Young Thug & YSL RICO Case: Prosecutors Build Their Case Around Rap Lyrics

Young Thug

Young Thug

Young Thug and his affiliated rap collective, YSL, are facing a legal battle as prosecutors have made a motion to build their case around the controversial lyrics in their songs. As the trial unfolds, how these provocative lyrics are allowed to be used as evidence will set a groundbreaking legal precedent. Lyrics Now Being Considered […]

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Young Thug’s YSL RICO Case: Prosecutors Building A Case Based On Rap Lyrics

Young Thug

Young Thug and his affiliated rap collective, YSL, are facing a legal battle as prosecutors have recently decided to build a case centered around the controversial lyrics in their songs. As the trial unfolds, how these provocative lyrics will impact the outcome remains unseen. Lyrics Now Being Considered The motion aims to prove that Young […]

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Which Young Thug Lyrics Are Being Used In Court?

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The trial for the racketeering case against Young Thug still has yet to begin in earnest but today, the rapper got some bad news. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville ruled this morning that his lyrics could be used against him in court despite the controversy surrounding that aspect of the case.

While the specific lyrics in question have always been public record thanks to the 88-page indictment against Thug and YSL, prosecutors read those lyrics aloud in court, arguing that they “prove the nature of YSL as a racketeering enterprise [and] the expectations of YSL as a criminal street gang,” according to Assistant District Attorney Mike Carlson.

The lyrics being used against Thug include snippets from songs like 2018’s “Just How It Is”:

“I just beat a murder rap, paid my lawyer 30 for that”

From 2014’s “Eww”:

“Honestly truth be told YSL won’t fold / Pick his ass off from the balcony/ YSL wipe a n**** nose”

From “Bad Boy” with Juice WRLD:

I shot at his mommy, now he no longer mention me”

“Take It To Trial” with Gunna:

“I rep my life for real/For slimes you know I kill”

Critics of the case say that it discounts the probability of artistic license, that Young Thug is like an actor playing a role in songs like these, or speaking from perspectives not his own. Furthermore, as HipHopDX notes, some of the lyrics are incorrect or misattributed, pointing to shoddy casework on the part of the DA.

Young Thug is accused of being the head of a criminal street gang, YSL, which is collectively accused of crimes including murder, armed robbery, and more. The controversy surrounding the use of lyrics as evidence prompted an array of bills to limit such use, including one federal bill still in Congress. States such as California have already passed their own versions.

Young Thug & YSL’s RICO Trial Will Accept Rap Lyrics As Evidence, Judge Decides

It’s a crucial day for the RICO case against Young Thug and his YSL collective, as Judge Glanville made a pivotal decision in Fulton County on Thursday (November 9) according to WSB-TV’s Channel 2. Moreover, he ruled that prosecutors will be able to use rap lyrics as evidence against Young Stoner Life in court during this trial’s proceedings. However, the judge clarified that this is a conditional admittance for attorneys, as they must still lay a foundation in order to justify their use of any of these seventeen sets of lyrics. While this is a promising caveat, it’s also a very vague one, which puts these artists’ right to free artistic speech in jeopardy.

Brian Steel, Young Thug’s attorney, argued as much, vehemently opposing the use of these lyrics. On the other hand, the prosecution believes that the connective tissue between them and real crimes they indicted these individuals with is too great to ignore. “Your honor, someone can look at that indictment and say one thing’s for sure: that’s not fantasy,” prosecutor Mike Carlson expressed in court. “People are dead and murdered and a gang exists.” Now, it seems like it’s up to Glanville to determine their worth, as well as the recently seated jury.

Read More: YSL RICO Defendant Derontae Bebee Agrees To Plea Deal

Young Thug Performing In 2021

Young Thug YSL RICO Case Rap Lyrics Evidence Hip Hop News
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 17: Rapper Young Thug performs at halftime during the Boston Celtics v Atlanta Hawks game at State Farm Arena on November 17, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

What’s more is that this is an interesting point on the prosecution’s board that comes just days after they had one taken off. Furthermore, Judge Glanville expressed disappointment in these attorneys withholding evidence and their general plan for the court. As such, it looks like Young Thug and YSL’s fate still hasn’t sealed, and it will likely be a very complex case to navigate. Still, the ruling on these lyrics is understandably disappointing: in an industry where artists are pushed to present the worst and most profitable version of themselves in exploitative ways that glorify violence and struggle, taking this collective’s success away due to the artistry they express and have been rewarded for expressing is an egregiously unfair and inhumane double standard.

