Gunna is breaking his silence.
The “pushin P” rapper is speaking out for the first time since he was arrested last month and charged in a 56-count RICO indictment that includes Young Thug and other members of YSL. In a two-page letter posted on Instagram on his 29th birthday, he reflected on the last six months.
“2022 has been one of the best years of my life, despite this difficult situation,” wrote Gunna, who has been locked up in Fulton County jail in Georgia after his bail was denied. “This year I had the whole world pushing P.”
He revealed how his “gift from God” has changed his life. “I used my art form, my gift from God, to change my circumstance. I worked, I honed my craft, I worked, I empowered Black Women in my industry, I worked, I lived in the recording studio, I worked, I lived on the road, I worked,” he continued.
Gunna, who was charged with a single count of conspiracy to violate the RICO Act, went on to proclaim his innocence. “For now, I don’t have my freedom. But I am innocent. I am being falsely accused and will never stop fighting to clear my name!” he said.
He called the accusations against him “ugly and untrue,” and remained confident that justice will be served. “I have all faith that God will grant me justice for the purity in my heart and the innocence of my actions,” he said.
He also addressed his lyrics being used against him by prosecutors. “As a Black Man in America, it seems as though my art is only acceptable when I’m a source of entertainment for the masses,” said Gunna. “My art is not allowed to stand alone as entertainment, I’m not allowed that freedom as a Black Man in America.”
However, he won’t give up the fight. “Nothing will stop me from chasing my dreams, I won’t stop being a good person, even if some unnamed and unknown accusers want the world to see me as bad person,” he told fans. “When I was free, I was good and kind to the community around me and, when I am released, I will do the same thing all over again.”
He ended his letter by referencing his DS4EVER hit: “We still pushing P: Power, Prayer , Progress, Passion, Productivity, Praise, Precision, Peace, Prosperity, Patience, Pride and Persistence.”
In his caption, Gunna shared his disappointment in the justice system and called for the protection of Black art. “22 & 2, just a bed & a shower, no windows just walls. Can’t see or talk to anyone. I’m writing now & still praying everyday. I was raised to fight fire with water, even tho my country’s amendments have failed me! PROTECT BLACK ART!”
Two days earlier, Young Thug shared an audio message from jail that played during Summer Jam where he urged his supporters to sign the “Protect Black Art” petition to protect rappers from having their lyrics used by prosecutors in a criminal trial.
Gunna received support from fans and friends including Bobby Shmurda and T.I., who wrote, “Every storm runs outta rain lil bro. Just continue to stand solid & search for the lesson in it all. We wit ya 100% King.”
Gunna is expected to remain in jail until his trail starts in January 2023.