TI Thinks Young Thug Is Going To Be Proven Innocent In YSL Trial

TI and Young Thug have always been close. They were never on the same label, but the former gave Thug a co-sign when he was starting out, and he hasn’t forgotten it. During a 2023 appearance on the Drink Champs podcast, T.I. claimed that Thug showed more gratitude towards him than artists who had actually signed to his Grand Hustle label. The King of the South has shown love in return, and supported Thug during his ongoing YSL trial. He’s also confident that Thug will be a free man soon.

TI recently went on The Breakfast Club, and one of the first topics he discussed with the YSL trial. He told Charlamagne tha God that he’d been in touch with Young Thug, and both men felt good about the chances of Thug being cleared of his RICO charges. “He comin’ home,” TI asserted. “I don’t think that the prosecution has successfully proven a case of him knowingly and willingly participating in an active street gang. I just don’t see it.” The “No Mediocre” rapper claimed that the witnesses that have been called to testify against Young Thug have not been as convincing as the prosecution had hoped for.

Read More: TI Drops Dizzying G-Funk Freestyle While Fans Wait For New Album

TI Plans To Help Young Thug Rebuild His Career

“I don’t think that the witnesses they’ve called thus far have proven what they said they would prove,” he noted. “I just don’t think that the grounds of their case have been presented properly. Just ain’t seen it.” Co-host DJ Envy interjected to lament the fact that the YSL case has disrupted Thug’s otherwise huge music career. He also voiced concern over whether Young Thug would be able to regain the momentum he had once he’s freed. TI assured him that he would see to it himself that the rapper would get back on top. “Don’t worry,” he told Envy. “When he come home, we’ll get it right. Just get him here… He’ll be just fine.”

TI knows how to rebuild a career after a legal battle. The rapper spent most of 2007 and 2008 in court over two weapons-related felonies. He eventually pled guilty and served a seven month prison stint the following year. TI returned with the album No Mercy in 2010, which was certified Gold and had features from the likes of Eminem, Drake, and Kanye West. Three years later, TIP was back on top of the charts with the number one single “Blurred Lines” opposite Pharrell and Robin Thicke. Young Thug could not have a better mentor waiting on him.

Read More: TI Claims Drake Vs Kendrick Lamar Ruined Things For Other Rappers

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Mother of Murder Victim Testifies in YSL Rico Trial

Mother of Murder Victim Testifies in YSL Rico Trial

The YSL RICO trial is still going, and this week, the mother of Donovan Thomas Jr., who was shot to death in a 2015 alleged gang-related incident, took the stand in Young Thug’s trial on Monday. This was the only day of witness testimony scheduled for the week as the trial approaches its six-month mark. The trial, which began on November 27, 2023, will hit the six-month mark on Monday, May 27, recognized as Memorial Day. It is scheduled to resume on Tuesday, May 28.

Donovan Thomas Jr., then 26, was murdered in Atlanta’s Castleberry Hill neighborhood. Two other victims were also shot. Shannon Stillwell and Deamonte Kendrick, two of the remaining defendants in Young Thug’s trial, were charged in connection with the shooting.

Thomas’ mother, Shawonna Edmond, testified emotionally about how she learned of her son’s death and the days that followed. Once can’t imagine what she experienced on that day. When prosecutors asked, “Did you lay your son to rest?” she replied, “Yes, yes we did.” Asked when the burial occurred, Edmond tearfully responded, “It was January 17, 2015.”

Prosecutors also called several other witnesses, including an Atlanta police officer. The trial has seen numerous delays, including an incident late last year when Stillwell was stabbed in custody at the Fulton County Jail.

Prosecutors aim to prove that YSL, or Young Slime Life, is a criminal street gang responsible for numerous offenses. Defense attorneys contend that YSL is merely the name of a record label, Young Stoner Life. Jeffery Williams, professionally known as Young Thug, was indicted on May 9, 2022. He is on trial in Fulton County in a significant RICO case involving himself and five other defendants. The trial opened with a statement from Fulton County Assistant Chief District Attorney Adriane Love on November 27, 2023.

Young Thug faces eight criminal counts under a federal law designed to combat organized crime. Georgia, one of 33 states with its own RICO law, allows for the prosecution of criminal enterprises that do not need to exist as long as those under the federal statute.

