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Young Thug’s “Take It To Trial” Lyrics Echo In Court Amid YSL RICO Trial

November 28, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The YSL RICO trial kicked off on Monday. The proceedings witnessed a rocky start with frequent objections, delays, and even a mistrial request. This prompted Judge Ural Glanville to voice his discontent. Amid the legal turmoil, Fulton County Chief Deputy District Attorney Adriane Love took center stage by reciting lyrics from Young Thug’s track “Take It To Trial,” featuring Yak Gotti and Gunna.

Love painted Young Thug as a “wolf” in his YSL crew “pack,” suggesting a connection between the lyrics and real-life criminal activities. However, the defense’s objection to this portrayal led to a contentious courtroom atmosphere. Love clarified that the lyrics weren’t pursued to solve any crimes directly, stating, “We didn’t chase any of the lyrics to solve any murders. Law enforcement in Fulton County chased the murders and found the lyrics.”

YSL Rico Trial Update

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As Love recited the lyrics in court, the gravity of their content became apparent. Lines like “For slimes you know I kill, trial, I done beat it twice, state. I’m undefeated like feds came and snatched me, don’t know” took center stage. The prosecutor emphasized the eerie significance these words held in the context of real-life events. However, Brian Steel, Young Thug’s defense attorney, took a different stance. He labeled his client as a “studio gangster,” as opposed to a real-life gangster. In an attempt to downplay the intensity of the lyrics, Steel argued, “Thug raps about cars all the time. They’re in the studio. They are creating music for us to listen to.” This argument positioned Young Thug as an artist exercising creative expression rather than a real-life perpetrator.

Adding another layer to the defense strategy, the attorney handling Young Thug’s YSL trial contested the very nature of the group. He asserted that the name “YSL” didn’t signify a gang but rather originated from Thug’s friends wearing women’s Yves Saint Laurent jeans. This unconventional explanation aimed to dismantle the prosecution’s narrative and present YSL as a creative collective rather than a criminal organization. As the trial unfolds, the clash between legal interpretations of Young Thug’s lyrics and the defense’s portrayal of him as a “studio gangster” adds an intriguing dimension to the ongoing courtroom saga. With tensions high, the YSL RICO trial promises to be an intriguing legal showdown in the world of hip-hop.

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Casanova’s Co-Defendants Eligible For Life Sentences Following RICO Convictions

November 22, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Back in 2021, Casanova along with 12 of his alleged Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation Blood associates were arrested and hit with various RICO charges. The Brooklyn native went on to renounce his ties to the gang ahead of his sentencing. “I learned through my music career that people will listen and that I don’t need to associate myself with a gang to succeed,” his handwritten letter to the judge read. “I don’t need to associate with a gang even if I don’t succeed.” He was handed nearly 16 years by the judge at the end of June. As for his co-defendants, two of them appeared in court earlier this week and were convicted of racketeering and more.

Dwight “Dick Wolf” Reid and Christopher “Beagle” Erskine are now both eligible for life sentences. They were acquitted of their gun charges per court records. Their sentencing has not yet been scheduled. Both defendants are accused of being leaders of the street gang, which is believed to be responsible for “multiple acts involving murder.” Reid was described by prosecutors as the “gang’s founder and prison leader” while Erskine is believed to have been their “street leader.” Their trial lasted for three weeks, though further details surrounding witness testimonies, etc. are not available at the time of writing.

Dwight “Dick Wolf” Reid and Christopher “Beagle” Erskine Convicted Of Racketeering

Casanova's Co-Defendants Formally Convicted, Could Face Life Sentences — Casanova attends the BET Hip Hop Awards 2019 at Cobb Energy Center on October 05, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET)

In July, Casanova’s lawyer James Kousouros confirmed that he had formally appealed his 15-year sentence. He filed a compassionate release motion in August, arguing that his robbery charge should instead be considered larceny. Prosecutors remain insistent that he stay behind bars while he and his team continue to push for release.

