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Young Thug’s YSL RICO Trial Keeps Pace in Atlanta Despite Disruptions

May 31, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Young Thug’s trial resumed Thursday at 10 a.m. and will continue Friday at 1 p.m., marking over six months since witness testimony began on Memorial Day.

Jeffery Williams, known as Young Thug, was arrested on May 9, 2022, along with 27 others in Buckhead as part of a 56-count indictment. Two years later, he remains on trial in an Atlanta courtroom. The trial has set records for the longest jury selection process in Georgia history, surpassing the 2014-15 Atlanta Public Schools trial. It is also likely to include a state record for the length of witness testimony.

The trial, which has faced numerous disruptions, began on November 27 with an opening statement from Fulton County Assistant Chief District Attorney Adriane Love. Defense attorneys have expressed concerns that the trial could extend for years due to the extensive witness list.

Delays from the start have marred the ongoing “Young Slime Life” gang trial, and yet again Wednesday, due to technical difficulties. State witness Detective Jason Teague was testifying about a fatal shooting in 2015 when Judge Ural Glanville asked for a 15-minute break. Get this: the internet went out. “It appears our internet is still out or down countywide, at least on this side of the building,” Glanville told attorneys and defendants before dismissing the jury. “These kind of things happen, it’s nobody’s fault.”

Prosecutors allege that YSL (Young Slime Life) is a criminal street gang involved in various offenses, while the defense contends that YSL is merely a record label, Young Stoner Life. Young Thug faces eight criminal counts under Georgia’s RICO law, which targets organized crime. Additionally, he is charged with possession of marijuana and codeine with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, possession of a firearm, and possession of a machine gun.

Defense attorneys argue that Young Thug is not the gang leader prosecutors claim he is. So far, 18 jurors have been selected, including six alternates. Two jurors have been excused: one due to a medical emergency and another due to relocation from Fulton County.

The post Young Thug’s YSL RICO Trial Keeps Pace in Atlanta Despite Disruptions first appeared on The Source.

The post Young Thug’s YSL RICO Trial Keeps Pace in Atlanta Despite Disruptions appeared first on The Source.

TI Thinks Young Thug Is Going To Be Proven Innocent In YSL Trial

May 28, 2024 by newhiphopnews

TI and Young Thug have always been close. They were never on the same label, but the former gave Thug a co-sign when he was starting out, and he hasn’t forgotten it. During a 2023 appearance on the Drink Champs podcast, T.I. claimed that Thug showed more gratitude towards him than artists who had actually signed to his Grand Hustle label. The King of the South has shown love in return, and supported Thug during his ongoing YSL trial. He’s also confident that Thug will be a free man soon.

TI recently went on The Breakfast Club, and one of the first topics he discussed with the YSL trial. He told Charlamagne tha God that he’d been in touch with Young Thug, and both men felt good about the chances of Thug being cleared of his RICO charges. “He comin’ home,” TI asserted. “I don’t think that the prosecution has successfully proven a case of him knowingly and willingly participating in an active street gang. I just don’t see it.” The “No Mediocre” rapper claimed that the witnesses that have been called to testify against Young Thug have not been as convincing as the prosecution had hoped for.

TI Plans To Help Young Thug Rebuild His Career

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A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

“I don’t think that the witnesses they’ve called thus far have proven what they said they would prove,” he noted. “I just don’t think that the grounds of their case have been presented properly. Just ain’t seen it.” Co-host DJ Envy interjected to lament the fact that the YSL case has disrupted Thug’s otherwise huge music career. He also voiced concern over whether Young Thug would be able to regain the momentum he had once he’s freed. TI assured him that he would see to it himself that the rapper would get back on top. “Don’t worry,” he told Envy. “When he come home, we’ll get it right. Just get him here… He’ll be just fine.”

TI knows how to rebuild a career after a legal battle. The rapper spent most of 2007 and 2008 in court over two weapons-related felonies. He eventually pled guilty and served a seven month prison stint the following year. TI returned with the album No Mercy in 2010, which was certified Gold and had features from the likes of Eminem, Drake, and Kanye West. Three years later, TIP was back on top of the charts with the number one single “Blurred Lines” opposite Pharrell and Robin Thicke. Young Thug could not have a better mentor waiting on him.

