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YFN Lucci Is Reportedly Not Expected To Testify In Young Thug’s Upcoming RICO Trial

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As Young Thug and the Young Stoner Life crew’s RICO trial is underway, fans and viewers are eager to know when some of the collective’s members are coming home. In a recent update, it has been reported that rapper YFN Lucci, one of Thug’s known adversaries, is not expected to testify in the RICO trial.

Lucci’s lawyer, Drew Findling, told TMZ, that Lucci, whose real name is Rayshawn Bennett, has not been interviewed or subpoenaed by anyone associated with RICO Case.

“Any party can announce for example that Abraham Lincoln is on their witness list, but those words alone are meaningless,” Findling said. “So, to be 100 percent clear, Rayshawn Bennett will not be a witness in the YSL case.”

Lucci is currently in custody in Fulton County Jail, where he is awaiting his own trial in which he and 11 others were charged with gang-related racketeering.

“His focus, as it should be, is on his pending Fulton County case,” said Findling.

Thug’s trial for his RICO case is currently set to take place on Monday, January 9, 2023, and could potentially go on over the course of more than six months.

Some of the artists mentioned are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Lil Durk Said Young Thug Is Being ‘Left To The Wolves’ And Called For Fans To Share Their Support

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Lil Durk is in album mode, as he revealed in a recent Instagram post. But despite hitting the studio hard, he’s still vocalizing his support for his friend and collaborator Young Thug, who is currently on trial for RICO charges. In the aforementioned Instagram post, Durk called for fans to share their support for Thug as well.

“Drop a [green heart emoji] if y’all want thugg home and not being blamed or left to the wolves,” Durk said in the post’s caption.

Earlier this month, Durk expressed his support for Thug in perhaps a more outright manner. On a track called “Mad Max,” a collaboration with Future that dropped last week, Durk revealed he called Thug and admitted that he “could’ve been part of the RICO,” sharing the details of his crimes.

It’s safe to say Thug would do the same for Durk if he were ever in a similar situation. In a 2021 interview with Apple Music 1‘s Zane Lowe, Thug stood firm in his loyalty to his peers.

“I’m ready to die about Future,” Thug said. “I’m ready to die by a Lil Baby, Durk And Uzi. I’m ready to die by these people. You know what I’m saying? If it ever comes down to it, this s*t ain’t got nothing to do with no music. They was a part of the whole situation. There was a part of the whole thing. I always anybody who I had encountered. You know what I’m saying? I always turn them to family. We don’t look at them like a rappers. We all look at each other like brothers and sisters. Bro, we really argue every day, bro.”

Young Thug is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Young Thug’s Bond Was Denied For A Third Time In YSL’s Racketeering Case

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It doesn’t look like Young Thug will be leaving Fulton County Jail until his trial date next January — or at least, not anytime soon. Nancy Dillion, senior court reporter for Rolling Stone, reports that Thugger’s latest bond request was again denied, courtesy of Fulton County Judge Ural Glanville. This follows two previous attempts; the first in May, just after he turned himself in, and the second in June. The reasoning for the latest denial likely remains the same; Georgia authorities are concerned he could flee or otherwise attempt to obstruct justice if freed.

Thug is one of 28 individuals charged in the case against Young Slime Life (aka “YSL”), which authorities have called a “hybrid criminal street gang” using his Young Stoner Life label (also nicknamed “YSL”) as cover. In a 56-count indictment, Thug and some of his artists including Gunna and Yak Gotti are charged with attempted murder, drug possession, armed robbery, and more, with Thug and Gunna’s lyrics listed as evidence of their participation in gang activity. Thug was also charged with a bevy of new offenses after police searched his home; seven additional felonies were added to his tally, including possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of a dangerous weapon or silencer.

The case has drawn significant attention for its use of lyrics as evidence, becoming a lightning rod in an ongoing movement to limit the use of lyrics in criminal cases.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

YFN Lucci’s Lawyer Criticizes Georgia’s ‘Racist’ RICO Law That Has Young Thug And Gunna Behind Bars

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The fate of Young Thug, Gunna, and other YSL members most likely won’t be known until January 2023. That’s because both Young Thug and Gunna had their bond denied in the RICO case against them that began last month when a 56-count case against 28 members was unveiled. Gunna’s bond was denied as he was accused of having a “command” role in YSL while Young Thug was labeled a possible danger to the community when his bond was denied. Since the case began, Georgia’s RICO case has been criticized for multiple reasons, including the fact that song lyrics are being used in court.

