ysl rico

Young Thug Trial: Jury Selection To Continue For Several Months

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Young Thug and his co-defendants are currently awaiting trial for the YSL RICO case. Since the arrest last year, Thug remained behind bars, though several co-defendants copped deals. Gunna, Young Thug’s most successful protegé, took an Alford Plea in December that brought him home just before the jury selection process began. Many questioned Gunna’s loyalty, including Bandman Kevo, who asked for a refund on a feature he paid for last year. However, the remaining co-defendants in the case will likely wait for months before the trial begins.

Last month, the jury selection process began in the YSL case and it’s been rather unsuccessful for the most part. Several incidents have occurred, such as one juror who went on vacation in the midst of jury selection. The judge then asked that a potential juror write a 30-page essay on the importance of jury duty as punishment. Shortly after, reports emerged that it would take a few more weeks to choose the jurors. However, it seems like even that wasn’t an accurate reflection of how long the process will take. 

Jury Selection Process In YSL Trial Will Continue

According to AJC, the jury selection process will continue for the next few months. Jozsef Papp reports that the court will summon 300 jurors on Feb. 24th and another 300 on March 17th. Judge Glanville determined that the time spent on questioning and striking remaining jurors will largely depend on how many are brought in daily. The process can take up to four months if only 3 to 5 are heard a day, or it could be as short as 2 ½ months if entire panels of 12 a day are brought in. 

The end goal is to secure a pool of 90 jurors to select a jury of 12, and six alternates. Clearly, there have been a number of difficulties in the past few weeks, especially as the judge agreed to dismiss several jurors. This also means that Young Thug and his co-defendants will remain behind bars until the trial begins. We’ll continue to keep you posted on any further developments on Young Thug and the YSL RICO trial. 

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Young Thug Codefendants Accused In Prison Stabbing

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Authorities accused three of Young Thug’s codefendants of a prison stabbing. Moreover, YSL members Bhris, Bali, and Lil Rod allegedly stabbed another inmate in Fulton County Jail, according to county Sheriff Pat Labat’s words to WSB-TV. While YSL’s sprawling RICO case is underway, these members could face completely new charges. Still, officials haven’t shared additional details about the attack, such as the identity and status of the victim. However, Rodalius “Lil Rod” Ryan and Damone “Bali” Blalock are serving life in prison due to separate murder charges. Meanwhile, officials accused Christian “Bhris” Eppinger of a February 2022 shooting against an Atlanta police officer.

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 15: Young Thug performs during Gunna Presents New Album “DS4EVER” Concert at The Masquerade on January 15, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

Furthermore, Eppinger also allegedly stabbed YFN Lucci in Fulton County Jail last February along with another YSL member. Both Eppinger and Antonio “Obama” Sumlin (who since took a plea deal) sought Thugger’s permission to make another attempt on Lucci’s life, according to prosecutors. However, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution obtained a statement from Ryan’s attorney Angela D’Williams maintaing her client’s innocence in the stabbing. “Mr. Ryan is hopeful that there is a thorough investigation and that there is not a rush to judgement,” she said. “Mr. Ryan maintains his innocence regarding this incident.”

Meanwhile, officials hit Ryan with additional charges for delaying trial proceedings, for which jury selection began last month. Moreover, authorities described Ryan as an “ongoing problem.” Also, he allegedly spat in a deputy sheriff’s face while awaiting court transportation on January 23. Additionally, the court implicated Ryan in the alleged drug deal involving Thug and YSL codefendant Khalieff Adams. Moreover, Adams stands accused of passing his label leader a single Percocet pill during court session.

While Young Thug faces eight charges and awaits trial, people in his circle shared he’s still in good spirits. Moreover, this support comes after a video of him looking tired and defeated in court went viral. “I be talking to him, he’s blessed man,” Metro Boomin expressed last month to DJ Drama. “Anybody know Slime know he got a heart of gold, but he got the heart of a warrior at the same time, so he got his head up.” As always, come back to HNHH for the latest developments in the YSL case.

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YSL Trial’s Jury Selection Delayed, Taking A Couple More Weeks

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It seems that Young Thug and company’s case will unfortunately take longer than expected to get underway. New reports suggest that the court delayed jury selection in the YSL trial in order to account for excused jurors. Moreover, Judge Glanville said that they summoned an additional 300 potential participants to replace those who couldn’t attend.

