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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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Donald Trump: Everything We Know About His Arrest

August 30, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Former President Donald Trump was indicted for a whopping 4th time and arrested in Georgia on August 24, 2023. The latest charges stem from his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in the state. Officials accused Trump of unlawfully wielding his influence and power to secure the White House for another four years.

Since that time, Trump has continued to push the false narrative that he won the election and how it was stolen from him. While he’s gotten away with plenty in the past, he may have gone too far this time. Here’s everything you need to know about the charges against Donald Trump and his latest arrest in Georgia.

What Donald Trump Is Accused Of Doing

The embattled 45th president is accused of conspiring with 18 other people, including some who previously worked in his administration, of scheming to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. In a 41-count, 98-page indictment, Donald Trump was hit with 13 felony charges. Some of these include racketeering, making false statements, and solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer.

Donald is accused of calling Georgia’s Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger on January 2, 2021. Trump allegedly pressured him to change the results of the state’s election by finding him enough votes to secure victory. Besides being deemed inappropriate, the call was also perceived as threatening. Further, Georgia officials are also accusing Trump of conspiring with his co-defendants in harassing poll workers, trying to appoint new electors to vote for Trump, and trying to access voting machines. Fani Willis, the Fulton County district attorney who also hit Young Thug with RICO charges, has been relentless in going after Trump.

According to the AP, DA Willis said, “The indictment alleges that rather than abide by Georgia’s legal process for election challenges, the defendants engaged in a criminal racketeering enterprise to overturn Georgia’s presidential election result.”

The Arrest Of Donald Trump

NEW: The Trump campaign has raised a whopping $20 million in the month of August, nearly $10 million of that coming after Trump had his mugshot taken at the Fulton County jail.

Talk about a massive backfire.

According to Fox News digital, the Trump campaign sold 36,000… pic.twitter.com/2xgLxde8Vq

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 30, 2023

Leading up to his arrest, Donald Trump kept teasing it. Since he had a timeframe to turn himself in, he chose August 24 at 7:30 p.m. local time. Being typical Trump, he addressed the controversy on his social media platform, Truth. In part, he posted, “I have to start getting ready to head down to Atlanta, Georgia, where Murder and other Violent Crimes have reached levels never seen before, to get ARRESTED by a Radical Left, Lowlife District Attorney, Fani Willis, for A PERFECT PHONE CALL, and having the audacity to challenge a RIGGED & STOLLEN ELECTION. THE EVIDENCE IS IRREFUTABLE! ARREST TIME: 7:30 P.M.”

Donald Trump milked every moment and arrived in his private jet, dubbed the “Trump Force One.” Like every other defendant in Fulton County, Mr. Trump had to take a mugshot. Boy, oh boy, did he take a mugshot. Staring right at the camera with a scowl that gave new meaning to “if looks could kill,” Trump left an impression that will last a lifetime. After posting his $200,000 bond, Donald Trump was on his way to continue his life and campaigning for another term in office.

Some of Trump’s co-conspirators include the man once known as America’s mayor and Trump’s personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani. Fulton County also indicted former Trump White House aide Mark Meadows. Leader of “Black Voices for Trump” Harrison Floyd and former Kanye West publicist Trevian Kutti were also indicted and arrested.

What Could Happen To Donald Trump

Currently, Donald Trump is making a ton of money, capitalizing off of merch with his now-infamous mugshot. He’s also leading the polls for the Republican nomination for the 2024 election. While Trump is taking it all in stride and making his situation no big deal, he’s facing some severe consequences. He’s set to be arraigned in Georgia on September 6 at 9:30 a.m.

Along with the other pending cases in other states, Trump is facing hundreds of years behind bars. However, that is highly unlikely given he’s a former president, wealth, and influence. Although his arrest was touted as proving Trump was not above the law, everything surrounding it differed from the typical defendant. But, when it comes to Donald Trump, nothing is ordinary.

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Trump Hires Gunna’s Lawyer Before Surrendering on Georgia RICO #TrumpMugShot

August 24, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Trump’s Georgia RICO case already drew comparisons to the YSL Rico case due to both being executed by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. But now we reach a deeper criminal link as Trump has hired a new lawyer ahead of his surrender, Steven Sadow, who recently represented Gunna and secured the rapper’s Alford plea deal.

According to WSB-TV, Trump brought in Sadow just ahead of his visit to Fulton County. Sadow spoke with ABC News about his new client.

“I have been retained to represent President Trump in the Fulton County, Georgia case,” Sadow said. “The President should never have been indicted. He is innocent of all the charges brought against him. We look forward to the case being dismissed or, if necessary, an unbiased, open-minded jury finding the President not guilty. Prosecutions intended to advance or serve the ambitions and careers of political opponents of the President have no place in our justice system.”

Facing a 41-count indictment, Trump’s bravado against charges is reportedly gone. An insider told Page Six, Trump’s indictment has “brought about a change.” The insider added, “he’s not so confident anymore. He’s not acting so cocky anymore. He’s not lashing out so much. The arrogance is gone.”