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Mother of Murder Victim Testifies in YSL Rico Trial

May 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The YSL RICO trial is still going, and this week, the mother of Donovan Thomas Jr., who was shot to death in a 2015 alleged gang-related incident, took the stand in Young Thug’s trial on Monday. This was the only day of witness testimony scheduled for the week as the trial approaches its six-month mark. The trial, which began on November 27, 2023, will hit the six-month mark on Monday, May 27, recognized as Memorial Day. It is scheduled to resume on Tuesday, May 28.

Donovan Thomas Jr., then 26, was murdered in Atlanta’s Castleberry Hill neighborhood. Two other victims were also shot. Shannon Stillwell and Deamonte Kendrick, two of the remaining defendants in Young Thug’s trial, were charged in connection with the shooting.

Thomas’ mother, Shawonna Edmond, testified emotionally about how she learned of her son’s death and the days that followed. Once can’t imagine what she experienced on that day. When prosecutors asked, “Did you lay your son to rest?” she replied, “Yes, yes we did.” Asked when the burial occurred, Edmond tearfully responded, “It was January 17, 2015.”

Prosecutors also called several other witnesses, including an Atlanta police officer. The trial has seen numerous delays, including an incident late last year when Stillwell was stabbed in custody at the Fulton County Jail.

Prosecutors aim to prove that YSL, or Young Slime Life, is a criminal street gang responsible for numerous offenses. Defense attorneys contend that YSL is merely the name of a record label, Young Stoner Life. Jeffery Williams, professionally known as Young Thug, was indicted on May 9, 2022. He is on trial in Fulton County in a significant RICO case involving himself and five other defendants. The trial opened with a statement from Fulton County Assistant Chief District Attorney Adriane Love on November 27, 2023.

Young Thug faces eight criminal counts under a federal law designed to combat organized crime. Georgia, one of 33 states with its own RICO law, allows for the prosecution of criminal enterprises that do not need to exist as long as those under the federal statute.

Defense attorneys have expressed concerns that the trial could extend for years due to the extensive witness list the prosecution intends to call. They argue that Williams is not the leader of an alleged gang as claimed by prosecutors.

Eighteen jurors have been selected, including six alternates. Two jurors have already been excused: one for a medical emergency and the other due to relocating out of Fulton County.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville has expressed frustration with the trial’s slow pace, urging both defense attorneys and prosecutors to be better prepared. He has indicated a willingness to hold court on weekends if necessary, stating, “I have spoken with our sheriff and, consistent with the court, if need be we’ll start having court on Saturday and Sunday.”

In addition to the RICO charges, Williams faces charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of codeine with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, possession of a firearm, and possession of a machine gun. Prosecutors have indicated they plan to call approximately 150 more witnesses.

The post Mother of Murder Victim Testifies in YSL Rico Trial first appeared on The Source.

The post Mother of Murder Victim Testifies in YSL Rico Trial appeared first on The Source.

Rich Homie Quan Subpoenaed By State To Testify In Young Thug/YSL RICO Trial

May 16, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Several reports have confirmed that Atlanta rap mainstay Rich Homie Quan has been called to testify in the YSL RICO trial after being subpoenaed by the state.

X user ThuggerDaily, who previously claimed that Quan has previously given a police statement that will be read in court, reported that Quan, whose real name is Dequantes Lamar, will be taking the stand for the prosecution.

Rich Homie Quan has officially been subpoenaed by the State in the Young Thug case.

He is expected to take the stand in the upcoming few weeks. Just to be clear – this does NOT mean he cooperated or will cooperate. pic.twitter.com/Ug7VI1meOX

— THUGGERDAILY ひ (@ThuggerDaily) May 15, 2024

Lil Wayne may also be called to testify in the trial after prosecutors tried to play videos of Weezy speaking about Young Thug in court. Judge Ural Glanville refused to allow it unless Wayne testified in person.

