ysl rico

Young Thug Associates Offered Deals To Boost D.A.’s Case: Report

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As fans celebrate Gunna’s release from jail, Young Thug remains incarcerated. The rappers were arrested at the top of the year along with two dozen others alleged to be their associates. Authorities claimed that Thugger, Gunna, and their alleged crew were a part of the YSL street gang. Yet, attorneys for both rappers contested YSL is no more than a record label.

Reporter George Chidi has been regularly keeping the world updated on this RICO case. On Twitter, Chidi shares why D.A. Fani Willis is more concerned with figures who allegedly were ringleaders of the criminal street gang. This may be why we’re seeing several people released as Thugger continues to fight for his freedom.

“My read here is that the DA will deal out (almost) everyone else if it means improving their chances of convicting Young Thug,” Chidi reported.

Read More: YSL RICO Case Update: Young Thug Gets Judge To Dismiss Key Evidence

“The operating philosophy as described to me by a ADA is to ask ‘absent this person, would this crime still happen?’ If the answer is yes, cut a deal.” He added, “If the gang targeted someone for shooting, who pulled the trigger is less important to Willis’ office than who turned on the green light.”

Chidi said that he’s “surprised at the deals” being made, stating that the D.A.’s office sees Thugger as “the shot caller.” There has been speculation that Young Thug is behind bars telling his associates to agree to plea deals so he can take the charges.

“Thug doesn’t have leverage,” said Chidi. “Also, if Thug and Brian Steel go down, they will go down fighting.”

(Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Read More: Meek Mill Shares Young Thug Story In Light Of New Charges

Additionally, Lil Duke and Slimelife Shawty have also pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges. They were both released from custody.

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Wack 100 Checks DJ Akademiks Over Gunna Snitching Allegations

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It’s been less than a week since Gunna’s release from jail after taking a plea deal.

As the story and YSL’s RICO case as a whole continue to develop, many big names are weighing in on social media.

100 attends Prolific Presents The Game “Born To Rap” listening event during BET Weekend. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Last Thursday (December 15), 6ix9ine took to his Instagram account to publicly accuse the “Drip Too Hard” rapper of snitching in order to get out of jail.

The “KEKE” rapper’s manager, Wack 100 is now speaking out as well, sharing the same sentiments as his artist.

In an Instagram post yesterday (December 19), Wack shared his thoughts on Gunna taking the plea deal. He directly calls out DJ Akademiks in the process.

“@akademiks Stop bro … His statements were clearly on the RECORD … And the whole “DEFENSE” was #YSL IS NOT I REPEAT IS NOT A GANG JUST A RECORD LABEL… YOU HIM OR THEM CANT REWRITE THE LAWS OF #SNITCHING. CO-OPERATION WITH THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY MAKES U A CO OPERANT WHICH EQUALS #Telling,” he wrote.

His post comes after Akademiks shared screenshots of a conversation with Gunna’s attorney, Steve Sadow.

In the screenshots, the media personality asks Sadow if he can “publicly address how Gunna’s viral ‘yes ma’am video affects Thug and YSL if at all?”

“Doesn’t effect anyone but my client. Out of court statements at a plea hearing cannot come into evidence against someone else,” the attorney replies. He then confirms his consent for Akademiks to share this conversation online.

Sadow has been extremely busy since his client’s release, insisting that there is no authenticity behind the rumors.

However, it seems as though Wack and 6ix9ine aren’t buying it.

“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!!!” the attorney wrote in an Instagram post on December 15.

Additionally, Sadow says that the Georgie native plans to plead the 5th if he’s called to testify against his YSL crew.

On the other hand, Thugger’s attorney, Brian Steel, is speaking out about how these plea deals affect his client. He says that these deals being offered to other members of YSL indicate that the “Best Friend” rapper is evidently being targeted.

Based on the information that we have, what do you think about the situation? Can the snitching rumors finally be put to rest? As always, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates.

