pras will still get the opportunity to fight for a second chance. Moreover, new reports from Vulture and HipHopDX indicate that earlier this month, the court called for a hearing to discuss the rapper’s defense team for three days. This is in order to determine whether he should get a retrial given the lack of competence demonstrated by his defense attorney David Kenner. For example, Vulture reports that he outsourced work to a remote medical malpractice lawyer, filed his first motion a year after being able to do so, concealed a limiting injury, and did not bring on experienced legal practitioners to assist in the process.

“Unsuccessful is not the same as ineffective,” prosecutor Nicole Lockhart remarked. Given this perceived failure to effectively represent Pras, who faces 20 years in jail on 10 counts, Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly thinks this could warrant a more fair and prepared shot. As such, a sentence, retrial, or plea-bargain talks could surface as the court’s preferred method of handling this, although this is all still presumably under review at press time. According to this case’s conviction last April, the Fugees star allegedly lobbied illegally in the best interests of his colleagues, in-state and overseas, when it comes to campaign donations and other political and economic factors, in addition to other lawsuits.

Pras Arrives At Court In April 2023

Pras Retrial Defense Lawyer Hip Hop News — WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 03: Pras Michel, a member of the 1990’s hip-hop group the Fugees, arrives at U.S. District Court on April 3, 2023 in Washington, DC. Michel is on trial for his alleged participation in a campaign finance conspiracy. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Not only that, but Pras’ former lawyer also allegedly used artificial intelligence to craft their closing statement, tanking their chances. “Kenner’s closing argument made frivolous arguments, misapprehended the required elements, conflated the schemes and ignored critical weaknesses in the government’s case,” his new legal team stated. The A.I. program failed Kenner, and Kenner failed [Pras] Michel. The closing argument was deficient, unhelpful and a missed opportunity that prejudiced the defense.”

Meanwhile, some reports suggest Kenner actually had a financial stake in the company that created this A.I. program, but the company EyeLevel.AI denied this despite his boasting. Regardless of all this, the New Jersey-born artist maintained his innocence. “Pras was never an FBI informant,” his publicist shared. “It’s not accurate and, quite frankly, it’s dangerous. If he was an informant, he would not be on trial. The government does not prosecute and threaten its informants with more than two decades of jail time.” For more news and the latest updates on Pras, stick around on HNHH.

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Drake Rips Young Thug Judge To Shreds After Vulnerable Mariah The Scientist Jail Call Video Surfaces Online

January 25, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Drake has become good friends with Young Thug over the years. Overall, the two have worked together a ton and they have made some fantastic tracks. However, Drizzy has evolved into a full-on supporter as Thugger looks to win his YSL Rico case. Things have been moving at a snail’s pace in the case, and things only got worse last night. As we reported, a jail call was leaked to the public. In this video, Mariah The Scientist can be heard calling Young Thug “daddy,” among other things.

It was pretty uncomfortable to watch the video, and many fans claimed the same thing. After all, this was meant to be a private conversation between two lovers. Instead, it ended up becoming something for public consumption. This is obviously a major breach of privacy, and people like Drake feel like the whole thing is disgusting. In a post on DJ Akademiks’ Instagram page, the Canadian megastar revealed just how upset he is about the whole thing.

Drake Speaks Out

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A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

“This gotta be some form of jail misconduct,” Drake wrote. “You gonna drag this talented man then not be able to control your employees using his personal business for their own gain? Somebody benefitted from this video even existing and that’s shameful whole case is a wash just 3 the guy and let him come home and continue bringing light to Atlanta.” Subsequently, he took to his Instagram story with more words for Judge Ural Glanville. “Shit is disgraceful… is this a criminal case or Atlanta social media promo Ural Glanville?” he said. Needless to say, Drizzy is outraged, as are many other fans.

Let us know what you think of Drake’s comments, down below. Is this whole situation an outrage, or just another expected misstep in a poorly handled case? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming releases.

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YNW Melly Retrial Start Date Revealed, Judge Wants “Urgency”

January 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The retrial for YNW Melly’s double murder case faced numerous delays since the original trial’s conclusion in a mistrial in July 2023. However, according to new reports from journalist Bryson “Boom” Paul, Judge John Murphy III believes that they must nor fret any further, Moreover, he declared that jury selection in the rapper’s retrial will begin on March 5 “or as soon thereafter as this [case] may be heard,” according to new court documents. For those unaware, Melly stands accused of murdering his colleages YNW Juvy and YNW Sakchaser in October of 2018. Authorities arrested him in February of 2019.

Furthermore, this follows recent reports on what prosecutors submitted and prepared for this upcoming process. It will be very interesting to see if they changed their tactics at all, or if they will simply reiterate their original arguments. Regardless, they named dozens of YNW Melly’s songs as evidence, which became as controversial as any other instance of hip-hop lyrics as court material. In addition, the impetus for this start date, according to these documents, the Florida MC “has been in custody for more than 750 days while awaiting trial.”

YNW Melly’s Retrial Will Begin On March 5: Report

#YNWMellyTrial2: Judge Murphy lll ordered a trial order in the @YNWMelly retrial with the Broward Clerk last Tuesday, January 9, with trial set to commence on March 5 as Melly has been in custody for more then 750 days awaiting trial, which the judge has now given the case… pic.twitter.com/XPlEWAqll9

— Bryson “Boom” Paul (@brysonboompaul) January 14, 2024

From what Paul reported, Judge Murphy “expressed urgency in getting the retrial underway” in a Friday hearing (January 12). Not only that, but additional pre-trial hearing will, if accordant with the established schedule, take place this week on Thursday and Friday (January 18 and 19). This is to resolve anticipated or emergent situations ahead of jury selection to make YNW Melly’s retrial as speedy and competent as possible. At press time, no indication came up regarding whether these will be the only pre-trial hearings, or if we can expect any in February. As such, the “No Belt” artist is patiently waiting to see if any other complications surge.