YFN Lucci’s lawyer Drew Findling, aka the “Billion Dollar Lawyer,” was the latest person to criticize the RICO law. He did so during a recent conversation with TMZ. “I think we’ve exaggerated what gangs are in Atlanta,” he said. “I think we’ve exaggerated what RICO is Atlanta. We need to take a look at just going ahead and charging people based on their lyrics and musical aspirations and their First Amendment right to express themselves. We’re not really indicting anybody from Quentin Tarantino films, are we?”

Findling continued, “We’re not indicting anybody for, ‘I shot the sheriff, but I didn’t shoot the deputy down,’ but all of a sudden we’ve handpicked this music, this music aspiration, and this music of people in the Black and brown community and it’s completely f*cking racist and that’s what it is.”

In addition to representing Lucci, who is currently behind bars on a RICO charge and has ties to the YSL RICO case, Findling has also represented Gucci Mane, Offset, and DaBaby in the past.

You can watch Findling share his thoughts with TMZ here.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Young Thug Was Denied Bond After A Judge Expressed A ‘Concern’ About Him Being A Danger To The Community

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Next week will mark one month since Young Thug, Gunna, and 26 other members of the Young Stoner Life (YSL) record label were hit with numerous charges as a part of a 56-count Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) case. The charges against the YSL members include conspiring to violate the RICO Act, murder, armed robbery, and participation in criminal street gang activity. Gunna, who is only charged with conspiring to violate RICO, was recently denied bond in the case and his next court date was set for January 9, 2023.

According to Billboard‘s Jewel Wicker, Young Thug, born Jeffery Williams, was also denied bond during a hearing on Thursday and it comes just a week after Gunna had his own denied. “I realize that Mr. Williams is presumed innocent,” Judge Ural Glanville said during the hearing at Fulton County Superior Court. “However, in this particular circumstance there have been significant [claims] about Mr. Williams being a danger to the community.” Thug’s attorney Brain Steel offered the option of an “incredibly expensive” house arrest to reduce those fears, but prosecutor Don Geary said the rapper should not be able to “buy” his way out of jail.

Ultimately, Judge Glanville sided with the prosecution and denied bond for Thug. His next court date will be on January 9, 2023.

You can listen to Judge Glanville’s ruling in the video above.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Roddy Ricch Shows Love To Gunna And Requests For His Release From Prison

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Fans of Young Thug and Gunna received some unfavorable news about the rappers last week. Thug and Gunna were among 28 members of the YSL collective that were arrested and charged in the 56-count Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act case. Gunna received a single charge of conspiracy to violate a RICO Act, however, during a recent trial prosecutors said Gunna had a “command” role in YSL, which prosecutors described as a criminal organization. As a result of his alleged “command” role, and other allegations, Gunna was denied bond and his next court date was set for January 9, 2023.

Days after news of Gunna’s denied bond and new court date arrived, one of his frequent collaborators took a moment to show him love on Instagram. Roddy Ricch shared his support for Gunna with a sweet post. “Free @gunna,” Roddy wrote on his Instagram Story. “We miss you out here champ. Mom’s praying 4 U.”

Gunna’s arrest was an unfortunate turn in a year that was set to be the best of his career. He kicked things off with the release of his third album DS4EVER, a project that debuted at No. 1 on the albums chart to become his second chart-topping album.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Young Thug And YSL Are Being Blamed By Prosecutors For Over 50 Gang-Related Murders

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It was just a little over a week ago that the music world was shocked by the news of RICO charges against Young Thug, Gunna, and 26 other members of the former’s YSL rap collective. The RICO case levied a total of 56 charges against the members which included conspiring to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, murder, armed robbery, and participation in criminal street gang activity. Thug himself was hit with seven more felony charges after a search warrant was executed at his Georgia home. More details about YSL’s alleged crimes have arrived since their arrest, including a recent accusation from Georgia prosecutors.

According to Complex, following an emergency motion filed by YFN Lucci, who was allegedly “stabbed with a shank, repeatedly, inside the Fulton County Jail” by a YSL member, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis shared more details about YSL’s alleged crime. “And what myself and any law enforcement member can tell you as a result of that [is] the back-and-forth gun violence and murders that have occurred, have probably been in excess of 50 since 2015—triggered by that in the back-and-forth between that [YSL] gang and other gangs.”

Willis was speaking about the 2015 murder of Donovan Thomas, which she said was “extremely significant” in connecting YSL to other alleged crimes that are listed in the case. In the 2015 incident, the 26-year-old YFN affiliate was murdered outside of a barbershop, and Thug is accused of renting the Infiniti Q50 sedan used in the crime.

YFN Lucci’s team filed the emergency motion on the basis of him being a victim in the YSL case. Lucci’s legal team is reportedly asking that the rapper be released on “reasonable conditions” and an “emergency bond hearing.” According to Complex, they add that “despite being a named victim in a sprawling and high-profile criminal case, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, nor any Victim’s Advocate from their office has reached out to Mr. [Rayshawn] Bennett or his counsel.”

