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Young Thug Requested A Probation Exemption To Allow Contact With Gunna

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All those folks who spent the past couple of years calling Gunna a snitch and saying he sold out Young Thug will need to clean some egg off their faces. As part of his plea deal to secure his release, Thugger specifically asked Judge Paige Reece Whitaker to make an exception to his probation stipulation barring contact with his racketeering co-defendants: Gunna. While noting that Gunna is signed to Thug’s label, YSL Records, Thug’s attorney, Brian Steel, also reminded the court that the two frequently perform together. Thug also requested an exception for his brother Quantavious Grier, also known as Unfoonk, who is serving a nine-year sentence after accepting a plea deal of his own.

It was the plea deal accepted by Gunna that prompted suspicions that the younger rapper had “turned rat” on his mentor, with former collaborators like Lil Baby and Lil Durk deeming Gunna a snitch. Gunna addressed such accusations on his 2023 album A Gift & A Curse, while Young Thug’s father stood up for his son’s protégé, asserting that nothing he could say would harm Thug’s defense anyway. Thug’s request suggests that the two rappers are still on good terms — meaning that a follow-up to “Surf,” “Ski,” and “Pushin P” could be on the way soon.

Young Thug Has Pled Guilty To Racketeering In Exchange For His Release

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Young Thug will at last be released from custody after accepting a plea deal in his racketeering case. According to Billboard, Thug agreed to plead “no contest” to racketeering and pled guilty to possession of drugs and firearms, and was sentenced to 15 years probation. He will serve no prison time; he was jailed for over two years as his trial dragged on, becoming the longest in Georgia state history.

Thug opted for a non-negotiated guilty plea after several days of closed-door negotiations with prosecutors. This allowed Judge Paige Reese Whitaker to determine the sentence herself after she found herself losing patience with the prosecutions’ antics. The trial, which didn’t even start in earnest until earlier this year, would have called nearly a hundred witnesses, and with just the first handful necessitating days of delays, stalled testimonies, secret ex parte meetings, a criminal contempt charge against the defense (since rescinded), and not just one, but two judges’ recusals, it’s probably fair to say that all parties involved were ready to get this thing over with.

The trial had already drawn heavy backlash for its application of Georgia’s state Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and use of lyrics as evidence, which some observers criticized for racist motivations. Meanwhile, prosecutors wanted Thug sentenced to 25 years in prison, with another 20 on probation, accusing him of leading a criminal organization responsible for a wave of violent crime in the Atlanta area. The District Attorney’s office alleged that Thug’s record label, Young Stoner Life (YSL), was secretly a front for a street gang, Young Slime Life, with a list of violations including murder, attempted murder, robbery, assault, and distribution of drugs.

Several other co-defendants, including YSL rapper Yak Gotti, declined the plea deal, however; they will continue to stand trial for crimes including the alleged 2015 murder of a supposed rival gang leader, Donovan Thomas.

Young Thug’s Conditions Of Release Include No Contact With YSL Members

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Young Thug is a free man. The rapper accepted a plea deal was sent home on Halloween with 15 years probation. It’s a storybook ending to a trial that was defined by its length and its seemingly endless array of drama. Young Thug made a statement following his release in which he vowed to turn over a new leaf. “I’m older, I’m grown now. I’m smarter,” the rapper told Judge Paige Reese Whitaker. “It’s more things to rap about.” To help keep Thugger on the straight and narrow, however, he has been given a detailed list of conditions for release.

Young Thug is banned from the Metro Atlanta for 10 years. There will be exceptions, however, for events like family weddings, funerals, and graduations. He’s also banned from promoting gangs or gang culture in any way, shape or form. Judge Paige Reese Whitaker decreed that Young Thug will use his high profile to campaign against gangs, in fact. The rapper has been ordered to do four presentations or concerts a year that are explicitly against gang violence. The most notable condition that was put forth with regards to Thug’s release, however, was that he not have any contact with gang members or YSL affiliates.

Read More: Yak Gotti Refuses Plea Deal Amid YSL RICO Trial

Young Thug Can No Longer Promote Gangs In His Music

The rapper’s affiliation with YSL is what led to his criminal charges in the first place, and the law wants to ensure he doesn’t fall back into his old ways. There are two exceptions to the “no contact with gang members” rule. Young Thug will be allowed to speak with his brother, Quantavious Grier, and fellow YSL rapper Gunna. Grier is currently serving a nine year prison sentence after violating his probation in 2023. Which brings us to the consequences. If Thug does not adhere to these conditions of release, than the rapper will be sentenced to prison for at least two decades.

