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Young Thug Is Getting High Praise From YSL RICO Trial Jurors

December 5, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Young Thug received some high praise from members of the jury for the YSL RICO trial after the case finally wrapped up, earlier this week. Two of the jurors discussed the acquittal verdict with Melanie Goolsby on her YouTube show, I’m Not a Lawyer But…, as caught by Meghann Cuniff. In doing one, one of them spoke very highly of Thug.

“I honestly didn’t know anything about his music. And to be honest, the way that they presented him in his trial… They wanted him to look in this negative light,” she said. “But I saw somebody who kinda pulled himself up, got himself out of the position that he was in and tried to help other people around. So it actually shined a more positive light in my eyes than what the state was trying to present.” She added: “I wish him continued success with everything.”

Young Thug Attends The BET Hip Hop Awards

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 01: Young Thug attends the 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center on October 01, 2021, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/2021 BET Hip Hop Awards/Getty Images for BET)

In a separate interview with WSB-TV, as caught by HipHopDX, Jury foreman Jason Collins explained that the state’s decision to use Thug’s lyrics against him didn’t sit well with him. “I believe in freedom of speech, regardless of if we agree or disagree,” he said. “It’s a very thin line to take lyrics and put them into trial. [Young Thug] is an artist, he’s expressing himself, and I think that weg o into a slippery slope when we start to analyze lyrics and music. That is something that I have to disagree with wholeheartedly. I personally don’t believe that lyrics should have been brought into the format.”

Jurors Reflect On The YSL RICO Trial

Thug got out of jail after taking a plea deal in the case, which results in him spending the next 15 years on probation, among several other restrictions. The historically lengthy trial finally wrapped up with the not guilty verdict of Yak Gotti on Tuesday. Check out the jurors’ full comments on Young Thug below.

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Jury foreman on whether he had heard enough evidence to find .@youngthug guilty of being the leader of a criminal street gang.
.@wsbtv pic.twitter.com/kstWzuGpeh

— Michael Seiden (@SeidenWSBTV) December 3, 2024

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YSL Jurors Explain Decision To Acquit Yak Gotti In Massive RICO Trial

December 4, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Two members of the jury for the YSL RICO trial explained their verdict in the case during an interview with Melanie Goolsby on YouTube on Tuesday night. The discussion comes after the jury returned verdicts for the final two co-defendants, Yak Gotti and Shannon Stillwell, earlier in the day. Some members of the jury reportedly were able to agree that YSL is technically a gang, but the group didn’t feel they constitute an “enterprise.”

“Was it this whole big organized thing, or was it just a bunch of people that were affiliated with each other doing individual stuff to take care of their families or to get revenge?” she said, as caught by Meghann Cuniff. Overall, the group agreed there simply wasn’t enough evidence. “Most of the overt acts were Instagram pictures. A lot of us kind of feel like, I’m not about to put nobody in jail for, like, Instagram pictures,” she added.

Young Thug Performs During Life Is Beautiful Music & Art Festival

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 19: Young Thug performs onstage during the 2021 Life Is Beautiful Music & Art Festival on September 19 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for Life is Beautiful Music & Art Festival)

One of the jurors admitted she didn’t know much about Young Thug before the trial, but left with a more positive impression of him. She described him as someone who “pulled himself up, you know, got himself out of the position that he was in, and tried to help other people.” She added: “It actually shined a more positive light in my eyes than what the state was trying to present.”

YSL Jurors Speak Out On The Verdict

As for the entirety of Tuesday’s verdict, the jury found Gotti not guilty on all charges. They found Stillwell, on the other hand, guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon previously convicted involving the use or possession of a firearm, but not guilty on all other charges. The verdict comes after Young Thug accepted a plea deal in the case in October. Check out the jurors’ discussion with Melanie Goolsby below.

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YSL Juror Vows To Be Biased Against The Prosecution

November 5, 2024 by newhiphopnews

A juror in the YSL RICO case emailed Judge Paige Reese Whitaker admitting that they plan to be biased against the State no matter what happens because they’re so angry with how long the case is taking. They made the proclamation while requesting to be removed from the historically lengthy trial. “I can no longer be unbiased towards any decisions moving forward,” they wrote. From there, they projected that the case could go on for another three to six months based on how the state has been presenting its evidence.