The issue stems from the 2015 shooting of Wayne’s tour bus which the prosecution claim Thug was behind. The State claim he hired affiliate PeeWee Roscoe to carry it out. Roscoe was eventually sentenced to 10 years in prison and 10 years of probation over the matter, but his conviction was overturned in 2018.

The post Rich Homie Quan Subpoenaed By State To Testify In Young Thug/YSL RICO Trial first appeared on The Source.

The post Rich Homie Quan Subpoenaed By State To Testify In Young Thug/YSL RICO Trial appeared first on The Source.

ATF Agent Gives Testimony in Young Thug YSL RICO Trial in Atlanta

May 16, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Remember that YSL, Young Thug RICO trial? That’s STILL going on and Tuesday’s session in kicked off with the testimony of David Raissi, a special agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Raissi, who previously served in the Cobb County Police Department, provided insights into his investigation of the 2015 Lil Wayne tour bus shooting, which prosecutors aim to link to the alleged YSL gang. Raissi sheds light on his examination of the tour bus, and that matters because he was granted access to survey the damage and gather evidence. Additionally, he delved into the intricate web of phone records surrounding the shooting, adding another layer to the prosecution’s narrative.

ICYMI, the prosecution’s overarching goal is to depict YSL as a criminal street gang responsible for a myriad of offenses. However, defense attorneys vehemently oppose this characterization, asserting that YSL is merely a record label known as Young Stoner Life. Unless you’ve been under a rock, Jeffery Williams, known professionally as Young Thug, finds himself at the center of a massive RICO case alongside five other defendants. But this has been going on for a long time. We’re already 6 months into the trial. Indicted on May 9, 2022, Williams faces eight criminal counts under federal law, originally enacted to combat organized crime. Despite Georgia’s adoption of its own RICO statute, defense attorneys stress that the alleged criminal enterprises need not have a lengthy history, as required by federal law.

Amidst the intricate legal proceedings, concerns loom regarding the trial’s duration, with defense attorneys expressing apprehension about the extensive witness list potentially prolonging the case for years. Attorneys representing Williams challenge the prosecution’s portrayal of the artist as the leader of an alleged gang, underscoring differing viewpoints regarding YSL’s nature and purpose.

Get this, of the 18 jurors selected for the trial, six serve as alternates. Already, two jurors have been excused; one due to a medical emergency and the other following relocation out of Fulton County. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville has been vocal about the trial’s sluggish pace, urging both defense and prosecution to collaborate and streamline proceedings. Judge Glanville’s willingness to hold court sessions on weekends underscores the urgency to expedite the trial process. The jury selection phase, marred with arrests, charges, and disruptions, has set a historical precedent in Georgia’s legal landscape. Basically it is chaotic to say the least. With the potential for a trial spanning over a year, the case rivals previous lengthy legal battles, notably the Atlanta Public Schools teacher scandal of 2014-15.

The post ATF Agent Gives Testimony in Young Thug YSL RICO Trial in Atlanta first appeared on The Source.

The post ATF Agent Gives Testimony in Young Thug YSL RICO Trial in Atlanta appeared first on The Source.

Rich Homie Quan Has Been Officially Subpoenaed In Young Thug Trial

May 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug have had a complicated relationship over the years. The friends and Rich Gang members have beefed and made up, and now they will face each other on different sides of the court. Thugger’s ongoing trial has subpoenaed Rich Homie Quan to testify before the court in the state of Atlanta. According to official court documents, the rapper will take the stand in the next couple weeks.

DJ Akademiks confirmed the existence of the subpoena on his Instagram. The internet personality took a screenshot from the X (formerly Twitter) fan account Thugger Daily, which included the aforementioned court document. Quan has been subpoenaed, but it’s important to note that the rapper has not issued a statement. In other words, he has not confirmed whether he will cooperate or has already cooperated with Atlanta prosecutors. There has already been speculation that Rich Homie Quan “snitched” on his former Rich Gang brother, which he has denied adamantly.