Judge Whitaker noted that she is hopeful Thugger will turn over a new leaf, but if he does not, then he will severely punished. The good news is that Young Thug will be able to resume his rap career without any major complications. He may not be able to rhyme about gangs anymore, but he will be allowed to travel for work and to make music with other artists.

Read More: Young Thug Trial: Two More Co-Defendants Accept Plea Deals

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Drake Claims He’s Spending Money To Help Young Thug Beat RICO Charge

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Young Thug is beloved in the rap game. The Atlanta icon is a true original who has racked up hits with just about every notable artist of the last decade. He has, however, had his career drastically slow down due to a RICO charge. The rapper has been on trial since 2022, and is looking at five to 20 years behind bars if convicted. Several of Thugger’s peers have voiced their support on social media, but Drake made it clear that he’s doing more. The Toronto superstar hopped on Instagram to claim that he’s putting his money where his mouth is.

Drake posted a IG selfie on October 10. The rapper did his infamous duck face, but the caption had a far more serious tone. “I ain’t talking to talk man,” he assured followers. “I really put 🥖on the 💼 3 Jeff.” He doesn’t mention Young Thug by his professional name, but the emojis and the mention of “Jeff”, Thug’s real name, make his message clear. Drizzy didn’t get into detail as to how much he’s spending on Thug, or what he’s spending it on, but he’s proven to be good for it. Top5, another Toronto artist, was recently released from prison, and he thanked Drake for the help. “Shoutout big bro @champagnepapi for the Lawyer Fees & Gary Grill for being the best lawyer in Toronto,” Top5 wrote on Instagram.”

Read More: Drake Proclaims His PARTYNEXTDOOR Collab Album Will Be A “Classic”

Drake Has Repeatedly Voiced Support For Thugger

Drake has also been following the Young Thug case closely. He was disappointed to learn that phone call between Thugger and his girlfriend, Mariah the Scientist, was leaked in January. He got on an Akademiks live stream to voice his frustration. Sh*t is disgraceful,” he wrote in the comment section. “Gotta be some form of jail misconduct… You gonna drag this talented man then not be able to control your employees using his personal business for their own gain?” Drake has also shown love on the music side of things.

The 6 God had two guest verses on BUSINESS IS BUSINESS, Young Thug’s last album. He also talked about Thug’s predicament on the recent song, “It’s Up.” He admitted that he’s worried for the safety and well-being of the former Rich Gang star. “I can’t sleep at night with Thug at Cobb County Corrections” he rapped. “I think he did enough reflecting, I think my brother learned his lesson.” Drake and Thugger have had hits dating back to 2017. Their biggest joint single, “Way 2 Sexy,” topped the Billboard Hot 100 back in 2021. It remains Thug’s last number one to date.

Read More: KSI Thanks Drake For Cosigning His Virally Clowned Trippie Redd Collab

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Young Thug’s YSL RICO Trial: An Update On Everything That’s Happened So Far In The Trial (Update For October 2024)

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The racketeering trial against Young Thug has slogged into its 140th day, and while not much of note has happened for the past 9 months since the last update, in the past month or so, there have been enough updates to fill a new primer. So, here’s everything that’s happened so far in the trial.

What Is Young Thug Charged With In The YSL RICO Trial?

Young Thug is accused of violating Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. The state argues that Young Stoner Life, Thug’s label, is actually a cover for Young Slime Life, a violent street gang responsible for assault, dealing drugs, and murder in the Atlanta area. Thug was also charged with possession of illegal firearms and possession of drugs with intent to distribute after a raid on his home.

What Are The Updates In Young Thug’s YSL RICO Trial?

In June, Young Thug’s defense attorney, Brian Steel, was charged with criminal contempt of court and taken into custody after refusing to tell Judge Ural Glanville how he found out about a meeting between the judge and the prosecution that took place without the defense present.

The resulting kerfuffle led to a number of attorneys in Georgia banding together to petition for a mistrial while helping Steel prepare his appeal. The uproar prompted a recusal hearing on July 1, resulting in Glanville being removed from the trial. His immediate replacement, Shukura Ingram, also recused herself, citing a situation in which her court deputy was discovered to have had an inappropriate relationship with one of the defendants in the case. She was replaced by Judge Paige Reese Whitaker.