Throughout Casanova’s trial, his team relied heavily on the consequences of the rapper publicly disavowing the gang, which allegedly landed him in the middle of a brutal prison altercation earlier this year. According to reports, fellow inmate Ulysses Lugo attacked Casanova, later prompting several other inmates to get involved. What do you think of Casanova’s co-defendants getting convicted? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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Young Thug Co-Defendant Yak Gotti Compares Lyrics To Jack Nicholson’s “The Shining”

November 13, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The judge finally signed off on the lyrics that prosecutors will present during the YSL RICO trial. However, the defense team have been trying hard to have it dismissed. Last week, the prosecutors brought out lyrics from songs like “Bad Boy” and “Take It To Trial.” They claimed that these records include admissions of guilt. However, as the court records indicate, there are a number of inaccuracies with both the lyrics themselves and the attributed credits.

Yak Gotti’s attorneys have pushed back against what the prosecutors are introducing as evidence. The prosecutors brought up lyrics from two songs, “Take It To Trial” and “Mob Ties.” On the former, he raps, “I rep my life for real/ For slimes, you know I kill.” Then, on the latter, he raps, “Knockin’ off your big homie b*tch.” In response, Gotti’s attorney Douglas S. Weinstein stated that the rapper’s performance on the song is no different than Jack Nicholson’s depiction of Jack Torrance In The Shining, per All Hip Hop.

Yak Gotti’s Defense

Weinstein argued that Yak Gotti’s shouldn’t be held against him legally, similar to how the court would separate Nicholson from Torrance. He added that the lyrics are irrelevant, and would create a prejudice in the trial. Furthermore, Weinstein explained that these lyrics don’t have any connection to the allegations against Gotti. “This video [for ‘Mob Ties’ is a perfect example of the problems with the admission of lyrics, for it takes a single line out of context. Let’s give it context. This particular line is a response, to a call issued by another rapper who says, ‘Knockin’ off yo big homie b***h,’” Gotti’s lawyer said.

This lyric is in a rap video, where Yak Gotti appears and raps almost nothing for the majority of the video…It is in a long tradition of call and response that was brought to America by slaves bringing their tradition with them. It has been used from Cab Calloway to Michael Jackson to Missy Elliot,” Weinstein added. What are your thoughts? Sound off in the comment section below.

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Young Thug Trial: Prosecutors Reveal Lyrics They Want To Use In YSL Case

November 9, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Among the many controversies surrounding Young Thug’s YSL RICO Case is the use of lyrics in the trial. Thug’s legal team made several attempts to dismiss the lyrics in court. However, the prosecutors adamantly claim their lyrics contain admissions of guilt. On Wednesday, the specific lyrics that District Attorney Fani Willis wants to use in the case surfaced online. However, HipHopDX notes several inaccuracies in the lyrics.

Young Thug Lyrics On Trial

Here are some of the lyrics prosecutors want to introduce as evidence in the #YSL trial against #YoungThug and other co-defendants (including Deamonte Kendrick). @ajc pic.twitter.com/ovoZxSLTS0

— Jozsef Papp (@JozsefPapp_) November 8, 2023

Jozsef Papp, a journalist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, took to X to share the precise lyrics that prosecutors presented to the court as evidence in the YSL RICO case, which they claim proves that YSL committed criminal acts as a gang.

