ysl rico

YSL RICO Trial: Jury Selection To Continue Next Week

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Jury selection is set to continue between August 7 and 10 in the sprawling YSL RICO trial in Georgia. At the time of writing, 108 potential jurors have been assessed. Per Jozef Papp of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 4 saw two jurors assessed. Juror 106 was excused due to hardship. The man’s wife had narrowly avoided the spree killing committed by Brian Nichols at Fulton County Courthouse in 2005. Meanwhile, Juror 108 was deemed suitable for the jury pool. Despite attending Young Thug concerts and knowing some of the defendant’s family members, Judge Glanville believed the man when he said he could be fair and impartial.

However, the next two weeks appear to be very busy in the case. “#YSL Jury selection will continue over the next week (Aug. 7-10). Hearing relating to attorney Eric Johnson on Aug. 11. Judge Glanville was asked about the following week (Aug. 14-18) schedule – “There are some things that are playing out that I have to take into account,” Papp tweeted.

Read More: Young Thug’s lawyer demands exclusion of goat sacrifice evidence in rapper’s YSL trial

As indicated by Papp, Judge Glanville has devoted another three days in the coming week to jury selection. It is still unclear when the jury will be seated in the case. At the time of writing, jury selection has been progressing since January. However, next Friday (August 11) will be dedicated to a hearing related to Eric Johnson. Johnson had previously served as the attorney for YSL defendant Christian Eppinger. However, Johnson was taken into custody after it was discovered that he had allowed Eppinger to use his laptop to send messages to people out of custody. This included a Fulton County Deputy that Eppinger was romantically linked to and who was helping Eppinger run a smuggling ring.

However, it also appears that Glanville is predicting a disruption in the case starting the week of August 14. In all likelihood, this relates to the impending indictment of former President Donald Trump. President Trump is expected to receive new indictments in the state of Georgia after attempting to pressure state officials into overturning the state’s 2020 election results. Georgia’s voting for President Biden was a key factor in Trump’s loss. In the weeks that followed the election, claims and evidence emerged showing Trump attempting to force Georgia officials to change their election results to favor him.

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YSL Co-Founder Hit With Multiple Charges Amid Young Thug Case

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One of the big surprises of the YSL RICO trial is that one of the label’s co-founders, YSL Mondo, escaped without any charges. Now over a year later, he is reportedly facing multiple gun, drug, and gang charges. According to AllHipHop, he was arrested on July 27th and remains in custody. Despite not being charged in the original RICO case Mondo has followed it closely. On a podcast appearance, he expressed his dissatisfaction with Gunna for his alleged snitching as part of his plea deal. “You can’t say, ‘Oh, they tricked me,’ or ‘Oh, I ain’t talk.’ Come on, my brother … It’s certain sh*t you just don’t do. And hey boy, you crossed the line, my brother. You did that.”

Young Thug has now been imprisoned for over a year. Last month he was once again denied bond by a judge after a short hearing. He’s been repeatedly denied bond over the past year. Despite that long-term imprisonment Thugger has managed to stay busy in the music world. He released the album Business Is Business from prison back in June. The album featured contributions from some major genre stars like Drake, 21 Savage, Travis Scott, Future, and many more. It went on to debut at number 2 on the Billboard 200. The album’s lead single “Oh U Went” recently got a new music video staring Drake.

Young Thug Still Waiting For His Trial

Admiration for Young Thug continues to come from all over the hip-hop world. Lil Uzi Vert is taking it to a whole new level though. The rapper is following up their new album Pink Tape from earlier this year with a new Thugger-inspired album called Barter 16. For the project, Uzi has been working with Thug’s collaborators like London On Da Track and Birdman and even went as far as to dress up just like Thug and an event last month.

What do you think of YSL Mondo being arrested on multiple charges while Young Thug is still waiting for his trial? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: YSL RICO Trial: Young Thug’s Lawyer Demands Exclusion Of Goat Sacrifice Evidence

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Young Thug Uncomfortable With Overwhelming Police Presence At YSL RICO Trial: Report

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Even though he’s been locked up for over a year now, Young Thug is doing his best to remain positive. Unfortunately, things have been incredibly slow-moving for several reasons. Among them are the difficulty of finding a jury and antics carried out by defendants and their lawyers. At this point, the So Much Fun rapper has been denied bond four times. On top of that, whenever he’s brought into court, what he and his attorneys consider extreme measures are being taken.

As AllHipHop reports, the embattled artist wears a leg brace every day. His legal team argues this is contributing to the impression that Thug is dangerous. In addition, they’re uncomfortable with the “fortress-like atmosphere” in the courtroom. It’s apparently partially created by the overbearing presence of police. This, along with the guards wearing tactical gear, carrying heavy guns and ammunition could potentially influence the jury pool’s perception of the “Day Before” artist.