Rich Homie Quan Has Been Ordered To Take The Stand

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In October 2023, the rapper got on Instagram Live to shoot down rumors that he was to blame for Young Thug’s legal situation. “Did I snitch? N**ga, my name ain’t in no paperwork, bro,” he assured fans. “Suck my … did you suck one? Get you up outta here man.” Quan was so adamant that he did not snitch that he offered $1 million to anybody who could prove otherwise. “Find my name on this paperwork,” he added. “Right here, and I’ll give you a million dollars. We could trade [Instagram] Lives.”

Part of the reason fans thought Quan was involved was because footage leaked of the rapper talking about Thug’s YSL organization. The footage gained so much traction in July 2023 that Quan’s manager, Rich Homie Monta, issued a statement. “I don’t think [there’s] a man in this world [that’s] never talked about some type of business or some type of way they felt,” Monta wrote on Instagram. “All you p**sy a*s n**gas do that.”

Young Thug is facing a racketeering conspiracy charge and two gang charges. If convicted, each charge carries a penalty of five to 20 years in prison.

The post Rich Homie Quan Has Been Officially Subpoenaed In Young Thug Trial appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Today In Hip Hop History: Young Thug, Gunna And 26 Other YSL Members Arrested On RICO Charges Two Years Ago

May 9, 2024 by newhiphopnews

On this date in 2022, Young Thug, his former partner Gunna and 26 of their YSL associates were arrested in Fulton County, Georgia and charged in a 56-count Georgia RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act.

Filed by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, the RICO charges against Thug, whose real name is =Jefferey Williams, were confirmed following a search of his home and he was charged with seven additional felonies related to possession of illegal substances and illegal firearms. He was denied bond several times and has remained in the Cobb County Jail since his arrest.

On November 27, 2023, Thug’s state RICO criminal trial officially began. Five of his co-defendants are currently going trial with him as well. On December 12, 2023, it was agreed that the continuation of the trial would be delayed until January 2024 after his co-defendant Shannon Stillwell was stabbed multiple times during a fight that occurred in the Fulton County Jail. The trial resumed on January 2, 2024.

The YSL RICO trial is being recognized as the longest trial in Georgia state history.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Young Thug, Gunna And 26 Other YSL Members Arrested On RICO Charges Two Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Young Thug, Gunna And 26 Other YSL Members Arrested On RICO Charges Two Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Young Thug’s “Hear No Evil” turns 6: Why The EP Is A Critical Entry In His Catalog

May 6, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Since breaking into the rap scene over a decade ago, Young Thug has endeared himself to fans with his unique style. The YSL founder’s main qualities include his genre-bending voice and catchy and innovative flows. Young Thug has a rich catalog, but one of his key releases came on April 13, 2018, when he dropped the EP Hear No Evil. The EP was a surprise as Young Thug had earlier promised not to release any new music. The rapper said he would act deaf for a year and not make any music in solidarity with his deaf brother.

However, Thug, known for his unpredictability, broke that promise with the EP’s release. Even before Young Thug’s Hear No Evil EP dropped, he announced he was changing his name to SEX, much to his fans’ bewilderment. Despite the uncertainty and unpredictability that surrounded Thug at that point, Hear No Evil came and has since remained a critical entry in the Atlanta-born rapper’s catalog. The EP turned six years old this year and still holds significant importance as it showcased Thug’s versatility, collaborations, and impact on the hip-hop scene.

Young Thug’s Experimentation & Musical Versatility

In Young Thug’s Hear No Evil EP, the rapper showcased his willingness to experiment with different styles and musical sounds. It also showcased his musically diverse range of songs in the three-track EP. For instance, the first song in the EP, “Anybody,” featuring Nicki Minaj, was melodic and introspective, while the second track, “Up,” featuring Lil Uzi Vert, had hard-hitting trap beats at its core. Young Thug further displayed a cool flow and high-pitched squeals in “Now,” featuring 21 Savage.

