ysl rico

YSL’s Tick Takes Plea Deal, Claims Young Thug Was Mad He Didn’t Beat Or Shoot Victim

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YSL’s Tick reportedly made some damning accusations towards crew frontman Young Thug during a hearing on Thursday (December 29th). He accepted a plea deal in favor of facing trial, which makes him the eighth YSL affiliate to do so. While in court, Tick accepted the plea deal and offered details about Thugger’s attitude towards other YSL members. According to Tick, the “Digits” MC chastised his crew in a group chat for not beating or shooting a victim.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 25: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been processed using digital filters.) Rapper Young Thug attends the game between Golden State Warriors and the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on March 25, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Tick, real name Trontavious Stephens, claimed that YSL crewmates sold drugs at two Atlanta gas stations. Also, he provided an idea of what Young Thug’s jabs looked like.

“Y’all ain’t beat him up or shot him yet?” he allegedly told YSL associates in the group chat. “Y’all getting soft.”

Moreover, Stephens pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the RICO Act in Georgia. The court sentenced him to ten years, with two of commuted time served and eight of probation. The 29-year-old joined Gunna, Slimelife Shawty, Lil Duke, and Thugger’s brother Unfoonk as members who took a plea deal.

Also, Tick agreed to testify during trial as part of his negotiation, as did co-defendant Antonio Sledge. Moreover, Young Thug’s co-defendants Derontae Bebee and Tenquarius Mender rejected offers for a plea deal. Gunna’s plea deal caused a lot of conversation around its implication and whether he snitched. Still, many were happy to see the “pushin p” rapper finally home. As discussions ran rampant, he took to Instagram to deny said claims.

“While I have agreed to always be truthful,” he wrote, “I want to make it perfectly clear that I have NOT made any statements, have NOT been interviewed, have NOT cooperated, have NOT agreed to testify or be a witness for or against any party in the case and have absolutely NO intention of being involved in the trial process in any way.”

Furthermore, as we look to the future, the court set jury selection for Young Thug’s RICO case to commence on January 4th. Meanwhile, his trial will expectedly begin on January 9th.

What do you think of Tick’s claims and his decision to take a plea deal? How do you think this will affect the developing case? Let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest on the fate of YSL and Young Thug.

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YFN Lucci’s Attorney Denies Rumors That He’ll Testify in YSL RICO Case

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YFN Lucci is at the centre of the latest developments in YSL’s RICO case. Lucci and Thugger have a history of involving themselves in a back-and-forth beef over the years.

Lucci’s mother was reportedly shot at some time during their beef. Prosecutors reportedly believe that the So Much Fun rapper subsequently bragged about being responsible in his lyrics.

Young Thug and Gunna attend Onyx Monday Nights hosted by Young Thug at Onyx Nightclub on May 17, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

The song in question is his 2021 collab with the late Juice WRLD, “Bad Boy.” “I shot at his mommy, now he no longer mention me,” Thug raps in the track.

On Thursday (December 29), rumors that Lucci is on the witness list within YSL’s case began to circulate on social media. This stems from a video taken in court. Somebody asks if YFN Lucci is in the indictment, to which someone else responds, “he’s a witness. Isn’t he on the witness list also?” Another person replies, “right.”

However, the “Everyday We Lit” rapper’s attorney, Drew Findling is speaking out against these claims.

“Rayshawn Bennett [Lucci], has never been interviewed or subpoenaed by law-enforcement, the Fulton County District Attorney‘s office or any of the party’s regarding the YSL case. Any party can announce for example that Abraham Lincoln is on their witness list, but those words alone are meaningless. So, to be 100% clear, Rayshawn Bennett [Lucci] will not be a witness in the YSL case. His focus, as it should be, is on his pending Fulton County case,” Findling says in a statement to XXL.

Earlier last year, the world was witness to Lucci surrendering himself to authorities on murder and gang charges. Furthermore, the Atlanta native claims he was the victim of a stabbing while behind bars in March. Despite requests to see a release, he remains in prison. As does Young Thug, who awaits his trial after several fellow YSL members have taken plea deals. Jury selection will reportedly begin on January 5, 2023.

What are your thoughts on the situation? Comment down below. Finally, make sure to stay tuned in to HNHH for the latest updates in the trial and all other pop culture news.