This turned out to be a setback for the prosecution, as on September 30, Whitaker criticized Chief Assistant District Attorney Adriane Love for her handling of the case so far. Whitaker chastised the prosecutor for “hiding the ball” and “throwing this case together as you try it.” While Whitaker did not grant a mistrial — the latest round of motions for mistrial in the longest trial in Georgia history — it’s clear that even the court itself is beginning to lose patience with the case.

That’s where things stand as of this writing. The trial is still expected to continue into 2025, with more than 100 witnesses yet to testify.

Young Thug’s Mistrial Motion Was Denied Even After The Judge Criticized The Prosecution’s Case

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Yesterday (September 30), the Young Thug racketeering trial featured yet another explosive twist after the judge presiding over the proceedings lit into the prosecutors for presenting such a sloppy case. However, despite this, the defense’s request for a mistrial has been denied yet again, as the trial enters its 139th day.

Judge Paige Reese Whitaker appeared to be fed up with Chief Assistant District Attorney Adriane Love’s behavior for the past month, saying, “It is baffling to me that somebody with the number of years of experience that you have, time after time after time, continues to seemingly and purposefully hide the ball to the extent you possibly can, for as long as you possibly can.

“I really don’t want to believe that it is purposeful, but honestly, after a certain number of times, you start to wonder how can it be anything but that,” she continued. “Unless it is just that you are so unorganized that you are throwing this case together as you try it.”

Judge Whitaker was assigned to the trial after its previous judge, Ural Glanville, was removed in the wake of controversy surrounding his declaring Young Thug’s defense attorney, Brian Steel, in criminal contempt of court.

The Young Thug Trial Judge Suggested The Prosecution Is ‘Throwing The Case Together’ As She Considered Mistrial

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The judge in the ongoing racketeering trial against Young Thug appears to have reached the end of her patience with the prosecution. Judge Paige Reese Whitaker upbraided Chief Assistant District Attorney Adriane Love for the presentation of the State of Georgia’s case during court today, just ahead of considering a mistrial motion filed by the defense.

“I don’t want to malign the prosecutor standing in front of me right now, so I’m not going to say the possible things it could be,” Whitaker said. “It is baffling to me that somebody with the number of years of experience that you have, time after time after time, continues to seemingly and purposefully hide the ball to the extent you possibly can, for as long as you possibly can. I really don’t want to believe that it is purposeful, but honestly, after a certain number of times, you start to wonder how can it be anything but that. Unless it is just that you are so unorganized that you are throwing this case together as you try it.”

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the trial has become the longest in Georgia state history as a result of numerous delays, many the direct result of the DA’s office’s presentation of its case, as well as issues with its previous judge, who was removed and replaced by Whitaker earlier this summer. The trial, which was to have begun in 2021, still has over 100 witnesses to get through, and if not declared a mistrial, is expected to continue into next year.

Young Thug is accused of one count of conspiracy to violate Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, possession of a firearm while committing a felony; possession of a machine gun; two counts of participating in criminal street activity; and three counts of violating the Georgia Controlled Substances Act. The DA’s office says Thug was the co-founder and leader of a criminal street gang, Young Slime Life — which not so coincidentally shares initials with his label, Young Stoner Life. The State believes that the label is a cover for and funds the gang’s activities, which include a string of violent crimes such as murder, robbery, and assault.

Young Thug Receives Sympathetic Message From His Record Label Amid Lengthy Trial Process

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YSL Records is backing Young Thug during his ongoing trial. Thug founded the label in 2016 which plays host to Gunna and formerly Lil Baby. YSL’s existence became a point of contention during Thug’s ongoing racketeering trial. Prosecutors argued that YSL was actually a gang, and that Thug has been quietly building a crime ring in Atlanta. The indictment named Gunna as well, but he was quickly released. Thug’s trial started in November 2023. Improper relationships and general questions surrounding the circumstances of the case have marred the proceedings. As of July 25, 2024, Thug’s trial is officially the longest in Georgia history.

Several judges have recused themselves from what has become one of the most controversial cases in recent memory. Previous judge Ural Glanville was recused following an off-the-record meeting with a member of the defense. Judge Shukura L. Ingram came next. She didn’t last long in the role either, as she recused herself only a couple of days later. She explained that her deputy previously engaged in an inappropriate relationship with Young Thug’s co-defendant, Big Bhris. Ingram alleged that her deputy tried to sneak contraband into jail for him. She argued that those facts could impact the court’s impartiality. Judge Paige Reese Whittaker is now in charge of the proceedings. Amidst all the drama, YSL Records showed support for the head of their label.