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 01: Rapper Young Thug attends 1st Party of The Year at Gold Room on January 1, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

Furthermore, the court heard from about 13 potential jurors on Wednesday (January 25) who sought excuse from the trial. As YSL’s case could last up to a year, another delay in the process doesn’t bode well for that timeline. Still, fans decided between faith in an appropriate jury or doubt of more time stuck in the process.

Moreover, these reports came from reporters on Twitter who covered the jury selection process. “Judge Glanville said they’ve summoned ANOTHER group of 300 jurors to replace some of the folks excused for hardships,” tweeted journalist Shaddi Abusaid. “They’ll report Feb. 24.”

Meanwhile, AJC journalist Jozsef Papp reported on the excused jurors in the selection process. Furthermore, judges relinquished potential jurors of their duties for a variety of reasons.

“We have started to hear hardships,” he tweeted earlier this week. “Juror #230 has been excused after providing proper documentation; Juror #354 has been excused after having surgery a couple of weeks ago.

“Juror #153 is in Egypt and then to India; travel was booked in advance. Judge asked him to come back with proper documentation to be excused,” he added. When speaking of another juror, Papp wrote, “He is a streamer, switched games and lost a lot of money and viewership. Has been doing Uber Eats to mitigate. He was speaking fast so judge asked him to slow down.”

Also, these developments in the case occurred alongside other court mishaps. Recently, Thug’s legal team denied that he had knowledge of a codefendant slipping him a Percocet in the middle of a hearing. While authorities apprehended the codefendant promptly and Thug maintained his innocence, they are murky waters to travel.

Still, what do you think of the YSL trial’s jury selection process delayed by a couple more weeks? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, come back to HNHH for the latest on Young Thug and the YSL RICO case.

Kevin Liles Pens Heartfelt Message In Support Of Young Thug

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Young Thug is facing serious time as the trial for the YSL RICO case inches closer. Over the past few months, we’ve heard from a number of figures – executives, rappers, etc – who’ve called for Young Thug’s freedom. Kevin Liles, the CEO of 300 Ent., has been incredibly vocal in his support for Thug, too.

On Wednesday, he penned a heartfelt message calling for Thug’s freedom, which he posted to his Instagram page. Liles praised Thug as a family man and entrepreneur, while encouraging him to stay strong.

ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 25: Young Thug and Kevin Liles attend dinner celebrating Young Thug’s album “Punk” on October 25, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

“#FreeJeff The man I know is a loving father, great business partner and an inspiration to so many people around the world. Stay strong my brother and you know where I stand… #imwithhim #mybrotherskeeper #saylessdomore,” he captioned the post.

Liles previously appeared in court during a bail hearing where he vouched on Thug’s behalf. During his emotional testimony, he said that he’d put up $1M of his own money for Thug’s bail. He also pushed back against claims that the rapper would intimidate witnesses.

“This whole thing that people are talking about, that’s not him. The Jeffrey I know? The Jeffrey I know would give me the clothes off of his back… I can give him my kids, he could give me his kids. That’s the Jeffrey I know,” he said.

Though Thug has reportedly not talked to anyone outside of his attorneys in legal time, it feels as though the rapper needs all the support he can get these days. A video emerged this week of Young Thug nearly falling asleep in court, while many described him as looking “defeated.” Thug’s currently in the jury selection process but the court authorities estimated that the trial can last upwards of a year.

Young Thug Looks Tired In Court Video

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As Young Thug’s trial continues to develop, the Atlanta rapper already looks tired and done with court in a new video. While there’s been no shortage of notable moments or important decisions, Thugger rested his head on a table as if it was all passing him by with the same boredom. Moreover, the last court antic he experienced was an impromptu drug deal that left him stunned, according to his lawyers.

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 15: Young Thug performs during Gunna Presents New Album “DS4EVER” Concert at The Masquerade on January 15, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

“It is patently clear from the images that there was no communication, solicitation or request from Mr. Williams prior to that,” they stated. “It is absolutely bewildering as to why the state would blatantly misrepresent the reason for the cessation of courtroom activities in its motion when it knew that assertion was inaccurate.”