Read More: Young Thug’s Baby Mama Speaks On Leaked Rich Homie Quan Audio

Young Thug Continues to Fight for His Freedom

Young Thug 2021 BET Awards
Young Thug attends the 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards on October 01, 2021, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/2021 BET Hip Hop Awards/Getty Images for BET)

Family members and fans have been prevented from supporting Thugger in his courtroom as well. Instead, they’ve been given a “viewing” room to watch the trial unfold from. Defense attorneys feel that this “creates a prejudice” against the 31-year-old. The court has previously overruled objections of a similar manner about the rap superstar’s potential for a fair trial. According to them, the security on site is up to the discretion of the Sheriff.

Things may not be going exactly as planned in court, but at least Young Thug has the success of his BUSINESS IS BUSINESS album to celebrate. He didn’t manage to secure the first No. 1 of the year for hip-hop, but the Atlanta native did put out an impressive effort from behind bars. Read more about the LP’s first week sales at the link below, and check back later for more music/pop culture news updates.

Read More: Lil Uzi Vert’s “Pink Tape” First Week Sales Projections Are A Potential No. 1, Young Thug Album Moves 88K

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Rich Homie Quan Allegedly Addresses Young Thug’s Case In Leaked Audio

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Many of the youngest fans of hip-hop might not remember, but there was a time when the new hot duo to look out for was Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug. Their run of mixtapes and frequent collaborations got a lot of hype around them as they developed their unique style. However, eventually something got in the way, and the two haven’t spoken to each other in years, it seems. Still, a recent audio leak that allegedly captured Quan’s remarks revitalized interest in their whole situation. Moreover, it’s because he appears to speak on Thug’s current RICO case in what seems to be some sort of interview setting, or at least a very formal and pointed question-and-answer conversation.

While the video is hard to understand, there are some things that really stand out in the recording. One of those is that Rich Homie Quan allegedly said something along the lines of: “Thug had something to do with it, we just can’t prove it.” In addition, Quan said that there was never any beef with Young Thug, suggesting that they just drifted apart. “That s**t was deeper than rap,” Quan apparently says at one point, calling the situation “real f***ed up.” Also, he seemingly says that he “loves” Thugger.

Read More: Rich Homie Quan Apologizes For Calling Out Roddy Ricch

Rich Homie Quan Allegedly Speaking On Young Thug

Of course, a lot of people started debating in the comments whether this is an instance of “snitching.” Even though Rich Homie Quan’s remarks were caught on camera, it’s unclear whether he really knew that someone was recording it. That being said, the context of his remarks also seems to be in an interview setting with an unspecified interviewer, and it’s hard to say whether someone would really be asking him these things in regular conversation. Either way, there’s clearly more nuance in Quan’s words than people believe at first glance.

Meanwhile, the YSL artist recently faced snitching accusations of his own. Furthermore, his legal team denied allegations that he provided information on a homicide. As he fights in the courtroom, perhaps other rap artists will come forward to speak on his situation in more detail. But if that’s the case, then more controversy and speculation will surely follow, so maybe the alternative to that, keeping quiet, is best. Regardless, check back in with HNHH for the latest news and updates on Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan.

Read More: Young Thug’s Sister Believes Everyone In Atlanta Hates Him

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Young Thug’s Lawyer Calls For Certain Charges To Be Dropped

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The newest twist in the long-running legal drama for Young Thug and the YSL RICO case has arrived. Young Thug’s lawyer has reportedly filed a massive new motion to have many of the charges thrown out. The reason for the motion is a claim that anything accused of happening more than 5 years before the arrest date is invalid. This is due to the statute of limitations on the RICO laws that were used to arrest almost 30 people associated with YSL. The motion requests that any charge related to something that happened 5 years before Thugger’s arrest be thrown out.

In the wake of this news breaking many fans thought similar things. Namely, why did this take so long to come out? In a trial that has been ongoing for over a year now it seems to many like this legal maneuver should have come a long time ago. Comments under an Instagram post sharing the news expressed this sentiment in a number of ways. “Why they ain’t been tried this,” one commenter says. “His lawyer just realizing this? Lmao,” another reads.

Young Thug and the YSL RICO trial have been at the center of rap news for over a year now. Thugger just released his new album Business Is Business. It’s his first project since 2021’s Punk and his first since the arrest happened last year. The album is packed full of high-profile features from artists like 21 Savage, Travis Scott, Drake, Future, Lil Uzi Vert, and more. It also features lyrics that have been a lightning rod for ongoing controversy related to Gunna’s alleged snitching.