Meanwhile, other recent developments in this case involve Fredo Bang reflecting on his relationship with the suspect. He is also a key player in these proceedings, as he faced accusations of transporting Melly after the alleged murder. Apparently, they have not spoken since 2022. For more news and the latest updates on YNW Melly, stay posted on HNHH.

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Las Vegas Judge Attacker Deobra Redden In Court Again On Separate Charges After Sentencing

January 9, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Very few victims have the opportunity to sentence their attackers in court, but on Monday (January 8), Judge Mary Kay Holthus once again came face to face with Deobra Redden while seated comfortably at her bench. 2024 began on a wild note in Las Vegas, as the latter lunged at the former during a court hearing for attempted battery conviction charges last week. The incident led to time spent in isolation, as well as a “2C” inmate classification. This is the most restriction an inmate at Clark County Jail can receive, TMZ reports.

When returning to Nevada court this week, the alleged criminal had guards on each side of him, covers on his hands, and a mesh face mask. Even with the past tension between them, Holthus kept her composure during sentencing. She agreed with prosecutors in giving Redden a 19-48 month sentence for the battery incident. Today (January 9), he’s speaking with a different judge in regard to his latest crimes, for which he’s facing 13 charges.

Judge Mary Kay Holthus Sentences Her Attacker in Las Vegas

According to FOX 5 Vegas, Redden has a long list of felony counts against him. Attempted murder against an older person, battery on a protected person resulting in substantial bodily harm against an older person, and extortion are all named. Elsewhere, prosecutors say the inmate is guilty of unlawful act regarding fluid by a prisoner in confinement, and battery by a probationer or parolee. “In the next few days, my office will be reviewing all of the reports to determine what charges to bring based on Mr. Redden’s behaviour in court,” Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson told the outlet. “We’re reviewing all the reports, the witness statements, the extent of the injuries suffered by persons, certainly felony charges without a doubt.”

The past few months have been particularly busy in the crime world, with the YSL RICO trial, YNW Melly’s impending double murder retrial, and Jonathan Majors’ guilty verdict among topics making headlines. Unfortunately for the Florida native, his day in court has been postponed, meaning he’ll be spending even more time awaiting his fate in a cell. Read the latest on Melly at the link below, and check back later for any updates on the situation in Las Vegas.

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[WATCH] Defendant Attacker Faces Same Las Vegas Judge For Sentencing

January 9, 2024 by newhiphopnews

In a shocking turn of events, Deobra Redden, the individual who attacked Las Vegas Judge Mary Kay Holthus during his sentencing hearing last week, was once again in front of her for a separate case on Monday, January 8.

Entering the courtroom surrounded by marshals, Redden appeared in restraints, wearing a spit mask, shackles on his wrists and legs, and orange mitts on his hands. Despite his aggressive actions in the previous encounter, he reportedly smiled at family members as he shuffled into court.

This time, Judge Holthus sentenced Redden to 19 to 48 months in prison for a 2022 attack involving a baseball bat. The defendant now faces 13 additional charges stemming from the assault on the judge.

The previous attack occurred after Judge Holthus denied Redden’s request for probation due to his history of violent offenses. Unshackled at the time, Redden leaped over the judge’s bench, attempting to put her in a headlock. Quick intervention by the judge’s law clerk and a marshal prevented further harm.

Holthus, who suffered a minor head injury, returned to work the next day. Despite the incident, she made it clear that Redden should be brought back to her courtroom for sentencing by any means necessary.

Redden’s reported statement to jail guards, citing the judge as “evil,” raises concerns about his mental health. His attorney previously disclosed that he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

The case underscores the challenges faced by the legal system in managing individuals with mental health issues and the importance of courtroom security protocols.

Watch his new sentencing below.

The post [WATCH] Defendant Attacker Faces Same Las Vegas Judge For Sentencing first appeared on The Source.

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Gunna Cites His “Gift From God” In Resurfaced Letter To Judge

December 29, 2023 by newhiphopnews

After getting arrested in a major RICO indictment, Gunna was released from prison in December of last year. The indictment saw the arrest of 25 alleged YSL members, including Young Thug. Since Gunna’s release, the performer has been bombarded with allegations that he “snitched” on his co-defendants, though he vehemently denies this.

Nowadays, the Georgia native is enjoying his freedom, reveling in the success of his latest album, A Gift & a Curse. Amid the first anniversary of his release, social media users have dug up a letter the rapper wrote to the judge while still behind bars, in which he defends his innocence. The emotional letter has re-sparked conversations surrounding his incarceration, and of course, Thugger’s ongoing RICO trial.

Gunna Maintains His Innocence In Powerful Letter

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A post shared by Our Generation Music (@ourgenerationmusic)

“2022 has been one of the best years of my life, despite this difficult situation,” his letter begins. “This year I had the whole world pushing P.” He continues, citing his upbringing, and how his art has allowed him to make a positive impact on the lives of others. “I use my art form, my gift from God, to change my circumstances,” he wrote. “For now, I don’t have any freedom. But I am innocent. I hate being falsely accused and will never stop fighting to clear my name! The picture that is being painted of me is ugly and untrue… I have all faith that God will grant me justice for the purity in my heart and the innocence of my actions.”

“Nothing will stop me from chasing my dreams,” he added. “I won’t stop being a good person, even if some unnamed and unknown accusers want to see me as a bad person.” What do you think of Gunna’s letter to the judge resurfacing? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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