“I just beat a murder rap, paid my lawyer 30 for that/ Me and my slimes above the law.” – “Just How It Is” – 2018
“Honestly truth be told YSL won’t fold/ Pick his ass off from the balcony/ YSL wipe a n***a nose.” – “Eww” – 2014
“I shot at his mommy, now he no longer mention me.” – “Bad Boy” ft. Juice WRLD – 2021
“I rep my life for real/ For slimes you know I kill!” – “Take It To Trial” ft. Gunna – 2020
“Hey, how you doing? I’m Yak Gotti/ I got bodies on bodies!”- “Dream” – 2015

Wrong Lyrics

Documents obtained by HHDX reveal several instances of inaccuracies in the lyrics and the artists attributed to said lyrics. The documents revealed that Yak Gotti’s lyrics on Unfoonk’s “Mob Ties” (“knocking off your big homie b**ch”) didn’t appear in the song. However, there is a similar iteration found on 24Heavy’s hook. Even so, Yak Gotti doesn’t appear on the song at all. Elsewhere, another error was flagged on the lyrics to “Anybody.” The documents claim the lyrics are “Ready for war like I’m Russia/ I get all types of cash, I’m a general,” when it’s actually, “Ready for war like I’m Russia/ Latest Chanel for the luggage.”

The Impact On The YSL Trial

Judge Glanville: We’re not bringing in Cardi B, Meek Mill, Drake, or Post Malone….in response to Steel saying each of these artists has lyrics that say they are the “boss”. #YSL #YoungThug

— Cathy Russon (@cathyrusson) November 9, 2023

The use of rap lyrics on trial has been a contentious topic since the arrest of Young Thug. As the state asked Judge Glanville to make a preliminary ruling on the case, he noted “that during trial the lyrics are going to be subject to relevancy and objections,” if allowed, per Law & Crime’s Cathy Russo. Thug’s lawyer Brian Steel also argued that the trial would last a year if lyrics and music videos were introduced as evidence. Steel also mentioned how major artists, including those that Thug has worked with, have referred to themselves as “boss” in their music. ”We’re not bringing in Cardi B, Meek Mill, Drake, or Post Malone,” Glanville responded. We’ll keep you posted on updates surrounding the YSL case.

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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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Young Thug & YSL RICO Trial’s Jury Selection Breaks Georgia Record For Length

October 21, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The RICO trial of Young Thug and YSL is still moving very slowly as a result of a lengthy jury selection process. Although other factors affected this case, this is a major part of court proceedings that’s taken longer than expected, resulting in a delay of the commencement of the actual trial. In fact, this is such a long-lasting procedure so far that it broke the record for the longest jury selection in Georgia’s history. Of course, this isn’t that surprising when you look at the wider context of this case and the actors involved in it. Given its high-profile nature and wide proliferation online, it can be difficult to accurately identify biases in potential jurors, let alone pick individuals without one.

Furthermore, this pushback resulted in these YSL codefendants waiting patiently for their trial to begin. During this time, the court severed some from the trial, whereas others like Young Thug face low-standard humanitarian care. This includes the quality of meals provided, access to sunlight, and other health factors that these delays exacerbate. As such, many fans are looking to this jury selection process as the last big obstacle before authorities can seal these individuals’ fate.

Jury Selection In YSL RICO Trial Is Longest In Georgia’s History

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However, jury selection involves a lot of moving parts, some of which might not work out in Young Thug and YSL’s favor. For example, prosecutors recently requested the removal of a particular potential juror after they tracked him for weeks. Apparently, he didn’t live in Fulton County as he promised, and this instance makes it clear that the prosecution will be thorough and strict with their evaluations. With protocols like these, it could take even longer for a jury to settle, something we’ve been saying for far too long.

Meanwhile, every other aspect of the RICO trial is in limbo at the moment, with all eyes on the jury selection. Hopefully this process wraps up soon and the court can finally get to the meat of this case. After all, many lives and families depend on it, and suffered for over a year to get to this frustrating point. For more news and the latest updates on Young Thug and the YSL RICO trial, keep checking in with HNHH.

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Funk Flex Implicates Charlamagne Tha God In DJ Envy Real Estate Scheme

October 20, 2023 by newhiphopnews

DJ Envy is certainly feeling the heat from the feds right now as they continue to investigate his involvement in a messy real estate fraud scheme. The media personality maintains his innocence there, but that hasn’t stopped his contemporaries from laying into him. Most notably, Funk Flex has had his foot on Envy’s neck non-stop as updates on the investigation continue to come out. As Akademiks pointed out in his coverage, the beef is reminiscent of previous spats between Hot 97 and Power 105.1 in the 2010s.