Defense attorneys have expressed concerns that the trial could extend for years due to the extensive witness list the prosecution intends to call. They argue that Williams is not the leader of an alleged gang as claimed by prosecutors.

Eighteen jurors have been selected, including six alternates. Two jurors have already been excused: one for a medical emergency and the other due to relocating out of Fulton County.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville has expressed frustration with the trial’s slow pace, urging both defense attorneys and prosecutors to be better prepared. He has indicated a willingness to hold court on weekends if necessary, stating, “I have spoken with our sheriff and, consistent with the court, if need be we’ll start having court on Saturday and Sunday.”

In addition to the RICO charges, Williams faces charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of codeine with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, possession of a firearm, and possession of a machine gun. Prosecutors have indicated they plan to call approximately 150 more witnesses.

The post Mother of Murder Victim Testifies in YSL Rico Trial first appeared on The Source.

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Young Thug Trial: YSL CO-Founder Confirms What “Thug” Stands For

As Young Thug’s YSL trial carries on, it’s been a turbulent few weeks for everyone in the courtroom. There’s been a myriad of viral moments where witnesses lash out, shut down completely, or straight up confess they aren’t in the right headspace to be testifying. That’s also come amongst questions about the behavior of various members of the district attorney’s office and a motion filed by Thug’s lawyers to have the lead prosecutor removed from the case.

Now the newest witness on the stand is DK, one of the co-founders of YSL. While being questioned by the defense, he was asked if he knew what “Thug” stood for. It’s been a point of contention in the trial as the prosecution tries to cite his rap name as evidence that the label is also a gang. DK gave credit to an argument the defense has been making since early in the trial, that “Thug” stands for “Truly Humble Under God.” He also claimed that it stands for “The Hate U Give” in different circumstances. Check out the video of DK giving his testimony below.

Read More: Young Thug Back In Court As Trial Resumes

YSL-Co Founder Testifies About What “Thug” Means In Young Thug

Last month, Thug’s lawyers filed a motion to have some of the witnesses removed from the witness list. They projected that the trial could last until 2027 if everyone on the witness list was questioned at the same pace they had been so far. In response some witnesses were cleared, including Lil Wayne who was originally expected to testify. He was one of multiple rappers included on the list of potential witnesses but was the only one removed. Rich Homie Quan, YFN Lucci, and Birdman are all still on the list of potential witnesses in the case.

What do you think of one of YSL’s co-founders confirming that “Thug” stands for “Truly Humble Under God”? Do you think the testimony will help Thug’s defense push back on the allegations that YSL is a gang? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Meek Mill Weighs In On Young Thug’s Trial

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Young Thug Trial: State Witness Becomes Uncooperative During Questioning

The newest developments in the Young Thug trial over the past few weeks have further deteriorated the reputation of the trial online. During a run of stories in March one witness claimed that he was being threatened and just a few days later another claimed he was so high on the stand he might fall asleep. The defense calculated that with the extensive list of witnesses presented by the prosecution, the trial could last until 2027. The judge responded this week by dropping some people from the witness list including Lil Wayne.

Now there’s yet another issue with a state witness. Yesterday, D’Angelo White was called to the stand in order to give some context to Thug’s origins. But once they began asking questions that directly related to Thug, White became uncooperative. He repeatedly had to ask what the questions had to do with him before eventually shutting down completely. After that almost any questions he was asked he responded with “I shouldn’t be here.” Check out the full day of court proceedings below.

Read More: Young Thug & Mariah The Scientist Relationship Timeline

Witness In The Young Thug Trial Stops Answering Questions

The witness issues in the case haven’t slowed down in recent weeks. Earlier this month a female witness alleged that a Fulton County investigator sexually harassed her. Just a few days later a different investigator from the trial was caught sharing inappropriate text messages with one of the witnesses in the trial. Thug’s defense called the move an attempt to score favoritism in their testimony.

Last week, Young Thug appeared on a highly-anticipated new song. Lil Wayne dropped the track “Bless,” the lead single from his upcoming album. The song has already racked up more than a million streams on Spotify in less than a week since it dropped. What do you think of even more issues spawning from a state witness in the Young Thug RICO trial? Do you think the witness list needs to be cut down so the trial doesn’t last as long? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Young Thug’s Apparent Weight Gain Goes Viral

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Young Thug Trial: State Witness Claims He’s So High He Might Fall Asleep

Though the explosive revelations from early days of the trial have started to slow down that hasn’t stopped fans from continuing to pay close attention. That was the case last week when an argument between two of the attorneys in the case got so heated that the sheriffs deputy in the court had to step in. A video of the interaction shared online racked up almost 400k views.