Whitaker read the email aloud in full to the courtroom, this week. Despite the juror claiming to be biased, Whitaker decided not to remove them from the trial and blamed the state for turning the person against them. They said that they’d try to finish the case by the end of the year.

Young Thug’s Legal Team Arrives For YSL RICO Trial

Brian Steel, attorney for rapper Young Thug, right, 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 update comes after Young Thug accepted a plea deal to get out of jail, last week. “I take responsibility for my crimes, for my charges,” Thug said in court. “I want to say sorry to my family, my mom, my mom’s got 11 kids, I can’t say all their names, my managers, my kids.” He went on to refer to himself as a “good guy,” adding: “I find myself in a lot of stuff because I was just nice or cool, and I understand that you can’t be that way when you reach a certain height because it could end bad.”

YSL Jurors Are Getting Tired Of The Trial

Check out the moment Judge Whitaker read the juror’s email aloud in court. Since his release from prison, Thug’s linked up with T.I. and also teased having new music on the way. Be on the lookout for further updates on the YSL RICO trial on HotNewHipHop.

The State had concerns about keeping him on the case but the Judge said at this point, it’s on them if a juror is against them.

The juror is still on the case and was told they’d try to finish the case by the end of the year.

— THUGGERDAILY ひ (@ThuggerDaily) November 5, 2024

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Young Dolph Murder Trial’s Jury Has Been Selected Amid Trial Controversy

September 21, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The trial for the murder of Young Dolph will officially begin on Monday (September 23), as the court finally seated a jury for the proceedings. Moreover, this news comes from an ABC24 Memphis report from Friday (September 20) that indicates the three men suspected of planning and carrying out the attack will face trial in the Shelby Country Courthouse in Tennessee. Judge Jennifer Mitchell will oversee the trial of the alleged gunmen, Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith, whereas the alleged mastermind Hernandez Govan will face trial on the same day. But this new report is a big change from what we last heard about this case.

For those unaware, prosecutors previously indicated that only Johnson would stand trial on Monday, which left many confused and outraged. As such, it’s still a bit unclear whether or not this new report from ABC24 Memphis confirms that the court changed their approach, or if it’s just a missing piece of information that we’ve yet to clarify. Either way, we will find out what’s going on and who will face trial soon enough. Given that some suspects in the murder of Young Dolph have different charges, this could suggest why authorities seemingly went back and forth in their procedures.

Young Dolph Murder Trial Selects Its Jury

In addition, prosecutors refused to explain why Johnson was the only one who was going to stand trial on Monday due to a risk of compromising an active investigation. We haven’t heard anything about that probe, so we could simply assume that they will have all three defendants on trial on Monday. Young Dolph’s alleged killers, Johnson and Smith, face first-degree murder charges and other related felonies. Govan, who allegedly planned the hit, also received a conspiracy to commit first-degree murder charge.

Meanwhile, a fourth suspect in the Young Dolph case – Johnson’s brother Jermarcus – pleaded guilty to three counts of accessory after the fact and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder charges. Some folks believe that he will testify against his colleagues in court, but we’ll have to wait and see. Elsewhere, Dolph’s loved ones and fans continue to keep his spirit alive passionately and with great dedication.
Rest In Peace Young Dolph.

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Jam Master Jay Trial: 2 Men Found Guilty Of Murder

February 27, 2024 by newhiphopnews

A jury has found two men guilty of murder in the trial for the killing of Jam Master Jay. Both Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington stood trial in the attack on the hip-hop icon who was killed at a recording studio in 2002. The two face at least 20 years behind bars and a maximum of life in prison.

Prosecutors claim Jay acquired 22 pounds of cocaine that he intended to have Washington and Jordan, among others, distribute. Eventually, Jay informed Washington that he planned to cut him out of the deal and the defendant began hatching a scheme to kill him in response. Washington and Jordan held Jay at gunpoint at the recording studio on October 30, 2002, and instructed him to lie on the floor. Jordan then executed him with two fatal gunshots at close range.