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Lil Duke Takes Plea Deal Following Gunna & Other YSL Members

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After Gunna announced his release from jail after a plea deal, authorities freed other members of YSL in quick succession. While many are excited at the news, others have been critical of the conditions of this plea deal. Nevertheless, Lil Duke also took his shot, where defendants pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to violate the RICO act. Since him and other YSL members did not face criminal charges, their sentences have been altered following this negotiation.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 06: Lil Duke and Gunna attend Gunna’s DS4EVER LA Listening Party on January 06, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for DS4EVER Presented by Gunna, Young Stoner Life Records, 300 Entertainment)

In addition to Gunna and Lil Duke, two other members of YSL entered the agreement. YSL co-founder Walter Murphy entered the same plea deal as Gunna’s, known as an Alford plea. Slimelife Shawty recently took to Instagram to share his freedom and snuff out claims of snitching.

“Yea I’m home,” he wrote, “ain have to snitch to get here d***head. I admitted you slime life was a gang cus it ain’t illegal for no group to be a gang look it up that don’t hurt nobody anybody can be a gang, plus the founder already admitted it stupid. What I pose to say if a founder admitted it. What I den do was say Yes it’s a fact people in ysl commit crimes like murder and etc cus ion no nun bout that.”

However, many are still critical of this whole ordeal. 6ix9ine, an alleged “rat” himself, said that Gunna is a snitch no matter what.

“Once you plea guilty, you admit to the crime,” he told Wack 100 in addition to his Instagram post. “Once you plea guilty, that’s it, you admitting. You walking into that courtroom, you gonna admit everything you did wrong. So now anything you said is gonna be used against your man. Once I say yes I’m guilty, I was there, once you go under oath in the courtroom your man is dead. You just hung up your man.”

Meanwhile, Young Thug’s lawyer Brian Steel believes that these plea deals are a huge hindrance to YSL’s RICO case. Since these deals come with at least some form of admission, he believes the court will unjustly pin collective actions squarely against Thugger.

Still, what do you think of Lil Duke’s plea deal and others at YSL? Let us know in the comments below and check back in with HNHH for the latest case updates.

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6ix9ine Weighs In On Gunna Taking A Plea Deal

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Upon Gunna’s release from jail on Wednesday (December 14), many in the hip-hop community are reacting to the situation.

One artist who has been noticeably quiet up until now is 6ix9ine.

Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine performs during the MiamiBash 2021 at FTX Arena. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images,)

Taking to his Instagram account yesterday (December 15), the “KEKE” rapper is explicitly breaking his silence. In a since-deleted post, he shares his take on Gunna’s release from jail following a plea deal.

“Just stfu and listen I know ya don’t wanna accept it[.] Your man is fighting for his life in court on a gang RICO,” he starts the caption off, before exposing the conversation between the “Drip Too Hard” rapper and the judge.

“Judge: You are aware YSL is a gang correct. Fat ass Gunna: Yes [ma’am].
Judge: ONLYYYYY you and Jeffrey are in the car and the police find a handgun and drugs. This didn’t belong to you correct? Fat ass Gunna: Yes [ma’am],” he writes.

“Go ahead and make your 1,000,0000 excuses. I stand on whatever I do or did. That’s why I’m still walking on this earth AND NOTHING EVER HAPPENS TO ME. I am him p*ssy. Real n****s getting shot and kicked in [their] face, can’t be me,” he adds.

The video in question simply shows Gunna in the courtroom, accepting his plea deal earlier this week.

However, 6ix9ine is alluding to the fact that it sounds like the 29-year-old is snitching on his fellow YSL label mate, Young Thug, in the process.

Regardless of the disgraced rapper’s thoughts on the situation, Gunna’s lawyer is speaking out to set the record straight. In an Instagram post yesterday (December 15), Steve Sadow says this widespread theory is untrue.

“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 wrote.

Additionally, there’s been a positive development in the upcoming YSL RICO case. Just yesterday, the judge dismissed some key evidence against Thugger.

His legal team was correspondingly successful in showing the judge that the evidence collected from a 2015 raid was “unconstitutional.”

What do you think about Tekashi’s comments? Sound off below and be sure to stay tuned to HNHH later for more updates.

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YSL RICO Case Update: Young Thug Gets Judge To Dismiss Key Evidence

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It appears as though things may be starting to look up for Young Thug.

After appearing in court for the first time since the release of his fellow YSL crew members Gunna and Walter Murphy yesterday (December 15), he’s receiving some good news.

Hip-hop artists Young Thug and Gunna attend a release party for Young Thug’s new album “PUNK” at Delilah. (Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)

The pre-trial hearing saw Thug heading one step closer to his hopeful freedom. The Atlanta native and his legal team were successful in getting the judge to dismiss some key evidence from the case.