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YSL RICO Update: Slug Takes Plea Deal, Two Others Decline

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As Young Thug remains behind bars, updates on the future of other YSL members are revealing themselves.

Reports on Thursday (December 29) indicate that three more members were offered plea deals. However, only one of them is reportedly deciding to take it.

Gunna and Young Thug attend 2021 Revolt Summit at 787 Windsor on November 13, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/FilmMagic)

“Trontavious Stephens aka Tick aka Slug takes plea deal in #YoungThug case. He faced 5-20 yrs on the racketeering count. (only count charged),” reports Cathy Russon, the Executive Producer at Law&Crime Network.

“He received 10 years, with 2 yrs time served & remaining 8 yrs on probation. He will be released,” she continues afterward. Stephens becomes the eighth YSL member to take a plea deal.

Stephens also agrees to testify truthfully at the trial. Additionally, he is unable to assert the fifth amendment.

Furthermore, he admits that he does indeed go by Tick as one of his nicknames. In Thugger’s song “You,” the 31-year-old raps, “She gettin’ robbed my Tick.” He acknowledges this as a fact as well.

Although Stephens is taking the plea deal, there are two other YSL members who declined to do so earlier today.

DJ Akademiks has consistently been reporting on the case through his social media accounts and took to his Instagram to provide the update.

“At least thug can say 2 of his members denied getting out of jail instantly and is taking it to trial wit him. The judge warned the defendants that taking the plea would make them free immediately but taking it to trial he would sentence them to the max if they lost the case. Tenquarius is facing 50 years in prison if convicted at trial,” the streamer says in the caption along with the news.

Ever since Gunna became the first person to accept a plea deal in the case, there has been speculation online about whether or not there is snitching involved when taking the deal. Although, Gunna’s attorney, Steve Sadow has consistently stated that there is no truth behind these claims.

“Gunna did not snitch to get out of jail. He has said nothing and is not cooperating. His plea statement cannot be used in court against any other defendant. So please stop spreading lies!!!” he writes in a statement.

Regardless, there continues to be discourse online about what these pleas will mean for Young Thug.

What are your thoughts on the YSL members taking plea deals in order to get released? Comment your thoughts down below. Finally, make sure to stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates on the trial.

Young Scooter: Young Thug “Gone Be Home Before Summer”

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The YSL Rico trial in Atlanta is swiftly approaching. While most of the YSL Records artists named in the indictment struck guilty plea deals, others still remain in jail. Yak Gotti hasn’t landed a plea deal, but of course, the biggest YSL artist behind bars is Young Thug. 

Although the trial officially starts on January 9, 2023, there have been plenty of court hearings leading up to it. According to a recent post from DJ Akademiks, prominent Atlanta rapper Young Scooter has attended every single one.

ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 9: Rapper Future and Rapper Young Scooter attend “Lil Baby & Friends Birthday Celebration Concert” at State Farm Arena on December 9, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)
READ MORE: Young Scooter & Zaytoven Collide On “Zaystreet”

Young Scooter and Trae Tha Truth show support for Young Thug ahead of his RICO trial.

On Wednesday, December 28, Young Scooter shared a photo of himself alongside Houston rapper and humanitarian Trae Tha Truth. The two rappers reportedly attended Young Thug’s latest court hearing to show support for the incarcerated rapper. Interestingly, Young Scooter made a huge claim about Thug’s case in his latest Instagram post.

“JUST LEFT COURT WIT [snake emoji] HE GONE BE HOME BEFORE SUMMER @traeabn REAL ONE [fist emoji],” Scooter wrote.

In a screenshot from his Instagram story, the Jugg King artist wrote, “BEEN AT EVERY COURT DATE WIT U. KNOW IM ALWAYS WIT U BRA, EVEN WHEN U THINK THE WORLD AGAINST U.”

See Young Scooter and Trae Tha Truth’s picture, as well as Scooter’s Instagram Story, below.

Read More: Trae Tha Truth Helps Rescue 300 People From Hurricane Ian In Florida

Trae Tha Truth also posted the photo to his Instagram profile. For the caption, the Houston native shared some kind and supportive words for Thugger.

“Me & @youngscooter Pulled Up To Court To Support @thuggerthugger1” Trae Tha Truth wrote. “Real Ones Need To Stand By Him… He Need Real Luv… Salute!!”