Jam Master Jay Performs In London

Jam Master Jay of Run DMC performs on stage during the Respect Festival, Finsbury Park, London, United Kingdom, 2001. (Photo by Martyn Goodacre/Getty Images)

The state called a witness who was at the recording studio that night and they corroborated the story. They claimed they were “confused and scared” to reveal Washington and Jordan’s identities in the years prior to the trial. “It’s about greed, it’s about money, it’s about jealousy,” Assistant US Attorney Artie McConnell said in the prosecution’s closing arguments. “And it’s about the actions of two men, Karl Jordan, Jr., and Ronald Washington, that the evidence proves are killers.”

Washington and Jordan’s defense centered around the case of Jay Bryant. They claimed he was the true killer. Bryant is set to go on trial on his own in 2026. When the guilty verdict was read, the courtroom erupted into chaos according to CNN. “Y’all just killed some innocent people. Get me outta here,” Washington shouted. Be on the lookout for further updates on Jam Master Jay on HotNewHipHop.

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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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Young Dolph’s Accused Murderer Begs For Non-Memphis Jury

February 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The men accused of killing Young Dolph in 2021 are gearing up for their trials, and one of their attorneys is doing everything in his power to give his client a leg up. According to the Associated Press, an attorney for Justin Johnson, Luke Evans, filed a motion for a venue change earlier this week. He insists that it’s the only way to ensure a fair trial. Evans argues that jurors from Memphis could be biased in their decisions, also noting how Young Dolph is “beloved” in the area.

“A jury from somewhere else lacks that personal connection to the crime,” Evans explained. Judge Jennifer Mitchell will rule on the motion later this month, on February 9. Originally scheduled for March of this year, Johnson and his co-defendant Cornelius Smith will now begin their trials in June. They’ve both previously pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including first-degree murder.

Justin Johnson Pushes For Jury Lacking “Personal Connection To The Crime”

Young Dolph's Accused Murderer Begs To Move Trial Out Of Memphis — Rapper Young Dolph attends a Party Hosted by Young Dolph at Compound on May 12, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

Another one of the four men charged in Young Dolph’s murder, Hernandez Govan, also awaits his trial. He’s believed to have been the alleged “mastermind” behind the shooting. Jermarcus Johnson, Justin Johnson’s brother, is currently awaiting sentencing after accepting a plea deal. He previously pleaded guilty to three counts of accessory after the fact.

The late artist’s fiancee, Mia Jaye, says that she’s displeased with the legal proceedings. “For me to see this play out as if it is some type of entertainment…We got songs being made, but how are these people getting held accountable?” she asked in December. What do you think of Young Dolph’s accused killer asking a judge to use jurors outside of Memphis? Do you think the judge should grant his request? What about his claim that a Memphis jury would make the trial less than fair? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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Lil Zay Osama Faces 20-Year Sentence Following Gun Charges & Indictment

January 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Lil Zay Osama’s recent arrest for gun possession and retail theft is remaining a court battle for the foreseeable future. Moreover, a New York grand jury indicted him on Wednesday (January 24) for possession of a machine gun and unregistered firearm possession, which could result in a 20-year sentence at maximum. The rapper, now in state custody in Illinois on unrelated charges, allegedly left a loaded Glock pistol with a switch in a car riding from Manhattan to Queens, which he used as a ride-share, and was arrested in 2022. He will face arraignment at a later date, and he was arrested in December of 2023 following a police chase.

“As alleged, [Isaiah] Dukes [Lil Zay Osama’s real name] brought a machine gun into our District, and then dangerously left it in the back of a ride-share,” Breon Peace, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, shared. “This Office, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to work diligently to protect our communities from such dangerous weapons.

Lil Zay Osama Performing In 2021

Lil Zay Osama Indictment 20 Year Sentence Gun Charges Hip Hop News — ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 27: Lil Zay Osama performs on November 27, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage/Getty Images)

“His indictment is a stark reminder that loaded, illegal firearms -– sometimes modified to maximize their deadly potential, as alleged in this case -– continue to be brought into and carried throughout New York City,” Edward Caban, New York Police Department Commissioner, also remarked. “Let me be clear. This behavior will not be tolerated here. The NYPD vows to keep our streets safe from guns and anyone who unlawfully possesses them. I commend and thank the ride-share driver who observed this weapon for doing what we always ask of all New Yorkers. He saw something and he said something, and he possibly saved lives in the process.”