A bond of $200,000 has been set for Former President Donald Trump in a Georgia RICO indictment that also charges 18 of his business associates. According to The New York Times, Trump and the defendants must pay a cash bond upon booking in Atlanta.

As a condition of his bond, Trump cannot violate state or federal laws or communicate with his co-defendants individually. All conversations with others charged must come through legal representatives. In addition, if he was told not to intimidate witnesses or co-defendants. Additional orders included “make no direct or indirect threat of any nature against the community or to any property in the community,” which includes “posts on social media or reposts of posts made by another individual on social media.”

President Donald Trump and his 18 co-defendants will be booked into Fulton County Jail. In addition to Trump, John Eastman, Mark Meadows, and more will be booked at the jail on Rice Street. That includes Trevian Kutti, who once was a publicist for R. Kelly and Kanye West. All charged party members will be fingerprinted and have a mugshot.

“Unless somebody tells me differently, we are following our normal practices, and so it doesn’t matter your status, we’ll have a mugshot ready for you,” Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat said.

According to The New York Times, once Trump is arraigned, a judge will be assigned who will schedule the trial.

Returning to Truth Social, his Twitter/X alternative, Trump blasted the charges by issuing, “So, the Witch Hunt continues!” Trump also attacked Willis, writing she is an out of control and very corrupt District Attorney who campaigned and raised money on, ‘I will get Trump.’”

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Rudy Giuliani Reports to Fulton County Jail, Has $150K Bond Set

August 24, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Rudy Giuliani Reportedly Hospitalized After Being Diagnosed With COVID-19

Rudy Giuliani officially turned himself in as a co-defendant to a RICO case in Georgia centralized on former President Donald Trump. Giuliani is one of 18 co-defendants to Trump and had a bond set at $150,000.

Upon his arrival to Fulton County Jail, Giuliani’s lawyer, Kenneth Chesebro, filed a motion for a speedy trial, targeting Nov. 3

According to The New York Times, Giuliani and Trump face the most charges in the indictment. Giuliani was Trump’s lawyer following the 2020 election and was pivotal in the attempt to overthrow election results in the state.

President Trump is getting ready to turn himself in at Fulton County Jail. Facing a 41-count indictment, Trump’s bravado against charges is reportedly gone.

An insider told Page Six, Trump’s indictment has “brought about a change.” The insider added, “he’s not so confident anymore. He’s not acting so cocky anymore. He’s not lashing out so much. The arrogance is gone.”

The co-defendants have only to supply 10 percent of the bail amount, which may be complicated for former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani due to his money being tied in other legal affairs.

President Donald Trump and his 18 co-defendants will be booked into Fulton County Jail. According to WBSTV, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has said the 19 charged will have until Aug. 25 to turn themselves in.

John Eastman, Mark Meadows, and more will be booked at the jail on Rice Street. That includes Trevian Kutti, who once was a publicist for R. Kelly and Kanye West. All charged party members will be fingerprinted and have a mugshot.

“Unless somebody tells me differently, we are following our normal practices, and so it doesn’t matter your status, we’ll have a mugshot ready for you,” Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat said.

The post Rudy Giuliani Reports to Fulton County Jail, Has $150K Bond Set first appeared on The Source.

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Trump Reportedly ‘Not So Confident’ Ahead of Reporting to Fulton County

August 23, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Donald Trump Hints at Possible 2024 Presidential Run

President Trump is getting ready to turn himself in at Fulton County Jail. Facing a 41-count indictment, Trump’s bravado against charges is reportedly gone.

The co-defendants have only to supply 10 percent of the bail amount, which may be complicated for former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani due to his money being tied in other legal affairs.

In addition to Trump, Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, Mark Meadows, and more will be booked at the jail on Rice Street. That includes Trevian Kutti, who once was a publicist for R. Kelly and Kanye West. All charged party members will be fingerprinted and have a mugshot.

“Unless somebody tells me differently, we are following our normal practices, and so it doesn’t matter your status, we’ll have a mugshot ready for you,” Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat said.

Earlier this week, Donald Trump received his fourth indictment, a RICO charge, in the state of Georgia for attempting to overturn election results in the state to stay in power. Trump, his advisors, and staff are accused of organizing a “criminal enterprise” against official election results. A grand jury handed down the indictment.

A new 100-page indictment names Trump and 18 others as charged with lying to Georgia legislature and state officials, creating a fake pro-Trump slate for the Electoral College, harassing election workers, engaging in a cover-up, and four more crimes. There are officially 41 counts. Of those indicted are Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, Mark Meadows, and Kenneth Chesebro.

The leading charge against Trump was issued under the RICO law, short for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations, originally set to target the mafia and organized crime. The RICO law has been notable throughout Hip-Hop, specifically regarding the YSL chase involving Young Thug. The charges against Trump and Thugger were both brought forth by Georgia District Attorney Fani Willis.

Trump and his co-defendants now have until Aug. 25 to surrender to Fulton County, GA. “We look forward to a detailed review of this indictment, which is undoubtedly just as flawed and unconstitutional as this entire process has been,” Trump’s legal team said in response.

According to The New York Times, once Trump is arraigned, a judge will be assigned who will schedule the trial.

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