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

YSL Rapper Lil Keed Is Dead At 24

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Hours after the world clocked out of work and shifted their attention to the weekend, the music community was met with shocking news. It was announced that YSL rapper Lil Keed had died at just the age of 24. The news was shared by his younger brother and fellow YSL rapper Lil Gotit on his social media pages. “Can’t believe I seened u die today bro I did all my cries,” he wrote in a post. “I know what u want me to do and that’s go hard for Mama Daddy Our Brothers Naychur and Whiteboy.” A cause of death for Keed was not revealed as of press time.

Lil Keed began making music back with Lil Gotit in 2017. He released his first project at the beginning of 2018 with Trapped On Cleveland. That year he would go on to release three more projects, Slime Avenue, Trapped On Cleveland 2, and Keed Talk To ‘Em, with the latter two coming after he inked a deal with YSL Records. In the summer of 2019, Keed released his debut album Long Live Mexico which delivered 20 songs and features from Young Thug, Roddy Ricch, Lil Uzi Vert, YNW Melly, Moneybagg Yo, Nav, Gunna, and more.

The following year, he released Trapped On Cleveland 3 and was inducted into the XXL Freshman Class. The 2020 project gave listeners 19 songs with Young Thug, Gunna, Travis Scott, Lil Baby, Future, Ty Dolla Sign, and more. Trapped On Cleveland 3 was extended to 37 songs with a deluxe reissue in fall 2020.

Keed preparing to release his fifth solo mixtape Keed Talk To ‘Em 2 prior to his death. He leaves behind one daughter named Naychur.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Metro Boomin Defends Young Thug After His RICO Arrest: ‘YSL Is Not A Gang And Never Been A Gang Fool’

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Monday night’s news of Young Thug and Gunna’s criminal charges came as a shock to the music world. The two rappers, along with 26 members of the former’s Young Stoner Life (YSL) label were charged with conspiracy to violate the RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act in connection with additional crimes that include murder, armed robbery, and participation in criminal street gang activity. Thug was apprehended at his Georgia home on Monday night while Gunna turned himself in on Wednesday. The ordeal has left some to criticize the rappers while others have come to their defense. Metro Boomin, a frequent collaborator of Thug and Gunna, was one of the people to do the latter.

In a string of tweets, Metro Boomin defended Thug and the YSL collective. “YSL is not a gang and never been a gang fool, YSL is a registered LLC and has provided countless jobs and opportunities for underprivileged black people and really just all people cause that’s how big Thug heart is,” he wrote in one tweet. In another post, Metro said the situation was another example of an influential Black figure being brought down.

“They get terrified every time an iconic black leader emerges with so much influence, respect, power, and appeal so they throw some bullshit charges together to lock him up and slow the movement down,” he wrote. “Look at American history it’s been a pattern for 100+ years.” To conclude his message, Metro shared what he believes the rappers need. “These brothers need love, support, and prayer right now not jokes, criticism, or opinions,” he noted.

Metro’s tweets come after both Thug and Gunna were denied bond in their respective arrests.

You can view the full string of tweets from Metro Boomin below.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group

Young Thug’s Lyrics Are Being Used As Evidence In The Racketeering Indictment Against Him

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Even as efforts to eliminate the use of rap lyrics as evidence in criminal cases continue, one rapper (who was criticized not that long ago for the inscrutability of his rhymes) is facing a federal case in which much of the evidence against him comes from his lyrics. Huffington Post editor Philip Lewis acquired and shared the full 88-page indictment against Young Thug, who is being accused of racketeering by federal authorities who call his label, YSL Records, a criminal organization. The indictment includes several of Young Thug’s lyrics, which Lewis posted to Twitter.

Among them are bars from songs such as “Anybody,” from Thug’s 2018 EP Hear No Evil, his 2014 single “Eww,” Slime Language 2 hit single “Ski,” and “Slatty,” from that same compilation. All are described as “overt act(s) in furtherance of the conspiracy.”

Along with Young Thug, 27 other people including his rap protege Gunna, were charged with 56 counts of murder, armed robbery, and participation in criminal street gang activity. Gunna faces one count of conspiracy, while Thug, YSL’s founder, is accused of renting a car used in a 2015 murder and greenlighting an attempt on fellow rapper YFN Lucci in Fulton County Jail (also on racketeering charges).

Unfortunately, Young Thug isn’t the only rapper to have his rhymes used against him. Bobby Shmurda only recently completed a six-year sentence on similar charges when his lyrics were used against him, and before being released from jail, Drakeo The Ruler had his raps held over his head as the former Los Angeles County District Attorney tried to argue his Stinc Team crew was a criminal organization.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.