Meanwhile, this is what the MC had to say on Instagram in response to all of his legal trouble. “I guarantee n***as gone need me before I need them,” he wrote. “I’ll be home sooner than you think. Blink n***a [purple devil emoji].” For more news and the latest updates on Lil Zay Osama, log back into HNHH.

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Young Thug Trial Hit With Serious Security Breach As Four Jurors Identified

November 30, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Young Thug is currently on trial in the YSL RICO case. Overall, this is a case that has been going on since May of 2022. At the time, Gunna, Thugger, and many others were arrested. However, since that time, many have been freed, including Gunna. Now, Thug has to stand trial and it has already proven to be a bit of a mess. The first few days in court have been filled with burden-shifting, anime references, and service dogs. It has been a wild time, and no one knows what to really make of it.

Unfortunately, things got a whole lot worse yesterday as there was a livestream crew working inside the courtroom. During the testimony of Detective Mark Belknap, the camera panned a bit too far to the left. Subsequently, the faces of a few jurors were captured. After No Jumper posted the video to social media, people began identifying the jurors by name. This is an absolute nightmare scenario, and Judge Ural Glanville had to confirm that this did, indeed, happen.

Young Thug Trial Continues

MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 17: Young Thug celebrates Futures birthday at Versace Mansion on November 17, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Aaron Davidson/Getty Images for Freebandz )

Overall, this forced Glanville’s hand completely. He subsequently told the film crew that they had to stop filming, immediately. Otherwise, things could have gotten very bad. Moving forward, there is a bit of confusion as to what will happen next. For the most part, it seems like the jurors will stay on, at least for now. However, if they feel uncomfortable with continuing on, there are a plethora of backup jurors that can be used in this scenario.

Regardless, this is an unfortunate mistake that could very dire real-world implications. Hopefully, everyone is okay and this doesn’t happen ever again. Let us know what you think about this development, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will always be sure to keep you informed.

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Young Thug & YSL RICO Trial Finally Gets Seated Jury: Report

November 2, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Finally, after over a year of delays and court developments and fiascos since the initial arrest, the YSL RICO trial is moving underway for Young Thug and his codefendants, according to a Billboard report. Moreover, the Atlanta court overseeing this case finally sat its jury in it after finalizing candidates earlier this week. As such, this means that the court will at long last commence full proceedings on this situation on the scheduled date of November 27. While this case hasn’t gotten any prettier or more promising to cover, at least this movement is some form of progress in this journey. For those unaware, prosecutors claim that the record label Young Stoner Life, led by Thugger, is actually a dangerous street gang in Atlanta known as Young Slime Life.

Furthermore, the jury selection process began in January of this year, about six months after authorities initially arrested Young Thug and other YSL affiliates. However, it proved incredibly difficult to find willing and able jurors in this trial. Many dropped out due to the heightened time-consuming commitments that a high-profile case like this represents. On the other hand, the court found many to exhibit too much bias, incompetent, or public revelations to participate.

Young Thug Performing In 2019

Young Thug YSL RICO Trial Jury Hip Hop News — LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 06: Young Thug performs on stage during Wireless Festival 2019 on July 06, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Lorne Thomson/Redferns/Getty Images)

In addition, this adds onto drug busts, more arrests, severances from the trial, and plea deals that the YSL RICO case involved. In fact, prosecutors led by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis initially indicted 27 individuals in this case. Now, only seven remain and face the brunt of the charges if convicted. According to Atlanta media outlets such as its local NBC partner, the jury that will evaluate these seven indicted affiliates consists of seven Black women, two white women, two Black men, and one white man.

Meanwhile, full conviction could result in a lifetime prison sentence for the Atlanta trap pioneer. An important aspect to determine in the case is whether the court can use lyrics in their arguments. A hearing will take place next week to settle this mater with a ruling before opening arguments commence on November 27. For more news and the latest updates on the Young Thug and YSL RICO trial, stay logged into HNHH.

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