Now there’s yet another moment that’s leading to fans online calling the trial a sham. That’s a clip making the rounds online that is reportedly of one of the state’s witnesses giving their testimony. In the clip, he gives some pretty self-incriminating evidence as to why he may not be the most trustworthy witness. “Im so high right now, Im aboutta go to sleep on yall man” he states in the video. It’s another viral slipup for the prosecution in a trial where they’ve repeatedly come under fire by fans following closely. Check out the newest video that has observers online calling for a mistrial below.

Read More: Young Thug & Mariah The Scientist Relationship Timeline

State Witness Showed Up High To Young Thug Trial

There was even more drama in the case last week. Yet another viral video made the rounds online of one of the witnesses in the case having finally had enough. After being asked variations of the exact same question over and over he let the court know how he felt in an absolute eruption on the stand. Months into the trial it seems to be wearing down almost everyone involved.

Thugger was originally arrested in May of 2022. That means were approaching two full years of the rapper’s incarceration in just a few months. Those paying close attention to the trial are still unclear about what his prospects look like as far as beating the case goes. What do you think of the concerning new video of a state witness in the Young Thug trial? Do you think the prosecutions repeated viral slipups are enough to get the case ruled a mistrial? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Meek Mill Weighs In On Young Thug’s Trial

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Young Thug’s Defense Files To Have Lyrics And Music Videos Removed From Evidence

Last year, the judge in Young Thug’s YSL RICO trial controversially ruled that lyrics would be admissible as evidence. It re-sparked a major debate about whether lyrics should be allowed in court with rappers like Killer Mike speaking out against the decision. Subsequently, Thug’s defense has filed a new motion to try and get those lyrics and some music videos removed from the pool of evidence in the trial. They cited a recent unrelated court decision by the Georgia Supreme Court and are hoping precedent can help out the rapper’s case.

Earlier this week, the state’s Supreme Court overturned the conviction of a 2019 murder. They ruled that a music video used as evidence was “highly prejudicial” and the conviction was struck down. “It allowed the State to introduce impermissible propensity evidence by portraying Baker as a threatening gunman, and the prosecutor severely exacerbated the video’s prejudicial impact by emphasizing that it showed Baker’s predisposition to gun violence,” they said in their ruling. Thug’s defense is hoping that the ruling could help play a role in getting similar evidence removed from their trial.

Read More: Young Thug & Mariah The Scientist Relationship Timeline

Young Thug Trying To Get More Evidence Thrown Out

The story that has dominated Young Thug’s trial so far this year didn’t even happen in court. Audio and video leaked from a jail phone call between him and his girlfriend Mariah The Scientist. It hit the internet back in January and part of their interaction went viral online. Despite the break in privacy, Mariah seems relatively okay with the virality of the video. During a recent concert she seemed to embrace the video, even while joking that fans “weren’t supposed to see it.”

What do you think of Young Thug’s defense trying to get evidence removed from his YSL RICO trial once again? Do you think they’ll succeed in getting some of the lyrics and music videos removed? Do you think Thug has a good chance at beating the case? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Meek Mill Weighs In On Young Thug’s Trial

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Strick Collabs With Young Thug And James Blake In New Single “Kisses Make Sure”

Young Stoner Life artist Strick has silently carved his niche in the music industry. He has boasted credits on hit songs with the likes of Travis Scott, Wiz Khalifa, and Juicy J. His collaborative efforts have extended to working with artists such as Swae Lee and A$AP Rocky, solidifying his presence as a behind-the-scenes force. Now, Strick steps into the spotlight with his new single, “KISSES MAKE SURE” featuring none other than label head Young Thug and the acclaimed James Blake. This mellow and entrancing cut is a testament to Strick’s artistry and is poised to captivate audiences with its unique blend of talent.