YSL Calls For Young Thug’s Release

“United States Constitution, Sixth Amendment: “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial…” #FreeJeffery #BondNow #FreeOurArt #ProtectBlackArt,” YSL’s Instagram caption reads. Thug has been on trial for nearly nine months. With mounting questions about the reliability of those in charge, questions about the trial’s fairness arose as well.

Regardless, he and lawyer Brian Steele are likely to have felt relief from the change in judges to someone that hopefully has no prior engagement with anyone involved in the case. After Glanville’s recusal, Steele issued a statement about the case, emphasizing the fact that Thug is seeking a “speedy” and “fair” trial with an impartial judge. Those are sentiments echoed in the latest YSL post. Hopefully, this trial reaches a conclusion soon, with a result determined solely by the evidence presented and not other agendas.

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Young Thug Attempts To Get Bond From New Judge In YSL RICO Case

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Young Thug and his attorney, Brian Steele, have filed another motion attempting to get bond as the YSL RICO trial has received a new judge, Paige Reese Whitaker. They argue Thug has strong ties to the community and isn’t a flight risk. Additionally, they say he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“In the Great State of Georgia, unlike other States, for purposes of pretrial bond analysis, the presumption of innocence remains with the person accused of an offense, even a capital offense, from arrest and even during trial…” the motion reads. “That means, prior to and during trial, Courts view the criminally accused to be innocent of the charges waged against him/her. It has been written that the most fundamental premise of our criminal justice system is that the criminally accused cannot be punished for an offense until the prosecution proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt… Thus, the granting of a reasonable pretrial bond must be preserved. Otherwise, the presumption of innocence, secured only after centuries of struggle, would lose its meaning.”

Read More: Young Thug & YSL’s New Judge Suggests Trial Might Delay Until August

Brian Steel, attorney for rapper Young Thug, right, arrives at the Fulton County. Courthouse on November 27, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia. Opening statements are set to begin in the case against 31-year-old US rapper Young. Thug and 28 others, who are facing a racketeering indictment accusing the defendants of a number of offenses that support an overarching conspiracy charge, including murder, assault, carjacking, drug dealing, and theft. (Photo by Christian MONTERROSA / AFP) (Photo by CHRISTIAN MONTERROSA/AFP via Getty Images)

Whitaker took over as the presiding judge in the case after Ural Glanville’s recusal, earlier this month. “I would like for us to maintain a degree of decorum and dignity and professionalism that is what is expected of all of us as members of the bar,” Whitaker said. “I’m here to give everybody a fair trial, a fair shake, and follow the law.” To that end, she’s banned headphones and eating in the courtroom.

Whitaker is currently catching up on pending motions and all that she’s missed since the trial began. In turn, the jury will not return until August 5. Be on the lookout for further updates on Young Thug and the ongoing YSL RICO trial on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: YFN Lucci Receives Co-Sign From Fani Willis As He Continues To Push For Early Release

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The Young Thug Trial Got Its New Judge — Who Also Recused Herself Two Days Later

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The high-profile racketeering case against Young Thug was assigned a new judge after the old one was removed, but the new judge is already off the case. According to local news coverage, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Shukura Ingram was randomly assigned to the case on Monday (July 15), but today filed an Order of Recusal taking herself off the case.

Her reason for recusing herself was to avoid any appearance of favoritism or bias after it was revealed last June that her court deputy was involved in an inappropriate relationship with one of the YSL case’s co-defendants, Christian Eppinger. The former deputy had been assigned to Judge Ingram’s courtroom for almost six months by the time the relationship was discovered, and the deputy was arrested.

The deputy, identified by local news as Akeiba Stanley, was arrested after Fulton County deputies seized Eppinger’s attorney Eric Johnson’s laptop, after discovering it was being used to allow him to communicate with alleged YSL members not in custody. Stanley also allegedly used a phone to communicate with Eppinger, visited him in his jail cell, and tried to smuggle contraband into the jail for him.

Although Ingram maintained in her order that she didn’t think the connection constituted any “actual bias for or against any party to this case” (a pretty boilerplate response for this situation), she acknowledged that it could affect public perception. A new judge, Paige Reese Whitaker, has been assigned to the case. The prior one, Judge Ural Glanville, was recused after a third-party review following his order to hold Thug’s attorney Brian Steel in criminal contempt of court.