Still, authorities searched co-defendant Kahlieff Adams after he tried to hand Thug a Percocet during a hearing. Moreover, they found more drugs like marijuana and additional pills. Since this isn’t the only time YSL co-defendants have tried to smuggle contraband, this case has everyone on edge. Many pray for YSL’s triumph, but some question their actions more stringently.

Regardless, Thug’s judge excused several jurors from trial after many requested an exit. The reasons vary; some cited financial hardship, while another sought dismissal because of surgery just weeks prior. At this moment, it’s hard to say how these excusals will affect Thug’s case. Even if these might be jurors that would’ve helped the 31-year-old, the case is too difficult to call.

Also, these new developments struck readers with a different context this time around after we learned of Thug’s come-up recently. Furthermore, T.I. explained why he didn’t give any money to him or to 21 Savage as they blew up.

“I find it honorable to be able to tell new artists, when they come up to me—you know. 21 Savage, [Young] Thug, a lot of ’em come up to me, ‘Ay man, just give me a million, Tip. Just give me a million. I don’t care what you do. Just give me a million and let me handle it from there.’”

“If I give you a million,” he continued, “I gotta take back some that’s gon’ be way more and we ain’t gon’ be able to be friends no more. And I always tell them, don’t worry about the money up front ’cause it gon’ come. I remember telling that to Slime, I remember telling that to 21. And even Savage, anytime he see me now, ‘Hey, it came.’ That put a smile on my face because I just know how impactful every generation has the opportunity to be. even more than the last.”

However, what do you think of Young Thug looking tired in court in a new video? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates in the YSL trial.

Young Thug’s Alleged Courtroom Drug Deal Video Has Twitter Questioning Everything

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Young Thug has spent the majority of the last year behind bars. Ahead of the YSL RICO trial’s official start earlier this month, several of his co-defendants (including Gunna) copped plea deals for themselves. This leaves the label’s head to face the music from the judge chiefly on his own. Unfortunately, a recent courtroom incident has left some speculating on whether the So Much Fun hitmaker will walk away as a free man.

On Thursday (January 19), footage accordingly began circulating online showing co-defendant Kahlieff Adams hand-delivering a Percocet pill to Thugger. As Complex reports, a deputy subsequently took note of the transfer. He promptly confronted the rapper, who evidently didn’t hesitate to hand over the pill.

Recording Artist Young Thug arrives to the 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on October 01, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

Afterward, Adams underwent a search for other drugs. Authorities uncovered more Percocet pills, as well as marijuana and tobacco. The latter two were earlier “wrapped in plastic and food seasonings to conceal the odour.”

It’s also been said that the same co-defendant ingested additional contraband in an effort to conceal it. Officers brought him to Grady Hospital, and prosecutors filed a motion asking the court to “make a finding of fact that Court was delayed on January 18, 2023, because of the actions of Defendant Williams and Defendant Adams.”

Young Thug’s lawyer, Keith Adams, has since shared a statement on his client’s behalf. “The reality is Mr. Williams had nothing to do with what went on in the courtroom yesterday,” the attorney later told the media. “One of the co-defendants, on his way to the restroom, attempted to pass something to Mr. Williams, who immediately turned it over to the deputy. Did not know what it was, turned it over to the deputy right away.”

Of course, the footage of the courtroom drama has the internet asking all kinds of questions. While some are convinced that the Atlanta-based artist is a part of a set-up, others believe he may actually be enjoying his time in jail.

“This man Young Thug got caught being passed a perc IN COURT,” one person specifically wrote. “At some time we must revisit the whole ‘Free You’ rhetoric and change it to ‘Wish You The Best, Hope You Learn.’”

Others chimed in with funny reaction videos displaying how they believe interactions between the rapper and his lawyers may have gone earlier this week.

Scroll further to see more comedic Twitter reactions to all the drama. Afterward, you can catch up on the YSL RICO trial’s latest updates here.