Young Thug’s YSL label mate Gunna has faced a lot of hate from fellow rappers for allegedly snitching on his label mates. In some lyrics on Thugger’s new album, he takes shots at snitches that certainly seem like they could be aimed at Gunna. While some online have claimed the lyrics predate the pair’s arrest, it’s currently unclear who Thug was talking about. What do you think of Young Thug’s newest legal strategy? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: “Free Young Thug” Projected Onto NYC Supreme Court Building

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“Free Young Thug” Projected Onto NYC Supreme Court Building

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Fans are calling for the release of Young Thug. Recently “FREE YOUNG THUG” was projected onto the New York State Supreme Court building, along with the artwork for his new album. Young Thug released the album, Business Is Business, yesterday from behind bars.

The rapper was arrested last year for RICO charges. Fans are loving his new album, which features scathing bars about snitching. On the track “Jonesboro,” Young Thug raps, “N***as told and he was my homie, I can’t miss him, Ain’t nobody feel him.” Many listeners speculated that the lyrics could be tied to Gunna allegedly snitching on the YSL founder. Whether or not Young Thug is calling out Gunna remains unconfirmed, as many believe that Young Thug wrote the song prior to his arrest.

Read More: Young Thug Debunks Saweetie Diss On New Album “BUSINESS IS BUSINESS”

Business Is Business

Other listeners suspected that he could be dissing Saweetie on a track from the album, titled “Want Me Dead.” “My n***a ain’t even tryna hit sweetie,” he raps on the song. He later responded with a Tweet that reads, “Her name is Saweetie. I said sweetie. #BusinessIsBusiness.” Earlier this week, Wack 100 also shared an alleged leaked phone call where Young Thug asks Lil Baby to respond to Gunna apparently dissing him on his single “bread & butter.” Gunna has denied claims that he dissed Lil Baby on the track. Dolly White, Young Thug’s sister, later responded to the phone call. She claimed that it was generated using AI, however, tensions continued to rise amongst the rappers.

Gunna recently appeared to unfollow Lil Baby on Instagram, as well as Lil Durk. Durk previously called Gunna a “rat,” further claiming, “if you a rat, I f*cking hate you. Because I love Thug.” This week, a clip from Lil Baby’s upcoming music video circulated, where appears to address Gunna. “Some n***as taking pleas at trial I know that slime ain’t happy,” he raps in the snippet.

Read More: Young Thug’s Leaked Calls To Lil Baby & Lil Durk To Diss Gunna Are Fake, His Sister Says

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YSL Trial Postponed After Lawyer’s Laptop Seized By Police

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The massive RICO indictment which swept up much of the YSL gang including rappers Young Thug and Gunna has a new development. According to Hip Hop DX, the hearing has been delayed until at least July 12th. The delay comes as a result of defense attorney Eric Johnson’s own ongoing hearings. Johnson is representing Christian Eppinger in both the RICO case and a number of other ongoing legal matters. Last month, law enforcement seized a laptop belonging o Johnson after he was accused of using it to let Eppinger contact other YSL members who weren’t in custody.

Johnson’s original hearing related to the laptop was supposed to happen soon. But after the lawyer was in a traffic accident a few weeks ago he’s been ruled unfit to appear in court since. His hearing has been rescheduled tentatively for July 12th, after which the YSL case can presumably continue. It’s yet another delay in the trial which has remained in the public eye since over a year ago. May 9th of 2022 was when the news first went public that Young Thug and Gunna had been arrested alongside 26 other YSL affiliates.

YSL Trial Gets Delayed Again

Most of the discussion about the YSL RICO case in recent months has revolved around Gunna. Earlier this year Gunna took a plea deal that resulted in his release. As a part of the deal however, Gunna has to testify against other YSL members in a way that many identified as snitching. This causes a string of rappers to make public statements distancing themselves from Gunna and his alleged actions. The most recent of which was Lil Durk who didn’t mince words in an interview with DJ Akademics. Of the allegations Gunna is facing Durk replied, “that man told.”

YSL Trial aside, Gunna just dropped a new album that certainly got fans’ attention. a Gift & a Curse is a featureless 15-track album that takes a much more reserved approach than Gunna normally brings. What do you think of the newest developments in the YSL trial? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: YSL Defendant in Relationship With Arrested Deputy

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Tony Yayo Explains Why He Thinks Young Thug Will Be Acquitted

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The YSL RICO case in Atlanta has been a mess. The sprawling trial originally started with 28 defendants. However, plea deals, severings, and dismissals have reduced the number of men still on trial to 9. Among those is Young Thug, who is widely seen by the prosecutors as one of the ringleaders and anchors of the case. Young Thug has had his own fair share of drama. A few weeks ago, he was admitted to the hospital twice during preliminary hearings for the trial. Despite jury selection beginning in January, no jurors have been formally selected yet.