However, the collaboration with Young Thug and James Blake elevates “KISSES MAKE SURE” to a whole new level. Combining Strick’s behind-the-scenes expertise with the star power of his featured guests. The track unfolds as a mesmerizing composition, offering a dreamy and immersive sonic experience that deserves attention. Moreover, Strick’s ability to seamlessly collaborate with heavyweights in the industry speaks to his versatility and skill as an artist. “KISSES MAKE SURE” is not just a song; it’s a showcase of his from the shadows into the limelight.

Read More: YSL’s Strick Links With A$AP Rocky On “For Sale”

Stream “KISSES MAKE SURE” By Strick

Furthermore, the mellow vibes, coupled with the distinct styles of Young Thug and James Blake, create a musical synergy that is bound to resonate with fans across genres. The track’s title, “KISSES MAKE SURE,” suggests a certain assurance and intentionality, and indeed, the song delivers on those promises. From the production to the vocals, every element of the single is carefully crafted, resulting in a piece of music that stands out in its own right.

Moreover, as Strick takes center stage with this release, it’s evident that his artistry is not confined to the background. “KISSES MAKE SURE” marks a defining moment for Strick, introducing him as an artist to be watched closely. The collaboration with Young Thug and James Blake further underscores the respect and recognition he has gained within the industry. For fans of Strick, “KISSES MAKE SURE” is a treat that showcases his evolution as an artist and his ability to curate a sound that is both captivating and soulful. What do you think of the new single?

Quoteable Lyrics:

[Chorus: Strick & Young Thug]
This mornin’ I woke up, didn’t smell no coffee
You wasn’t makin’ breakfast downstairs (No)
Fell asleep, I had a nightmare I was lonely (Oh)
I think losing your love got me scared (Yeah)

Read More: YSL Artist Strick Pays Tribute To A Canadian Icon On New Single, “Nelly Furtado”

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Young Thug Accused Of Being The Shooter In 911 Audio Played During Trial

After a few weeks of relative silence a bomb dropped earlier today in Young Thug’s YSL RICO trial. But earlier today the 32nd day of the trial got underway with a piece of evidence that grabbed fans attention. The evidence was a 911 call from a shooting that took place all the way back in 2013. In a damning moment the woman who made the phone call names Thugger directly as the shooter in the incident. She does claim that she didn’t see it directly and only passed the information on from someone else.

The phone call is part of a continued effort on behalf of the prosecution to tie the YSL label to years of gang activities. Fans in the comments can’t help but point out how loose the evidence feels. ?She said it was a young thug that could be anybody! 😭😭😭 free this man they all lying on him” one of the top comments on the post reads. “Somebody said young thug…. Girl don’t piss me off” and “So you did NOT see. Hear. Or know Young Thug …. NOT GUILTY 😂 wrap it up by lunch on Friday” two other comments agree. Listen to the audio being played in court and read the fan reactions to it below.

Read More: Young Thug’s Apparent Weight Gain Goes Viral

Young Thug Named In 911 Audio Played In Court

Last week, there was a very surprising new development in the YSL RICO trial. One of the defense attorneys in the case was arrested and hit with charges related to gang activity. The attorney’s name is Nicole Fegan and she was accused of tampering with evidence ad participation in criminal street gang activity. Though Fegan doesn’t represent Thug directly, it’s yet another dramatic twist in a trial that has had near constant intrigue.

What do you think of the 911 audio played in court during the YSL trial earlier today? Do you agree that it’s too much conjecture to hold against Thug in the case? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Meek Mill Weighs In On Young Thug’s Trial

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Young Thug’s Lawyer Tries To Disprove Bloods Affiliation By Naming Other Artists Using Cs Rather Than Bs

The RICO case against YSL, and Young Thug in particular, has referenced their musical output as a collective a lot over the past year and a half or so. Moreover, one of their co-founders recently tried to provide evidence of its leader’s “Truly Humble Under God” moniker during a testimony. On Thursday (February 8), it was defense attorney Brian Steel’s turn to defend Thugger’s music and highlight how the prosecution is wrong for using it as a basis for their arguments. While questioning a witness during a court hearing, he specifically brought up rappers and artists who use Cs instead of Bs, mentioning Meek Mill, Post Malone, and more.

