In December 2022, Gunna “entered a negotiated plea, known as an Alford plea, in which a defendant doesn’t admit he committed the crime but acknowledges that it is in his best interest to plead guilty,” as initially reported by WSB-TV. Gunna and Young Thug had been among 28 YSL members arrested in May 2022 and charged with in a 56-count grand injury indictment, including Racketeer Influenced And Corrupt Organizations (RICO) allegations. Gunna’s decision to take a plea deal sparked scrutiny with many calling Gunna a “snitch,” especially considering Young Thug is facing nine charges in the ongoing YSL RICO trial.
“I’m still signed to YSL,” he said. “I’m still providing. We still pushin’. No paperwork has been changed. So, it’s like, whatever’s been getting and how we’ve been pushin’ this sh*t, it’s still going.”
It’s unclear when the video was shot and for whom, but Gunna expressed a similar sentiment about Young Thug for his XXL Magazine cover story in April: “It’s the same. It’s love, always. Our relationship is our relationship.”
Young Thug, born Jeffrey Williams, has gained a significant following in the hip-hop community over the years, but what is his net worth in 2024? This article will explore the factors contributing to Young Thug’s impressive net worth.
Young Thug’s Net Worth
As of 2024, the Atlanta-born rapper’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Early Life & Breakthrough In The Music Industry
EAST POINT, GEORGIA – APRIL 22: Rapper Young Thug attends Young Stoner Life Meet & Greet at DTLR Camp Creek on April 22, 2021 in East Point, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Young Thug’s journey to fame began with the release of his mixtapes in 2011, which helped him gain attention in the Atlanta rap scene. However, his career didn’t take off until 2013, when his mixtape, 1017 Thug, received critical acclaim. Collaborations with popular artists such as Gucci Mane, Rich Homie Quan, and Birdman further boosted his profile, leading to more lucrative opportunities in the music industry.
Young Thug: Chart-Topping Albums & Singles
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 19: Young Thug performs onstage during the 2021 Life Is Beautiful Music & Art Festival on September 19 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for Life is Beautiful Music & Art Festival)
A key contributor to Young Thug’s net worth has been his successful releases as a solo artist and in collaboration with others. In 2015, he released his first platinum single, “Best Friend,” which solidified his status as an influential artist. Additionally, his collaborative mixtape with Future, Super Slimey, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart in 2017, proving his commercial appeal.
His 2019 album, So Much Fun, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and featured the hit single “Hot,” which peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. This album increased his earnings and demonstrated his staying power in the industry.
Young Thug: Touring & Live Performances
ATLANTA, GA – JULY 17: Young Thug performs at 107.9 Birthday Bash 25 at Center Parc Credit Union Stadium at Georgia State University on July 17, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.(photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)
Touring and live performances have been essential in adding to Young Thug’s net worth. He has toured with popular artists like J. Cole and 21 Savage, headlined his own shows, and participated in major music festivals such as Rolling Loud and Coachella. These live events have provided a significant source of income for the rapper and helped him expand his fan base.
Endorsements & Business Ventures
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 27: Drake and Young Thug attend the Summer Sixteen Concert After Party at The Mansion Elan on August 27, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
Like many successful artists, Young Thug has ventured into other areas outside of music. He has partnered with various brands for endorsements and sponsorships, including Puma and Calvin Klein. These deals have undoubtedly contributed to his overall wealth. In 2016, Young Thug launched his own record label, YSL Records, which has signed several artists, including Gunna and Lil Keed. This business venture allows him to profit not only from his own music but also from the success of the artists he mentors.
Philanthropy & Giving Back
BURBANK, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 02: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Young Thug performs onstage during the iHeartRadio Album Release Party with Lil Baby at the iHeartRadio Theater on March 02, 2020 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartMedia )
While Young Thug has amassed significant wealth, he has not been shy about giving back to his community. In 2017, he donated the proceeds from one of his concerts to Planned Parenthood. Additionally, he has been involved in various charitable endeavors, such as supporting his hometown of Atlanta during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion/TLDR
Young Thug’s estimated net worth of $4 million in 2024 is a testament to his hard work and dedication to his craft. From chart-topping albums and singles to successful tours and business ventures, the rapper has established himself as a major player in the hip-hop industry. With his unique style and undeniable talent, likely, Young Thug’s net worth will only continue to grow in the coming years.