“Imma tell you the question of the day, of the week, of the month,” Flex told listeners earlier this week. “Mr. Real Estate RICO. Did you know that Ceasar was a crook? Or were you too d*mb to know that he was a crook?” Much to people’s amusement, the 55-year-old added bomb sound effects after virtually every statement for dramatic effect.

Funk Flex Has More Words for DJ Envy

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“Either way, you don’t win,” Flex put Envy on blast for his ignorance. “According to a lot of label people – let me tell you something New York – there’s three people involved. There’s Real Estate RICO, and there’s Lesser Charge Leonard, the pedophile,” he added, seemingly looping Charlamagne Tha God into the situation. “Then you got Ceaser, who was arrested last night by the feds,” Funk further antagonized his nemesis, who’s still waiting to find out what lays in store for his future.

Despite warnings from those around him, DJ Envy still failed to see the red flags in his recent real estate endeavours. As it turns out, Joe Budden once suggested to The Breakfast Club host that he could end up in jail for his actions – caution Envy clearly didn’t take seriously. Read more about that at the link below, and check back later for hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

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Young Thug Appears In Upcoming Mariah The Scientist Video

October 11, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Atlanta rapper Young Thug is making a highly anticipated return to the spotlight after a year and a half in jail on RICO charges. In a surprising development, Thugger was spotted in the video footage upcoming music video by his rumored girlfriend, rising R&B star Mariah the Scientist. Some fans were supportive, others were skeptical of the situation. “No Mariah Slander…” one person commented. “Baby girl been holding down her man and staying out the way.” “Holding a man down while is in jail is just slow,” another said. “He’s been in jail longer than the relationship they had,” someone else commented.

Thug has spent more than a year navigating the challenges of jail life. However, the impact of his absence reaches beyond the prison walls, especially for Mariah the Scientist. The two had begun their romantic journey just months before Thug’s legal troubles began, making his absence all the more challenging for both of them. However, Mariah has been vocal about her support for her man. “Now, you know I got a man,” Mariah The Scientist told a large crowd during her performance at Outside Lands festival. “He locked up. Free my baby daddy!” Her announcement resulted in a “Free Thug” chant at the festival.

Mariah The Scientist Is Still Supporting Young Thug

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Mariah, however, has been aware of the backlash she’s been facing for continuing to hold down Young Thug. Despite the criticism, Mariah said in an interview that “there is nobody on planet earth that can get in between me and supporting my man.” She spoke openly about the challenges of their separation but also her deep love for him. “They have a lot to say, but I’m sorry to hear that you don’t understand what I got going on,” she continued. “Maybe one day you will, but the odds are you won’t. I don’t feel the need to explain and express to somebody the love I have for somebody else… It’s not gonna change what I have going on, what people have to say.”

The news of Young Thug’s cameo in Mariah the Scientist’s upcoming music video confirms that she’s still going strong for her man. It also signifies a hopeful comeback for the rapper, who is eagerly awaited by his loyal fan base. As fans excitedly anticipate the new footage and music with Young Thug, the music video can hopefully create a memorable moment. Are you excited to see new Young Thug footage? Let us know on HNHH!

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Young Thug Pushes For Speedy Trial In YSL RICO Case

September 10, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Young Thug has been behind bars since May of 2022, facing various RICO charges surrounding his label YSL. Prosecutors have dubbed YSL a “criminal street gang,” accusing Young Thug of being its leader. He and 27 others were indicted last year. The rapper and his defense team deny these allegations, insisting that YSL is simply a label. Fans and peers alike have continued to call for his release, particularly since he’s struggled with his health recently.