If that sounds odd to you, here’s the breakdown: the prosecution had suggested that Young Thug is a member of the Bloods gang, who say Bs instead of Cs so they don’t reference their rival gang, the Crips. As such, Brian Steel wanted to not only call out a double standard here, but also prove that the Atlanta rapper is not the only artist who uses language in this manner. It’s part of a larger defense that aims to separate his art -– and that of the rest of YSL -– from the actual crimes that they are accused of. It’s been a tough battle so far, yet one with no end in sight with plenty of room to turn hopeful or despondent in a matter of seconds.

Read More: D.A. In Young Thug & Donald Trump Case Allegedly Had An Affair With Prosecutor

Brian Steel Tries To Disprove Young Thug’s Association With Bloods: Watch

Meanwhile, old footage concerning this case also surfaced recently, which caught fans’ interest. This is of a police search authorities conducted in Young Thug’s jail cell back in June of 2022, and it’s hard to believe it’s been this long with no result or verdict. Nevertheless, many fans pointed out how he seemed to have a lot of books and magazines in his cell, which was a heartening sign for some that he was staying entertained and stimulated while behind bars. The “Metro Spider” lyricist surely had to make some staggering day-to-day life adjustments to cope with prison time.

However, not everything surrounding him in the headlines these days relates strictly to his court case. For example, the 32-year-old’s romantic history recently came up again in the news thanks to multiple interactions and gossip about current and past flames. Hopefully the RICO trial itself keeps moving forward, regardless of what people are talking about. With that in mind, log back into HNHH for the latest news and updates on Young Thug and the YSL case.

Read More: Young Thug & Jerrika Karlae: Relationship Timeline

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Young Thug’s YSL RICO Trial: Everything That’s Happened So Far In The Trial (Update For January 2024)

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It has been a little over two months since our last Everything To Know post about the ongoing Young Thug racketeering trial, and a lot has happened since then. We’ll cover the basics, but also everything that we weren’t able to update as the trial continued.

What Is Young Thug Charged With In The YSL RICO Trial?

Young Thug was accused of violating Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. The RICO law was intended to curtail organized crime — think the “leave the gun, take the cannoli” guys — but a broad application of the law is being used to prosecute this case. The state argues that Young Stoner Life, Thug’s label, is actually a cover for Young Slime Life, a violent street gang responsible for assault, dealing drugs, and murder in the Atlanta area.

28 members of YSL including Gunna, Yak Gotti, and Unfook, Young Thug’s brother, were indicted, with Thug being accused of being the leader of this gang. Although he was only accused of violating the RICO Act at first, a raid of his home added charges of possession of illegal firearms and possession of drugs with intent to distribute.

Who Are The Prosecutors In The YSL RICO Trial?

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Taifa Willis brought the case, one of several focusing on organized crime including one against Donald Trump.

Who Is Young Thug’s Lawyer In The YSL RICO Trial?

Veteran Georgia defense attorney Brian Steel is working with Young Thug. Steel claims the use of Young Thug’s lyrics as evidence is racist.

Why Are Young Thug’s Lyrics Being Used As Evidence?

The state’s case against Young Thug hinges on proving his membership and leadership of YSL as a gang. Young Thug’s lyrics made frequent mention of YSL, so they would like to use his own words to prove that he is the YSL shot caller — but they also have to prove that YSL is a gang in the sense of committing organized criminal activity.

Which Young Thug Lyrics Are Being Used As Evidence In The Case?

The lyrics in question come from a variety of songs, including “Just How It Is”:

“I just beat a murder rap, paid my lawyer 30 for that”

2014’s “Eww”:

“Honestly truth be told YSL won’t fold / Pick his ass off from the balcony/ YSL wipe a n**** nose”

“Bad Boy” with Juice WRLD:

“I shot at his mommy, now he no longer mention me”

“Take It To Trial” with Gunna:

“I rep my life for real/For slimes you know I kill”

What Are The Updates In Young Thug’s YSL RICO Trial?

Since the start of the trial, it’s been delayed a number of times. In December, the trial was paused after a co-defendant, Shannon Stilwell, was stabbed in jail.

As the trial continued in January, Young Thug’s verse from “Lifestyle” was played in court, a TikTok of LeBron James was presented as evidence, and the prosecution has asked to ban cameras during witness testimony.

Meanwhile, video from a jail call between Thug and his girlfriend Mariah The Scientist was leaked online, prompting Drake to call out the authorities for failing to take the case seriously.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.