Some of the information that was allegedly set to be used against the “Best Friend” rapper was actually obtained illegally. In 2015, officers raided the Atlanta native’s home, obtaining evidence from cell phones in the process.

However, a judge later tossed the charges that followed, citing the raid as “unconstitutional.”

The 31-year-old’s lawyer won the appeal by pointing out that the seized devices were actually suppressed by a written order back in 2017. Additionally, they are guilty of failing to return Thugger’s property to him. As a result, the ruling of the evidence is that it’s now inadmissible within the case.

On Wednesday (December 13), the world was witness to Gunna’s official release from jail after taking a plea deal. Following suit, Young Thug’s YSL co-founder, Walter Murphy, is doing the same. He was also granted release earlier this week.

In both deals, they each plead guilty to one charge against them, while ultimately maintaining their innocence. Additionally, the WUNNA rapper’s lawyer has come forward to clear the air surrounding rumors his client snitched in order to get out.

“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 wrote in an Instagram post.

Although the “Best Friend” rapper remains behind bars, it appears as though this is a positive development in the case.

Do you think we’ll see the release of Young Thug anytime soon? Comment down below. As always, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates in the trial.

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YSL’s Co-Founder Takes Plea, Follows Gunna

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It appears as though Gunna isn’t the only one involved in YSL’s RICO case to take a plea deal. Reports indicate that one of the crew’s co-founders, Walter Murhphy has done the same.

As a result, he was subsequently released from jail on Tuesday (December 13). While pleading guilty, Murphy admits to creating YSL with Young Thug 10 years ago, in 2012. Additionally, he pleads guilty to a single count of conspiracy to violate the RICO act.

Young Thug and Gunna perform at halftime during the Boston Celtics v Atlanta Hawks game at State Farm Arena. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Court documents allege that his new sentence is 10 years, with only one year commuted to time served and nine years of probation to follow. On the other hand, Gunna’s plea deal saw his sentence turn into five years with one year commuted to time served. The rest includes 500 hours of community service.

Part of the volunteering requires him to speak to young people about the dangers of gangs and gang violence in their communities.

The name of the deal that the WUNNA rapper is agreeing to is reportedly an Alford Plea. While he subsequently pleads guilty to one charge against him, he ultimately maintains his innocence.

As for Murphy, his plea deal includes a special condition in which he is to “testify truthfully in any further trial as it may become necessary,” according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Although these updates appear to be positive, Young Thug unfortunately remains locked up.

On Tuesday (December 13), the “Best Friend” rapper even received additional charges while awaiting the RICO trial. While they’re just misdemeanors for street racing, reckless driving, and speeding, they are still acting as obstacles in the way of his hopeful freedom. At this time, it’s still unknown whether or not Thugger is able to enter a similar deal.

What are your thoughts on Gunna and Murphy taking these plea deals? Comment down below and be sure to stay up to date by continuing to follow HNHH.

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Gunna Released From Jail: Hip-Hop Reacts

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Gunna is no longer in jail.

In a shocking development on Wednesday, the YSL Records artist pleaded guilty to a single charge in his RICO case. According to Billboard, Gunna took an Alford plea, which allowed him to formally admit his guilt while maintaining his innocence. As a result, the 29-year-old artist was released from jail on Wednesday afternoon.

Per the terms of his release, Gunna was sentenced to five years with one year to serve in prison, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. However, his time was reportedly commuted to time served and 500 hours of community service. All in all, it looks like a win for Gunna, but naturally, some fans have become skeptical of his release. However, Gunna has clarified that he was not flipped into a witness.

“When I became affiliated with YSL in 2016, I did not consider it a “gang”; more like a group of people from metro Atlanta who had common interests and artistic aspirations,” Gunna said in a statement. “My focus of YSL was entertainment – rap artists who wrote and performed music that exaggerated and “glorified” urban life in the Black community.”

He continued, saying, “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.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 02: Gunna attends The 2022 Met Gala Celebrating “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 02, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

Rappers and music industry professionals celebrate Gunna’s release on social media.

Following all of the tragedies that hit the Southern capital this year, the Hip-Hop community prayed for Atlanta. Without a doubt, some of those prayers have been answered. Gunna’s release from jail marks the first win for Atlanta’s rap scene in a while. As a result, several Hip-Hop artists and industry professionals hit social media to react joyously to the news about Gunna.