It has been a little over two months since our last Everything To Know post about the ongoing Young Thug racketeering trial, and a lot has happened since then. We’ll cover the basics, but also everything that we weren’t able to update as the trial continued.
What Is Young Thug Charged With In The YSL RICO Trial?
Young Thug was accused of violating Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. The RICO law was intended to curtail organized crime — think the “leave the gun, take the cannoli” guys — but a broad application of the law is being used to prosecute this case. 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.
28 members of YSL including Gunna, Yak Gotti, and Unfook, Young Thug’s brother, were indicted, with Thug being accused of being the leader of this gang. Although he was only accused of violating the RICO Act at first, a raid of his home added charges of possession of illegal firearms and possession of drugs with intent to distribute.
Young Thug is facing additional felony charges after investigators discover drugs and guns while raiding his Buckhead home. @wsbtvpic.twitter.com/gWDtmYVGza
Veteran Georgia defense attorney Brian Steel is working with Young Thug. Steel claims the use of Young Thug’s lyrics as evidence is racist.
Why Are Young Thug’s Lyrics Being Used As Evidence?
The state’s case against Young Thug hinges on proving his membership and leadership of YSL as a gang. Young Thug’s lyrics made frequent mention of YSL, so they would like to use his own words to prove that he is the YSL shot caller — but they also have to prove that YSL is a gang in the sense of committing organized criminal activity.
Which Young Thug Lyrics Are Being Used As Evidence In The Case?
The lyrics in question come from a variety of songs, including “Just How It Is”:
“I just beat a murder rap, paid my lawyer 30 for that”
2014’s “Eww”:
“Honestly truth be told YSL won’t fold / Pick his ass off from the balcony/ YSL wipe a n**** nose”
“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”
What Are The Updates In Young Thug’s YSL RICO Trial?
Since the start of the trial, it’s been delayed a number of times. In December, the trial was paused after a co-defendant, Shannon Stilwell, was stabbed in jail.
Meanwhile, video from a jail call between Thug and his girlfriend Mariah The Scientist was leaked online, prompting Drake to call out the authorities for failing to take the case seriously.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
While the Young Thug trial took a break, the Atlanta rapper wound up trending for something else entirely last night. Late in the afternoon, a clip of a video call between Thug and his rumored girlfriend, Atlanta singer Mariah The Scientist, began circulating on Twitter (in case you’re new here, I refuse to call it “X”). While the content of the call was pretty wholesome, tame, and tender, it’s got one person specifically riled up.
Drake, who has been notable throughout his career for skirting issues of politics and current events, commented on a post about video on Instagram, then took a screenshot of his comment, posting it to his Instagram Story for the world to see. “This gotta be some form of jail misconduct,” he argued. “You gonna drag this talented man then not be able to control your employees using his personal business for their own gain?”
“Somebody benefitted from this video even existing and that’s shameful,” he explained. “Whole case is a wash. Just [free] the guy and let him come home and continue bringing light to Atlanta.”
Why Is Drake Upset About Young Thug’s Jail Call With Mariah The Scientist Leaking?
So, Drake has a point. While inmates can have their calls recorded on visitation day, the way the phone system is set up, the recordings go to a server within the jail which only specific jail employees have access to. I confirmed this with a family friend who installed and set up similar systems at other jails. Virtually the only way that gossip sites could have accessed this recording is for either a jail employee or the contractors who maintain the system (all employees of the state) to save and send the snippet, likely for money being paid by the gossip site.
This is almost definitely a misuse of that authority, which underlines the perception of corruption in the penal system that both rappers and cultural critics alike have been pointing out for years. Young Thug’s case is already under intense scrutiny due to its use of the rapper’s lyrics as evidence of violations of Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced And Corrupt Organizations (RICO) law, with observers questioning the state’s interpretation of Black music as documentary rather than literary.