Now, Young Thug has filed legal paperwork to speed up the process of his trial. The demand was served to Judge Ural Glanville and prosecutors recently. The rapper’s legal battle has been long and difficult, and his trial has yet to have an official start date. Jury selection began in January of this year, and is still ongoing. Fans were relieved to see Young Thug in seemingly good spirits during a court appearance this month, due to concerning reports about his health earlier this year.

Young Thug Exercising His Rights

Young Thug Pushes For Speedy Trial In YSL RICO Case — Hip-hop artist Young Thug arrives at a release party for his new album “PUNK” at Delilah on October 12, 2021 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)

Back in May, Young Thug fans were worried after it was reported that he had been hospitalized for chest pain ahead of a court appearance. The news followed his attorney Brian Steel calling out Fulton County Jail for failing to provide adequate food options to inmates. Steel claimed that the rapper had been surviving off of a diet of chocolate and chips. He also raised concerns surrounding Young Thug’s access to outdoor areas, exercise, sunlight, and more. He additionally said that Young Thug has been deprived of sleep, claiming that he only gets five hours of rest each day, and even less when he’s summoned for a court appearance.

On a positive note, Young Thug’s girlfriend Mariah the Scientist has been holding him down throughout his prison stay. “I feel like, and this is in all honesty, there is nobody on planet Earth that can get between me and supporting my man,” she revealed in a recent interview. “I’m sorry, it’s just not gonna happen.” Keep an eye on HNHH for more updates on Young Thug.

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Gunna’s Former Attorney Asks For Defendant In Donald Trump RICO Case To Have Trial Severed

September 2, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Ray Smith is one of the 18 people charged by the state of Georgia in their election interference case against former President Donald Trump. He has now requested a severing of his trial, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Smith, an Atlanta-based attorney, is accused of meeting with alternate GOP electors at the state capitol to have them cast their electoral votes for Trump. He is also accused of having those electors sign false statements declaring Trump the winner of the 2020 election. Furthermore, Smith is accused of submitting falsified documents to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Rafensperger. These documents reportedly declared Trump the winner of the election. Smith was charged with 12 crimes after voluntarily surrendering on August 23.

However, Smith has now requested that his trial be severed from that of the other defendant. “This solution will also reduce the amount of time any jury will be required to be empaneled,” Smith’s legal team wrote. “The experience learned by this Court in the YSL gang trial. Jury selection that lasted (and is still in progress) over eight months, and a trial that is expected to last another eight months (at least) – is a lesson learned that should inform any Court about the dangers of pursuing a joint trial for over a dozen defendants.” As noted in this statement, Smith’s precedent for this is the ongoing YSL RICO trial against Young Thug and other members of the Atlanta organization.

Trump Attorney Cites YSL Trial

Attorney Ray Smith just filed a motion to sever his case from the others in Fulton Co. Smith argues that there are two many defendants in the 2020 Georgia Election RICO case for a jury to keep straight and fairly assess. Smith already entered a NOT GUILTY plea. @11AliveNews

— Erin Peterson (@ErinKPeterson) August 31, 2023

“The prosecution, no doubt, will protest that the defendants were part of a nationwide enterprise. The defense will vigorously contest this at trial, but the argument is irrelevant to the issue of severance. The prosecution cannot dictate the length of trial, and the prejudice suffered by the defendants (and the judge, and the jury, and the judicial system in general) simply by overcharging a case and exaggerating the scope of its enterprise,” the statement continued. As previously mentioned, a jury has yet to be seated in the YSL trial. That sprawling case has seen multiple severings, with the number of defendants currently reduced to nine.

Furthermore, there is another notable link between the two cases. Don Samuel, who is serving as Smith’s lead attorney, previously represented Gunna in the YSL case. Infamously, Gunna accepted a plea deal and no longer faces charges, unlike Young Thug and others. However, this has led Gunna to be labeled as a rat by many members of the rap community. At the time of writing, no date has been set to hear the motion on severing Smith’s charges.

[via]

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