Impressive Features

One of the highlights of Young Thug’s Hear No Evil EP is the rich list of features. Despite being a three-track project, Young Thug pulled in some of the heavyweights of music at the time. Nicki Minaj, Lil Uzi Vert, and 21 Savage’s presence on the EP made it more appealing to pop-craving listeners. Thug remained his usual self, dishing out unconventional rhyme schemes, contrasting with the featured artists who already possess their distinct personalities and qualities.

Impact On Hip-Hop Culture

With Hear No Evil, Young Thug solidified his position as a hip-hop trailblazer. Although the EP didn’t receive rave reviews after its release six years ago, much has changed since then. Six years in, Young Thug has been praised for his lyrical prowess and dexterity, innovative choice of producers, and impressive vocal delivery. Therefore, Young Thug’s status as a trendsetter in the hip-hop genre was much more solidified thanks to the EP.

The influence of Hear No Evil can be felt throughout contemporary hip-hop. The project’s experimental production and Thug’s unconventional rapping style have become hallmarks of the genre. Thug influenced a new generation of artists with his distinct style, with the EP now seen as a blueprint for the sound of modern trap.

A Unique & Unforgettable Video For “Anybody”

Despite failing on his promise not to make music for a year because of his deaf brother before Hear No Evil‘s release, Young Thug still dedicated a video to his sibling. Thugger did so through the video for “Anybody,” featuring Nicki Minaj. In the clip, the song’s lyrics were translated using sign language, paying tribute to Young Thug’s brother and deaf people worldwide. It was a great tribute from Thug and showed his human side and creativity, adding to his already remarkable qualities. Besides the video, Thug also paid tribute to his deaf brother with the EP’s cover art that featured a picture of his beloved sibling. These acts showed in more ways than one how intentional Thug was about showing love to his brother even though he released new music in 2018.

Conclusion

As Hear No Evil marks its sixth anniversary, its impact on Young Thug’s career and hip-hop remains to this day. The EP is a critical entry in Thug’s catalog and showcases how he evolved as an artist. It also showcased his ability to push boundaries in hip-hop. Despite being a three-track project, Young Thug’s Hear No Evil is still a standout project in his discography. It shows how versatile an artist he is while also displaying his collaborative prowess and influence in hip-hop.

The post Young Thug’s “Hear No Evil” turns 6: Why The EP Is A Critical Entry In His Catalog appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

DJ Akademiks Flabbergasted By Being Mentioned During Young Thug YSL Trial

May 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Young Thug has been sorely missed by the entire rap community ever since he was arrested back in May 2022. He was brought in on a 56-count indictment that allegedly saw him head an Atlanta street gang that committed multiple serious crimes. Fans and peers alike are constantly wondering when he will be free, or what his fate will ultimately be. It seems we are far away from any decision as of now. Yak Gotti’s attorney filed a motion recently to shorten the prosecution’s witness list. Currently, the list is at a reported 400. One of those 400 could be DJ Akademiks, as his name was dropped in a recent YSL RICO trial.

There is no confirmation if he is even a suspected witness. But with names like LeBron James and Serena Williams being tossed around, DJ Akademiks has a good chance of being called in. The social media pundit has talked about this lengthy case extensively, so it was not too much of shocker to hear his name talked about. However, Akademiks was sure as hell confused as to why he was mentioned.

DJ Akademiks Gets Called A He/She At YSL RICO Trial

Wat Dey talmbout in dis YSL trial mayne pic.twitter.com/tguKu5F9Vn

— DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) May 1, 2024

In fact, he clipped the portion of the livestream of the highly publicized trial where he was discussed. Wat dey talmbout in dis YSL trial mayne,” AK tweeted. At one point the judge questioned if “he or she” is coming to testify and according to the clip, he is not. Fans in the comments were having a field day with that. The judge also asked how the videos of DJ’s commentary on Thug would be brought up. However, the clip ended just before that explanation.

What are your thoughts on DJ Akademiks being name dropped in the YSL RICO Case? Do you think he will be called to speak at a court trial, why or why not? What do you see happening to Young Thug when this is all set and done? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding DJ Akademiks, Young Thug, and the YSL RICO case. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.

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