Drake’s Story post included an addendum; calling the case “disgraceful,” he wondered, “Is this a criminal case or Atlanta social media promo, Ural Glanville?” Here, he alludes to the sentiment that the authorities involved in the case are merely using Thug’s status as a famous rapper to raise their own political profiles. While District Attorney Fani Willis is the one who prosecuted the case in the first place, Judge Glanville is the one who allowed the use of Thug’s lyrics as evidence. Notably, Willis is also prosecuting Donald Trump for his attempt to change the outcome of the 2020 presidential election — and not coincidentally, that case also alleges a “criminal racketeering enterprise.”
However, Thug’s case has devolved into what could ungenerously be described as a media circus. Earlier this week, prosecutors moved to make witness testimonies audio-only, and the proceedings have been interrupted numerous times. In one incident, the Zoom call allowing several participants to attend virtually was broken into by a fan yelling “Free Young Thug! Mistrial!” All of this has drawn more eyes to the case but sapped the court and District Attorney of credibility. With employees of the state also trying to enrich themselves inappropriately with footage of Thug and Mariah’s intimate moments, public sentiment toward the case has to be at an all-time low.
Whether or not Young Thug actually headed up a violent street gang is almost beside the point. It’s the prosecution’s job to find real evidence that he committed crimes, not to try to criminalize artistic expression. There’s a belief that Thug could do more to benefit his hometown using the fruits of that expression to give back — in Drake’s words, “bringing light to Atlanta” — than languishing in a cell for things he only rapped about. As it stands, it looks like the only people benefitting from Young Thug’s incarceration are corrupt officers of the state.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
In the dynamic world of hip hop, Jerrika Karlae stands as a remarkable artist. She has combined her musical talents with business acumen to discover a significant niche. Her journey in the industry is characterized by an astute understanding of the rap scene and a knack for creating resonant music. Karlae’s career is marked by her ability to navigate the complexities of fame while maintaining her unique artistic identity. As of 2024, her endeavors in music and business have culminated in a remarkable net worth of $6 million, as reported by Idol Net Worth. This symbolizes her financial success and her influence in the music world.
The Beat Of Her Own Drum: Karlae’s Rise In Music
ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 10: Kali and Jerrika Karlae attend Kali Toxic Chocolate .Album Release Party at Aura Lounge on March 10, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)
Karlae’s emergence in the music scene was a spectacle of talent and ambition. She signed with Young Stoner Life Records, a label known for nurturing groundbreaking artists. Further, Karlae’s ascent in the music industry is a narrative of passion. Her early years were marked by a deep immersion in the hip hop culture. This laid the foundation for her future in music. Her breakthrough in the industry was not just a result of her musical talent but also her entrepreneurial spirit. Moreover, Karlae has consistently released music that resonates with her audience. She blends catchy rhythms with meaningful lyrics. Her discography includes hit singles and collaborations with other prominent artists, each track showcasing her evolving style and commitment to her craft.
Charting Success: Milestones & Recognition
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 17: Young Thug and Jerrika Karlae attend the BET Hip Hop. Awards 2016 at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center on September 17, 2016 in. Atlanta, Georgia (Prince Williams/Wireimage)
Karlae’s journey in music has also been dotted with numerous milestones that reflect her growing influence in the industry. From chart-topping singles to acclaimed mixtapes, her work has received recognition from her peers and music critics. Her ability to create music that speaks to a wide audience has earned her a place in the charts and the hearts of her fans. This recognition is not just limited to her musical output but extends to her influence as a trendsetter in the hip hop community.
Beyond The Mic: Karlae’s Business Ventures & Philanthropy
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 15: Jerikka Karlae, Tameka ‘Tiny’ Harris and Keke Wyatt attend. Young Thugs 25th Birthday and PUMA Campaign on August 15, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/Getty Images for PUMA)
Besides her music, Karlae has ventured into various business endeavors. These have contributed significantly to her net worth. Her entrepreneurial efforts include collaborations with fashion brands and involvement in music production. Additionally, her philanthropic work, particularly in supporting young artists and community initiatives, highlights her commitment to giving back to the community that has supported her rise.
Jerrika Karlae’s journey to a net worth of $6 million is a compelling story of a rapper who has skillfully navigated the music industry. Overall, her career is a testament to her talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to her art, making her a prominent figure in hip hop.