Meanwhile, that’s not to say that we should ignore actual evidence of crime in the face of this battle. But this is something that will deeply affect not just this trial, but many more rap cases to come. As such, we’ll see if this injustice is what ends up sinking the ship, or if the system can’t find enough evidence to lock them up. On that note, log back into HNHH for the latest news and updates on Young Thug and the YSL RICO case.

Read More: YSL RICO Trial: Prosecution Submits Error-Ridden List Of Song Lyrics To Use As Evidence

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Judge Glanville Rules for Lyrics to be Used in YSL Trial

Here Comes the Judge: Meet Ural D. Glanville, the Judge in Charge of the Young Thug/YSL Case

With a trial date set for the YSL Rico case, a Fulton County judge ruled to allow song lyrics to be used as evidence under certain conditions.

According to WSB-TV, Judge Ural Glanville conditionally admitted 17 sets of lyrics that prosecutors can use as evidence against Young Thug and his five remaining co-defendants. There must be grounds to use the lyrics in court.

In opposition to the ruling, Young Thug’s attorney, Brian Steel, stated the decision was against free speech. Meanwhile, the prosecutor saw it as deeper.

“Your honor, someone can look at that indictment and say one thing’s for sure, that’s not fantasy, people are dead and murdered and a gang exist,” said Mike Carlson, prosecutor.

Earlier this week, another co-defendant in the YSL RICO case reached a plea deal. Derontae Bebee has accepted a 15-year sentence, split into five years in prison with ten years in probation.

According to Fox 5-Atlanta, Bebee, also known as “Bee” and “B,” agreed to the plea deal with Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville. Bebee’s attorney, Durante Partridge, stated a high level of work went into the deal. “We’ve worked very hard on this,” Partridge said.

He added, “Fifteen serve 5 versus the opportunity to serve life plus in prison, you know, we definitely moved in the right direction.”

Judge Glanville urged Bebee to set a new life for himself. “You’re 23 years old, you’ve had enough trials in your life at this point in time,” he said. “Time to be able to reclaim your own life.”

After the deal, there are six defendants, including Young Thug, set to go to trial on Nov. 27.

The jury selection in the YSL Rico cause is coming to a close. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 50 jurors have qualified for the case, and there was a selection of 12 jurors and six alternates. The trial date is expected to start on Nov. 27.

According to 11Alive, Judge Ural Glanville would begin seating the jury on Wednesday, Nov. 1. The seating comes from the Georgia speedy trial law.

Young Thug put in a request for a speedy trial after his arrest last year but the jury selection process began in January and has lasted until the decision from Glanville. The selection is considered to be “the longest in Georgia” history.

Recent attempts to secure a bond for Young Thug have been denied, as Young THug’s legal team states he is struggling with jail conditions and has gained weight.

The post Judge Glanville Rules for Lyrics to be Used in YSL Trial first appeared on The Source.

The post Judge Glanville Rules for Lyrics to be Used in YSL Trial appeared first on The Source.

YSL RICO Trial Update: Fulton County DA Argues For Rap Lyrics As Evidence

Young Thug

​​Young Stoner Life (YSL) is facing legal scrutiny as prosecutors argue that the rap lyrics of the label’s artists are evidence of criminal activity, shedding light on a unique legal debate. Additionally, YSL is alleged to have connections to a local street gang, adding further complexity to the case. Lyrics Used As Evidence? As the […]

The post YSL RICO Trial Update: Fulton County DA Argues For Rap Lyrics As Evidence appeared first on SOHH.com.

Busta Rhymes Reveals New Single With Young Thug Coming Soon

Busta Rhymes is one of the most exciting and animated rappers of all time. He always knows how to bring tons of energy to any track. Soon, we are going to be getting another full project from him to enjoy. In fact, it will be just a few more weeks until that time comes. Busta announced his 11th full-length studio release, BLOCKBUSTA on his Instagram a few weeks ago. “IT’S TIME!! 11.24.23 #BLOCKBUSTA 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯 ALBUM ARTWORK CURATED BY @mikeamiri
ALBUM EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY THE 🐉 x @therealswizzz x @pharrell x @timbaland.”