Additionally, the case has been full of twists. Most recently, a Fulton County deputy was arrested after being linked to a smuggling ring run by YSL defendant Christian Eppinger. Eppinger and the deputy were reportedly in a relationship and had been illegally communicating via Instagram. However, the chaotic nature of the trial is exactly why one rap legend thinks that Young Thug isn’t going to prison.

Tony Yayo Explains Thinking In Young Thug Verdict

Appearing on VladTV, Tony Yayo explained why he believes Young Thug isn’t going to jail. “Thug coming home, man,” Yayo said. “The case … it sounds like a clusterfuck, man. Free Young Thug, man. And you know, it’s like, when you look at the shit, it’s like, he’s a high-profile guy. So, it’s a clusterfuck. You know? Even moving them around, it’s like, he’s high-profile. This is everyday shit, though … It’ll just make the news because you’ll hear ‘YSL.’”

It’s not the first time Yayo has commented on the YSL case. Earlier in 2023, he shared his thoughts about Gunna’s plea deal. “It’s hard to call somebody a snitch without the paperwork,” Yayo said. “But I think when that video came out — because remember Gunna got out and I love Gunna music, I love Thugga music. Gunna got out, you know, got the bad chick with him jumped into $200,000 Maybach everything was all Gucci you know what I’m saying. But two minutes later, what was that? Probably like an hour later, yeah the film in court came out.” Do you agree with Yayo? Let us know in the comments.

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Did Gunna Beat The Snitching Narrative? Twitter Reacts To “A Gift & A Curse”

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In the past six months, there have been many questions surrounding whether Gunna could reclaim his spot in hip-hop after he took an Alford Plea in the YSL RICO case. Despite attorneys insisting that he didn’t cooperate with authorities, many believed that he wouldn’t be able to salvage his career from the smeared reputation. But, he proved them wrong. With the release of A Gift & A Curse, Gunna’s official comeback album, he made it clear that his talents aren’t bound to his street credibility.

Since his December release, Gunna’s attempted to win back public favor through a number of acts. First, it was a Walmart Christmas giveaway that was eventually nixed. Then, he went to Instagram to pay respect to Lil Keed and show love to Young Thug – each met with backlash from other labelmates and affiliates. A Gift & A Curse has Gunna fighting back against each allegation and defending his name with bangers that will undoubtedly have the summer on lock.

Read More: Gunna Appears To Diss Lil Durk & Lil Baby On “Bread & Butter”

Gunna Addresses Allegations

The reactions have undoubtedly been favorable for Gunna, who many believe is the first rapper to beat snitching allegations. The Atlanta rapper is rapping on A Gift & A Curse with a chip on his shoulder, and it’s clear that it’s connecting. In fact, there are many people who believe this project cemented Gunna as a more talented individual than both Lil Baby and Lil Durk – two people who seemingly turned their back on him following his release. 

One song in particular that caught fans’ attention is “i was just thinking,” where he addresses the supposed narrative surrounding his plea deal. Not only does he fire back at his detractors but his throws in a message for Young Thug. “That’s four walls talkin’ to you, tellin’ you you gone/ Only I done criеd, ’cause this feelin’ for my bro (King Slime)/ And you know my mind, you done watched that n***a grow/ Know you hear the lies, it’s your lil’ brother, my folk/ Yeah, I had popped out, but don’t let ’em say I told,” he raps.

Read More: What Happens To Gunna Now?

Reactions 

All in all, fans seem to feel as though Gunna came through with a strong contender for Album Of The Year. Even without the assistance of his frequent collaborator Wheezy, the rapper came through with a consistent body of work that will likely stay in rotation until the end of the year. Check out a few reactions below. 

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Young Thug’s Brother Unfoonk Sentenced to Nine Years for Probation Violation

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Young Thug's Brother Unfoonk Accepts Plea Deal in YSL Rico Case

Young Thug’s brother, 34-year-old Quantavious Grier, has been sentenced to nine years and six months in jail after violating his probation.

Grier, known in rap as UNFOONK, was arrested on May 4 and charged with possessing a firearm by a convicted felon, persons associated with a criminal street gang to participate in illegal activity, and a few minor traffic offenses.

In addition, according to WSB-TV, Grier pleaded guilty to one count fo violating the RICO Act and one count of theft by receiving stolen property. In his plea deal, Unfoonk took a 12-year sentence, two of which were commuted to time served and an additional ten years of probation.

Unfoonk was arrested in southwest Atlanta after a suspected drug deal at a gas station. Unfoonk’s Mercedes G-Wagon was stopped, and officers smelled marijuana and noticed the handgun. “Mr. Grier advised that the gun was clean, which prompted me to believe he had knowledge of the firearm being there,” the officer wrote.

The gas station where Unfoonk was departing is believed to be controlled and used by members of YSL for gang activity.

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