Gunna’s name was bound to come up in the racketeering trial against Young Thug eventually. After all, Gunna was signed to Young Thug’s record label, YSL (Young Stoner Life), and was indicted alongside him as a member of YSL (Young Slime Life), the alleged gang Thug is accused of leading to commit or incite dozens of violent crimes in and around the Atlanta area. Gunna has also fielded accusations of “snitching” ever since he accepted a plea deal in which he pled guilty to racketeering in exchange for time served and his eventual release.
While some fans, foes, and former friends might have expected Gunna to eventually take the stand, his name actually came up in an entirely different context during the trial as the testimony of Trontavious “Slug” Stephens — an accused co-founder of the alleged gang — continued. A prosecutor asked Slug whether Gunna is a member of a Crip gang, replying in the affirmative.
Since the prosecution’s case against YSL maintains that it’s a local offshoot of the wider Bloods organization, it seems like this line of questioning undermines the DA’s argument. If YSL were really a gang instead of just a record label, it would be unusual — to say the least — for it to also include an acknowledged member of a rival organization.
Slug’s testimony has offered a number of sound bytes so far, with mentions of LeBron James, Serena Williams, and more.
Today in the Young Thug trial:
“Do you know who Serena Williams is?”
“Yeah.”
“Have you seen her at Wimbledon doing what’s called the Crip Walk. Do you know what Crip Walk is, first of all?”
Georgia v. Jefferey Williams — also known as the “Young Thug RICO Trial” to rap fans and observers online — has been full of eyebrow-raising moments so far, from Thug’s defense lawyer’s questionable explanations for the rapper’s name and some of YSL’s slang to snippets of his music being played in court. Today’s proceedings continued that trend as even NBA star LeBron James was mentioned during witness testimony.
LeBron came up via a TikTok video introduced as evidence, which featured LeBron James going through his signature round of handshakes with his Lakers teammates in the tunnel before a game. A defense attorney showed the clip to alleged YSL gang leader Trontavious Stephens, then asked him if he recognized James and whether he could identify some of the hand gestures in it. Stephens, of course, answered in the affirmative — after all, James is one of the most famous people alive — then identified James’ nose-wiping gesture.
“Did you hear what Mr. James said as he wiped his nose?” the defense asked. The answer, “slime,” became the point of contention, as the defense attorney sought to make clear to the jury that if someone as prominent as LeBron James — who is not mobbed up or associated with a gang of any kind, unless the Lakers count — could use the term and wipe his nose as part of an elaborate handshake routine, then there’s little chance they could be solely associated with their use as gang signals, as the prosecution has suggested.
“Did you hear what Mr. James said as he wiped his nose?”@KingJames gets a prominent mention in the Young Thug / YSL RICO trial this morning in Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/kJ3BuK43qF
Stephens certainly cooperates, noting that the wiping of the nose gesture and the use of the term “slime” is not unique to the gang he and Thug are accused of leading. Of course, we won’t know how effective the arguments were on the jury until much, much later in the trial, which will continue for up to six months.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
The RICO trial against Young Thug and YSL resumed today, but there may be some changes going forward if the prosecution gets its way. According to Law&Crime Network producer Cathy Russon, the prosecution filed a motion asking Judge Ural Glanville to block video of witness testimonies for the rest of the trial. While audio would be allowed, witnesses’ full names would also be blocked from publication until after the testimonies. The matter of video will be settled during a hearing on Friday, February 2 at 3pm ET.
GA v. Jeffery Williams, et al is finally back today but will cameras be allowed? On Friday, the prosecution team filed a motion asking the judge to ban video and only allow audio for witnesses. They are also requesting that witnesses’ full names not be broadcast or published… pic.twitter.com/v2WFMUAXQG
Judge Glanville set a hearing for Friday, Feb 2nd at 3pm for the camera motion. I guess we get cameras and naming of the witnesses at least until then. #YSL#YoungThugpic.twitter.com/yBmKgb4Iti
This appears to be a belated effort by the District Attorney’s office to protect its witnesses from possible retaliation or tampering efforts, something the prosecutors claimed they were worried about from very early on in the case. Witness tampering concerns were among the arguments against granting Thug and his co-defendants bond for the near-year they were incarcerated. Arguably, the strategy was at least partially effective in pulling plea deals out of many of the co-defendants, including from Gunna and Thug’s brother Unfoonk. Despite all of those deals being so-called “Alford pleas” in which they only pled guilty to being in a gang, they’ve face recriminations from fans and fellow rappers for the past year.