It certainly looks to be a blockbuster of a project, especially with three of the best producers the genre has ever seen. Additionally, we already have some knowledge of guest artists as well. Busta has put out two singles ahead of the LP. The lead cut brought on BIA for “BEACH BALL.” Then, we got “LUXURY LFE” with another up-and-coming female rap star, Coi Leray. Now, the New York legend is getting to team up with Young Thug.

Read More: Rick Ross “Doubts” 50 Cent Beef Is Squashable: “Everything [He] Does Sucks”

Busta Rhymes’ New Track Will Be Called “Ok”

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Busta Rhymes (@bustarhymes)

According to Uproxx, the song will be titled “Ok,” and it will be coming on Friday, November 10. This comes from Busta himself with a short Instagram video. On top of hyping the album once again, he included the details about his work with Thugger. “NEW SINGLE #OK FT. @thuggerthugger1 DROPPING 11.10.23!!” This will be the first song they are on together. It should be an entertaining cut from start to finish.

What are your initial thoughts on this upcoming single, “Ok,” with Busta Rhymes and Young Thug? Will this be one of the best collaborations of the year? Are you looking forward to Busta’s next project, BLOCKBUSTA? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Busta Rhymes and Young Thug, as well as everything else going on around the music world.

Read More: Nicki Minaj Sparks Rumors Of Reconciliation With Remy Ma In Cryptic Instagram Post

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Young Thug’s Latest Verse Will Be On Busta Rhymes’ Upcoming Single, ‘OK’

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Earlier in the week, Azealia Banks had some pretty vile and defamatory things about Busta Rhymes. But when you have other hip-hop friends like Young Thug, it cancels out. Although the “From A Man” rapper is currently incarcerated, that hasn’t stopped Thug’s team from keeping his musical legacy going. In fact, Young Thug’s latest guest verse will appear on Busta Rhymes’ upcoming single, “Ok.” Today (November 8), Busta Rhymes took to his official Instagram page to share the news.

In a video clip taken during a recent performance, Busta Rhymes, alongside his longtime friend and collaborative partner Spliff Star, spoke about the forthcoming record. “We are officially 17 days away from the release of the biggest album on the biggest day in the biggest moment! [My] brand new album ‘Blockbusta’ is dropping 11/24/23! My new single [Ok] featuring Young Thug is dropping [this Friday] 11/10/23,” read the post’s caption.

Busta Rhymes revealed that the song is produced by record production and songwriting duo Cool & Dre. During his performance, the crowd joined Busta Rhymes in an erupting chant of ‘Free Young Thug.’

Blockbusta is out 11/24 via Epic Records. Find more information here.

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

YSL RICO Defendant Derontae Bebee Agrees To Plea Deal

The newest chapter in the YSL RICO trial came from yet another defendant cutting a plea deal. The newest is Derontae Bebee who got a relatively solid plea deal in his exit from the legal proceedings. He was sentenced to 15 years via the plea deal. Though lucky for him only 5 of it is jail time and the remaining 10 are on probation. As No Jumper notes, there are only 6 active defendants left among the original 28 indicted, though one of the 6 remaining is Young Thug.

After months of delays and more than a full year behind bars Young Thug’s case is finally moving in the direction of a trial. Last week, a sitting jury was finalized for the remaining defendants. That means that the case is likely headed to trial at the currently scheduled date, later this month. Opening arguments are scheduled to commence on November 27, though estimates for how long the trial itself could last vary wildly. Check out the most recent news on the YSL RICO indictment below.

Read More: Billie Eilish Raps Along To Young Thug’s “Power:” Watch

Another YSL Defendant Pleas Out

Young Thug’s case has continued to generate support from the rap world at large. Meek Mill spoke confidently in his belief that Thugger will be able to beat his case. Sexyy Red also called for Thug to be freed while cracking jokes about how fans often say they look alike. She called Thug her “twin” in a post that also demanded his release.

Much of the delays in the trial have been to decide what is and isn’t admissible as evidence. Young Thug recently took a hit in that department as comments he made about a shooting on Lil Wayne’s tour bus were ruled admissible. The case also reopened a public debate about whether rap lyrics should be used against defendants in court. What do you think of 22 of the 28 YSL RICO defendants taking plea deals as Young Thug’s trial date approaches? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Young Thug Court Photo Has Fans Thinking He Put On Weight

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