See reactions from Kid Cudi, DJ Scheme, Roddy Ricch, and more below.

December has now brought with it the releases of Brittney Griner and Gunna. Do you think there’s any hope for Young Thug, too? Let us know your thoughts on this major update to Atlanta’s YSL RICO Case in the comment section below.

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Young Thug Receives More Charges As He & Gunna Await RICO Trial

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With less than a month until the YSL RICO trial officially begins, Young Thug is receiving another slew of charges. Thankfully, these ones are just misdemeanours. Still, though, they’re causing speedbumps for the “Day Before” hitmaker on his hopeful road to freedom.

On Monday (December 12), WSB-TV broke the news that Jeffrey Williams is in hot water for street racing, reckless driving, and speeding. He apparently drove a vehicle at 120 MPH during a May joyride on Interstate 85.

Young Thug and Guna attend dinner celebrating Young Thug’s album “Punk” on October 25, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

In response to these new claims, Thugger’s attorney, Brian Steel is maintaining his client’s innocence. “As of two weeks ago, that case was being resolved with a seatbelt violation,” he explained in a statement. “Today, now its indicted in the Fulton County Superior Court.”

Because of this, the rapper’s legal team deeply feels as though the system is doing him wrong.

Days before these new accusations came out, headlines revealed that prosecutors are currently working to ban video cameras from the January trial. At this time, several witnesses have been expressing concern for their safety if their testimony goes public.

“The State is concerned that video recordings of witnesses’ and victims’ faces could endanger these individuals’ safety,” a motion filed by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis says.

She also wrote, “The State is concerned about the impact upon due process and the truth-finding function of the judicial proceeding. Witnesses may be afraid to testify and provide full information if they are aware they are being video-recorded, and that their personal safety could be jeopardized as a result of their testimony.”

Previously, Willis filed another motion attempting to have the YSL RICO trial pushed back to March of next year. Her reasoning was to ensure that everyone in the indictment has adequate legal representation.

However, a Judge wants to ensure that Young Thug and Gunna have a fair chance at freedom. They’ve each been denied bond multiple times since their arrest in May. Read more about that here, and check back with HNHH later for more hip-hop news updates.

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Young Thug Update: Prosecutors Move To Ban Video Cameras From Trial

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As Young Thug remains locked up, there’s been a new update from his legal team.

A recently released report indicates that Fulton Country District Attorney Fani Willis has filed a motion to block video cameras from entering the courtroom.

Young Thug performs onstage at ‘Samsung Galaxy + Billboard’ during the 2022 SXSW Conference and Festivals. (Photo by Amy E. Price/Getty Images for SXSW)

This would prohibit visual recordings of the upcoming RICO trial. The D.A. previously made the filing on November 30.

The “Best Friend” rapper’s legal team argues that the prohibition of videos will help secure the safety of witnesses. Concerns have already been brought forward by some of those involved in the trial.

“Several witnesses have expressed safety concerns to the State and they are concerned about the safety of themselves and their families should they choose to testify,” says Willis.

Accordingly, the trial is proving to be a tricky one. In August, she and the rest of her team filed a different motion to restrict the release of juror identities.

Additionally, another file of a motion took place just a couple of weeks ago. This serves as an attempt to dismiss the use of the YSL artists’ lyrics within the case.

The unfair use of rap lyrics in court has been a recent topic of discussion. Consequently, judges across the country have caused controversy, deeming songs to act as admissible evidence within trials.

This process strips rappers from their freedom of speech. In addition, it problematically prohibits many from expressing their realities.

As a result of the backlash to lyrics being used to prosecute, California was proud to become the first U.S. state to ban their use in court.

Currently, several YSL rappers are awaiting their fate in a January trial. Both Thugger and Gunna have been previously denied bond three times.

Earlier in the year, the world was witness to the “DOLLAZ ON MY HEAD” collaborators being arrested along with other members of their crew. The indictment includes 56 counts of charges ranging from murder to gang activity.

Prosecutors allege that the music collective and its associates are actually gang members.

What are your thoughts on the latest filing from Young Thug’s legal team? Let us know below, and check back in with HNHH later for the newest updates in the trial.

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