Young Thug’s racketeering trial in Atlanta has been a train wreck from the get go.
Now prosecutors want to make it so we can only hear the train wreck, not see the train wreck.
The Fulton County DA’s motion cites threats and online “doxxing” that happened weeks ago. pic.twitter.com/SnmBXRvywY
Speaking of YSL gang leader (co-leader?) Trontavious Stephens, this clip of him answering questions from Chief Deputy DA Adriane Love about snitching is up to 7.6 million views on TikTok. https://t.co/FkcLY3c9sQpic.twitter.com/0g77yt8ovC
Hip- hop has seen its fair share of high-profile criminal trials, but perhaps none will be more impactful to the genre as a whole than the ongoing racketeering trial against Atlanta rapper Young Thug and his crew, YSL. While YSL is ostensibly the name of Thug’s record label, according to Georgia prosecutors, it’s actually the title of a violent street gang, Young Slime Life, with the trapper turned rapper at its head.
Over the past few months, it seems all of hip-hop culture’s eyes have been on the court proceedings due to the impact their outcome could have — not just on Young Thug and YSL, but on hip-hop as a whole. Because the Fulton County District Attorney’s indictment cites Thug’s lyrics as the main evidence against him for violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, the case has drawn national attention, with many observers calling this decision prejudiced against a musical form invented and primarily practiced by Black artists.
Because of the case’s import, plenty lf people will naturally want to follow it in real time, and fortunately for them, the trial is being livestreamed by multiple networks, a testament to public interest in the case. Among the networks livestreaming the trial are Fox 5 Atlanta, Law & Crime Network, and Atlanta News First.
In addition, in-depth coverage and commentary has been provided throughout by legal affairs journalist Meghann Cuniff, who gained attention during the assault trial against Tory Lanez for shooting Megan Thee Stallion (she aslo gained the affectionate nickname Meghann Thee Reporter from followers online). Her YouTube channel also includes a stream and her commentary with explanations and breakdowns for those viewers who aren’t familiar with legal proceedings.
The trial is currently on hiatus and scheduled to restart on January 22.
Young Thug is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
The racketeering trial against Young Thug and his record label, YSL Records, continued this week after being delayed by a stabbing involving one of the defendants. However, it didn’t take long for the trial to endure further interruptions. The Zoom call through which several of the participants were streaming experienced a break-in from a fan, who shouted “Free Thug! Mistrial!” several times before the stream was cut.
Someone watching the Young Thug trial on court’s Zoom yelled, “FREE THUG! MISTRIAL!” after the judge called a break this morning, which begs the question: Why would anyone think a mistrial is the best outcome for Thug here?
As the trial continued today, a more run-of-the-mill video was played in court: That of Rich Gang’s 2014 hit “Lifestyle” which featured Young Thug and fellow Atlanta rapper Rich Homie Quan. The video was apparently played by Young Thug’s lawyer Brian Steel as part of a line of questioning toward witness Trontavious “Tick” Stephen.
According to legal affairs reporter Meghan Cuniff, who has followed and reported the trial via livestream, the lawyer aims to demonstrate that Tick’s cooperation comes from his eagerness to cut his own sentence short, rather than any particular knowledge of alleged misdeeds committed by the supposed “gang,” YSL. From the clip played, it’s unclear how it’d play into Steel’s line of questioning, but according to Cuniff, the judge did not allow it to be admitted as evidence, preferring that it be submitted during a different testimony.
Young Thug’s lawyer asked gang leader Trontavious “Tick” Stephens about life inside the Fulton County Jail while trying to show Tick had many reasons to take a plea deal that have nothing to do with guilt.
Unfortunately, as Cuniff points out, Steel won’t have much of an opportunity to do so for a while; Judge Ural Glanville has recessed the trial until January 22.
Young Thug is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