Despite Trae Tha Truth and Young Scooter’s supportive updates, Thug’s YSL case just got muddied even more. According to WSB-TV, a seventh co-defendant in the YSL Rico case. With the trial set to begin in January, Young Thug has a huge legal battle ahead of them.

Rapper Young Thug in the audience during the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons game during second quarter NFL action. The New England Patriots visit the Atlanta Falcons in a regular season NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Nov. 18, 2021. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Read More: Antonio Sledge, Young Thug’s Co-Defendent, Enters Guilty Plea

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Antonio Sledge, Young Thug’s Co-Defendent, Enters Guilty Plea

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Antonio “Mounk Tounk” Sledge, a suspected YSL member and co-defendant of Young Thug, has reportedly plead guilty to multiple charges. Earlier this month, famed rapper Gunna was released from jail as Young Thug continues to sit behind bars.

According to Law & Crime, Sledge entered a guilty plea for “conspiracy to violate the racketeering act and to being a felon in possession of a firearm.” 

He will now give up his Fifth Amendment right to not speak on topics that could incriminate him. This also means that he has to testify truthfully “in any trial emerging from the indictment.” 

In exchange, prosecutors will then throw out his firearm charge. They will also “recommend he spend 15 years on probation for the racketeering charge.”

Commenting under DJ Akademik’s post about Sledge’s plea, Tekashi 69 offered his thoughts on the case. 

The “GUMMO” rapper wrote, “3rd slide is where ITS Very CLEAR that boy got probation in exchange for his testimony. Can’t even look into the camera. I would just keep scrolling but it’s funny how no one got the same energy for black rappers who openly on video cooperate with the law.”

Sledge is the latest alleged YSL member to enter a plea in the ongoing RICO case. Lil Duke took a plea deal earlier this month, while Gunna was released from prison following his Alford plea.

READ MORE: Young Thug’s Lawyer Speaks On Recent YSL Deals
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 17: Young Thug and Gunna perform 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)

Releasing a statement after returning home, the “Pushin P” rapper made it clear that he didn’t cooperate with authorities, stating, “While I have agreed to always be truthful, I want to make it perfectly clear that I have NOT made any statements, have NOT been interviewed, have NOT cooperated, have NOT agreed to testify or be a witness for or against any party in the case and have absolutely NO intention of being involved in the trial process in any way.”

With Young Thug still facing RICO charges, the Atlanta rapper is set to later stand trial next month. Check back in with HNHH for new updates on the case.

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Boosie Badazz Wants To Direct A YSL RICO Case Movie

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YSL’s ongoing RICO case took the world by storm this year, with Gunna free but Young Thug still behind bars. Moreover, there have been so many twists and turns that it gets difficult to keep up with what happened and what’s speculated. Still, some within the rap game want to take that chance. Boosie Badazz expressed interest in directing a movie about Young Thug, YSL, and their legal battle.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 18: Boosie Badazz attends the Atlanta red carpet premiere of “Where’s MJ?” at Clark Atlanta University on December 18, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Still, it’s unclear whether this hypothetical movie would be fiction, although it can be assumed to refer more to a documentary. While Boosie is often the subject of much media controversy, he’s found success on big and small screens through his team at Boosie BadAzz Productions. He wrote, directed, and produced Where’s MJ, which hit this Christmas. To elaborate, it’s a Black take on Home Alone starring Desi Banks, Grove Hero, his son Tootie Raww, Boosie himself, and many others. Moreover, special guests Flavor Flav and the late Atlanta rapper Trouble also make appearances.

While attending the film’s premiere at Clark Atlanta University, the rapper elaborated on his next move. After Where’s MJ, he told AllHipHop that he wanted to document what’s happening between YSL and the City of Atlanta.

“I’ll document it. I’ll shoot the film,” he said. “Free all them boys. I don’t want nobody in there.”

Also, the 40-year-old advocated for YFN Lucci’s release, who is also in jail due to RICO charges including murder. In fact, Lucci alleged that some of Thugger’s YSL crew tried to kill him while jailed in Fulton County.

Before the evening closed out, the Baton Rouge artist thanked everyone for their support and attendance. However, with the holiday season in mind, he gave a $15,000 check to Clark Atlanta University to thank them for their support of his film endeavors.