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YSL Case: Yak Gotti’s Mom Charged For Sneaking In Tobacco Products

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An update has been given about the YSL case involving Young Thug and 13 of his co-defendants—one being Yak Gotti. Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter Jozsef Papp previously stated that Judge Glanville announced an investigation was launched after someone attempted to smuggle contraband to one of the defendants. Today (January 19), WSB-TV identified the individual as Yak Gotti’s mother.

The outlet stated that 51-year-old Latasha Kendrick was arrested and booked into the Fulton County jail. She has also been charged with criminal attempt to commit a misdemeanor.

Read More: YSL Judge Says Someone Smuggled Marijuana For Unnamed Defendant: Report

Gotti, real name Deamonte Kendrick, is facing several charges that also include a 2015 murder.

It’s alleged that the rapper’s mother visited the courthouse while her son was in court during jury selection for the trial. Douglas Weinstein, Gotti’s attorney, alerted a deputy that the mother of the rapper’s child, Nyesha Cox, texted him to say she put a “sealed envelope inside the bag.”

Upon searching, deputies located the item in question. Inside, they reportedly found “tobacco rolling papers and tobacco products.”

Read More: YSL Case: Juror Reportedly Skipped Court For Dominican Republic Trip

Further, Latasha denied knowing anything about the envelope. She said she was simply delivering the on behalf of Cox. According to reports, Cox has not yet been arrested, but a warrant has been issued.

Meanwhile, the trial has kicked off with a lengthy jury selection process. It was reported that approximately 600 people were vetted for the jury, and it hasn’t been pleasant for all candidates.

One woman was said to have skipped a hearing because she took a trip to the Dominican Republic. As a punishment, in lieu of jail time, the judge also ordered her to write a 30-page essay.

Additionally, Eight co-defendants, including Gunna, have been released after agreeing to plea deals.

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Sheek Louch Says Young Thug’s Friends Are Snitching On Him, “It’s Horrible”

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As Young Thug’s RICO trial is underway, Sheek Louch is one of many artists chiming in on snitching in the YSL case. The Lox member recently spoke to VladTV for an interview, about 20 years since first connecting. Moreover, the rapper called Thugger’s situation “all the way horrible,” especially when it comes to his Young Stoner Life cohorts.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 10: Sheek Louch of The Lox performs onstage during day 2 of 2021 ONE Musicfest at Centennial Olympic Park on October 10, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

Furthermore, readers likely know the debacle around snitching that the YSL case provoked, despite it being a tale as old as time. While many artists indicted in the case took plea deals, Young Thug still sits with 13 other codefendants. However, high-profile releases such as Gunna made people question the terms of these deals. After all, they are an admission of guilt in theory, but many believe the exitors have placed that guilt on Thugger.

Moreover, if you’re a member of VladTV‘s YouTube channel, you can access Sheek’s full interview where he details his thoughts on the case. However, they released a short snippet from the sit-down where his opinions become clear. Moreover, he tied it into his new track, “Loyal Or Stupid.”

“I’m definitely talking from a different age right now,” the Yonkers MC began. “I’m a hundred years old, Vlad, so my definition of keeping it real is different maybe right now than what it was back then, you know what I mean? So loyal or stupid is ‘Don’t be loyal to these dudes that’s not really loyal to you,‘ man. Or even to themselves.

“Listen, I think it’s all the way horrible,” he continued. “Whatever you’re involved in, man, if you’re not gonna go all the way with it, man, it’s no place for that kind of s**t… If you’re in it- Thug, I would get rid of all these motherf***kers around you, man. Just take whatever they’re gonna give you, and that’s that, dawg. Stop relying on these other guys, man, they’re not down with you. How about that?

“I don’t even know these rappers to even speak on them as far as what happened all the way out there and all that s**t. But dude, from what I’m seeing, it’s crazy. I know he’s sitting back and being like ‘God damn, we was homies.’ Right?”

To close things out, Sheek took the time to recognize that this is affecting all sides, and that multiple perspectives are at play.

“If everybody would’ve just shut the f**k up,” he stated, “nobody would’ve been in that much trouble. I mean, they know what they know, of course. We know that, right? They know what they know, but still, it’s no space for n***as talking, man. That’s just making everything worse. That’s why they separate you, they give you separate lawyers, they do all that kind of s**t. It’s crazy. God bless the- I don’t even know Thug like that, but God bless you, bro. It’s f***ed up for you.”