What do you think of Boosie Badazz’s plans to document the YSL story and put it on the big screen? Have you seen Where’s MJ yet and what did you think? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest in hip-hop-movie crossovers and more rap on the big screen.

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Unfoonk Can’t Say “Slatt,” “Slime” & Other YSL-Related Slang: Report

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The YSL Rico trial in Atlanta is inching closer and closer, and as a result, updates continue to pour in. Following the shocking news of Gunna’s release last week, several other YSL Records artists have also been released from jail. One of those artists is Unfoonk, Young Thug’s older brother and Slime Language 2 collaborator. Since his release from jail earlier this week, Unfoonk has vehemently denied snitching on Young Thug for his plea deal.

“Damn people really think I told on my own brother SMH,” he wrote on Instagram shortly after his release.

In addition to addressing his plea deal, Unfoonk has also been far more visible than his newly freed YSL labelmates. Whereas Gunna and Lil Duke have generally stayed off social media, Unfoonk has not shied away from Instagram. In fact, the My Struggle artist recently linked up with YSL Records affiliate Lil Gotit.

Read More: Young Thug’s Brother Unfoonk Cops Plea Deal In YSL Case, Denies Snitching

Unfoonk details the strict conditions of his plea deal.

EAST POINT, GEORGIA – APRIL 22: (L-R) Dolly White, Unfoonk, HiDoraah, Strick, BSlime, Young Thug, Yak Gotti, YTB Trench, T-Shyne, Lil Keed, Lil Duke, and FN DaDealer attend Young Stoner Life Meet & Greet at DTLR Camp Creek on April 22, 2021 in East Point, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

However, not everything has been easy for Unfoonk since his release from jail. The “Real” rapper wasted no time getting back into the studio this week, and while there, he hopped on Instagram Live. During the livestream, he admitted that there were more conditions to his plea deal, and they could affect his music.

In what appears to be a studio session for a “First Day Out” type of record, Unfoonk discussed the strict new guidelines that he has to follow. 

“I ain’t gotta promote it. I still can drop it,” Unfoonk says in the video. 

After that, those present discuss his alleged recording stipulations. Apparently, he is no longer allowed to say “slime,” “slatt,” or “YSL” in his music. Surprisingly, someone in the video exclaims that he’s not even allowed to do the nose-wiping gesture, which YSL helped popularize.

See the footage from Unfoonk’s live for yourself below.

Read More: Rise & Grind: Unfoonk On Making “Real” With Young Thug & New Album

It will be interesting to see how Unfoonk and his fellow YSL Records artists navigate the music industry moving forward. Given all of the new regulations regarding their music, they will definitely have to make some serious adjustments. Let us know what you think about this news in the comment section below.

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Young Thug’s Defense Witness List Includes Hip-Hop Historians

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As the Tory Lanez trial nears its end, the YSL Rico trial in Atlanta is gearing up to begin. On January 3, 2023, Young Thug and his remaining co-defendants will return to court in Fulton County, Atlanta. Over the last week, several YSL Records artists took plea deals to be released from jail. As it stands, Gunna, Unfoonk, Slimelife Shawty, Lil Duke have all taken plea deals. Furthermore, legal experts expect more of Thug’s co-defendants to follow suit before the trial begins.

Atlanta-based beat reporter George Chidi has been covering this case since new of the RICO indictment first broke. According to him, the plea deals prove that the D.A. is mainly focused on convicting Young Thug. Needless to say, Thug and his attorney, Brian Steele, have a huge challenge ahead of them. Prior to the start of the trial next month, Young Thug’s defense team has submitted their list of expert witnesses.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Rapper Young Thug attends the game between the Phoenix Suns and the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on February 03, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Read More: Metro Boomin Details Process Working With Young Thug

Young Thug’s defense will call upon Hip-Hop historians, a drug counselor, and more.

According to HipHopDX, Young Thug’s list of witnesses will consist of experts from multiple fields. Thugger’s lawyer will reportedly call upon a cell phone expert, a drug treatment counselor, and an expert in video analysis. In addition to those more traditional experts, Thug’s defense has also listed Hip-Hop historians and lyrics experts as witnesses.

One of the most notable Hip-Hop witnesses listed is Dr. Erik Nielson. An active associate professor of liberal arts at the University of Richmond, Nielsen is perhaps best known for co-authoring Rap on Trial: Race, Lyrics, and Guilt in America with Andrea Dennis in 2019. In addition to Nielson, Thug’s defense will also call upon two other college professors listed as lyrics experts: Dr. Adam Dunbar and Dr. Charis Kubrin.

Read More: Gunna Will Plead The 5th If Called To Testify Against YSL

Since Thug’s lyrics will be admissible in court, his legal team’s unique strategy might actually prove effective. Of course, we’ll have to wait until the trial begins in January to see.

Until then, stay tuned to HNHH for more updates on the developing YSL Rico situation in Atlanta. And as always, let us know your thoughts about the case in the comment section below.

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YSL RICO Update: Young Thug Co-Defendant’s Calls To Be Used As Evidence

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Although Gunna and others have taken plea deals and subsequently been released from jail, Young Thug remains behind bars.

The latest update in the upcoming RICO trial indicates that prosecutors are bringing more evidence in against Thugger and other YSL members.

Young Thug and Gunna attend the 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/2021 BET Hip Hop Awards/Getty Images for BET)

According to new reports from WSB-TV, the evidence comes in the form of phone calls involving Lil Miles.

Miles, whose real name is Miles Farley, allegedly spoke to the mother of his child over the phone from prison. Within their conversation, prosecutors say he was attempting to hide evidence.

They allege that he instructs the mother of his child to hide firearms and even says where they’re located.

However, Farley’s attorney, Anastasios Manettas has since put out a statement denying these claims. “Mr. Farley’s jail calls do not indicate any cooperation with the State by Mr. Farley, and the jail calls don’t discuss any tampering with evidence. Social media has falsely commented on this, falsely claiming that the calls indicate Mr. Farley agreeing to cooperate with the State, and that the calls indicate him instructing the mother of his children to hide or conceal his lawfully-owned gun from the police. They do not,” he says.

Regardless, the judge is permitting prosecutors to present the calls as evidence. Farley is a co-defendant in YSL’s RICO case and faces charges of murder.

The most recent artist involved in the case to take a plea deal was the So Much Fun rapper’s brother, Unfoonk.

Young Thug and the other YSL members who haven’t taken a plea deal are still awaiting trial. They are facing various gang-related charges, as well as racketeering. Furthermore, the jury selection for the case will begin early next year, on January 5, 2023.

Finally, what do you think of this new evidence being used? Comment your thoughts down below afterwards. Make sure to stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates in the YSL RICO case.

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Young Thug Names Hip-Hop Experts On Witness List In YSL RICO Case

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As Young Thug’s court date nears, the Atlanta rapper revealed his witness list in his RICO case. Per AllHipHop, Thug’s legal team submitted their list of witnesses on Sunday. The list included hip-hop academics and experts to take the stand to help his case.

His team will call hip-hop historian Dr. Erik Nelson to testify. He co-authored, Rap on Trial: Race, Lyrics and Guilt in America, which explores the intersection of hip-hop and mass incarceration. Thug’s defense team will also call on two professors, Dr. Adam Dunbar, who teaches at the University of Nevada – Reno and Dr. Charis Kubrin from the University of California – Irvine. The rapper’s team listed both Dr. Kubrin and Dr. Dunbar as experts in hip-hop lyrics.

Thug’s team will also call on a cell phone expert, a counselor for drug treatment, and a video analysis expert.

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)

Thug’s team previously filed a motion to have the rapper’s lyrics, music, and social media posts dismissed in the case. Prosecutors previously cited a slew of Thug lyrics from songs like “Anybody,” “Ski” and “Take It To Trial.”

“The admission and use of these lyrics/poetry/artistry against [Young Thug] in his upcoming trial would be a Constitutional violation and an abuse of discretion, too prejudicial and unconstitutional,” the motion reads. “Moreover, using these lyrics/poetry/artistry/speech against [Young Thug] is racist and discriminatory because the jury will be so poisoned and prejudiced by these lyrics/poetry/artistry/speech.”

Prosecutors handed out deals to several people involved in the YSL RICO case. Gunna copped an Alford plea, followed by the alleged co-founder of YSL, Walter Murphy. Since then, Slimelife Shawty and Young Thug’s brother, Unfoonk, also copped deals in the case. As part of his conditions, the court prohibited Unfoonk from contacting his brother until the trial ends.

We’ll keep you posted on anymore updates on Young Thug’s case as it unfolds.