What do you think of Sheek Louch’s recent comments about Young Thug and snitching in the YSL trial? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, log back into HNHH for the latest on the future of Young Thug.

Funk Flex No Longer Boycotting 6ix9ine’s Music

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Once again, Tekashi 6ix9ine is ruffling feathers, and Funk Flex shared a few thoughts. 6ix9ine, along with several other artists, has been vocal about Gunna taking a plea deal in the YSL Rico case. Gunna was the first of eight co-defendants to cop to a plea, sparking a wide range of discussions regarding snitching.

The rapper’s attorney has clarified that Gunna didn’t cooperate with the authorities. However, there seems to be an “unfollow” trend happening at the moment, and it’s reported that rappers like Lil Baby, Meek Mill, and Polo G have quietly deleted Gunna.

Read More: 6ix9ine Trolls Gunna In Latest IG Post

Meanwhile, 6ix9ine has made Gunna a target. He’s compared the response to his legal controversy to that of the Georgia hitmaker, and Funk Flex chimed in with a post where he says he’s no longer boycotting 6ix9ine’s music.

“OBVIOUSLY ACCORDING TO REPORTS… 😂😂😂😂😂😂 THE TREND AMONGST ALOT OF CURRENT RAPPERS (SINCE AND BEFORE 6IX 9INE) CONSIST OF COOPERATING AND TESTIFYING!” the Hot 97 icon wrote a caption to an Instagram post.

Flex also added that “many of your favorite [artists] cooperate with law enforcement.” He said he didn’t want to name names.

“MAN WHO WE KIDDING… ITS SEEMS THAT THESE NEW RAPPERS AINT DOING 10-20 YEARS WITH / FOR NOBODY! (THEY NOT DOING 5 YEARS) 🤷🏽‍♂️.”

Read More: 6ix9ine Explains How He Thinks Gunna’s Plea Deal Hurt Young Thug’s Defense

Flex also said Bobby Shmurda, Rowdy Rebel, Fetty Wap, Boosie Badazz, and Young Thus “are the last of the stand up tradition.” He was seemingly referencing the rappers who did their prison time.

The post ended with Funk Flex telling Tekashi to send over his new music. This certainly caused a stir in Hip Hop circles, so let us know if you agree with Flex.

Gunna Dissed By Lil Durk & Unfollowed By Lil Baby

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After Gunna’s release from prison following a plea deal, the rap world reacted with mixed emotions. Many thought the YSL rapper snitched on his codefendants, while others understand the circumstances. However, some are apparently taking stronger stances. Lil Durk teased a song on Instagram that seemingly shaded Gunna, while Lil Baby unfollowed the “pushin p” rapper on Instagram.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 02: Gunna attends the 2022 Costume Institute Benefit celebrating In America: An Anthology of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 02, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

“What happened to Virgil? He probably gon’ tell,” rapper Durk in the song tease. “I let him go because Timo ain’t selling / Thank 7 and Booka I’m bragging on Melvin / When lil boo and them mad it ain’t nothing you can tell them / I can tell you what I did for the streets / you got the paperwork, did it and reached / I got on Clubhouse and got in the beef.”

Moreover, both Durkio and Gunna appeared on the track “What Happened To Virgil,” which is what really points this diss. Also, there’s the mention of paperwork. While this could honestly be interpreted as an open diss, it’s hard not to think of Gunna given their collab and the timeliness of his release. Still, this one is relatively up in the air.

Meanwhile, eagle-eyed fans noticed that Lil Baby stopped following his “Drip Too Hard” co-spitter on Instagram. What makes this exchange interesting is that the It’s Only Me rapper has a collab album with both these artists. In fact, given the wide overlap of their fanbases, this news is as sad as it is understandable. With the current conversation around snitching, artists are bound to draw the line somewhere.

These developments came during Young Thug’s RICO trial, which he faces with 13 other codefendants. Furthermore, the last update we got was a report that someone tried to smuggle marijuana to an unnamed defendant.

What do you think of Lil Durk seemingly dissing Gunna and Lil Baby unfollowing his Atlanta partner? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, check back in with HNHH for the latest from Gunna, snitch allegations, and the YSL case.