Photo credit: Young Thug Instagram
While in prison on RICO charges, Young Thug releases a new album titled business is business from his prison cell. Here’s the latest.
Atlanta rapper Young Thug remains behind bars awaiting his trial, which has been delayed multiple times. The latest delay means the hearing will take place on July 12 after police confiscated the lawyer’s laptop. Defense attorney Eric Johnson reportedly allowed the rapper to contact other YSL members who were not incarcerated.
Young Thug and Gunna were arrested along with 26 other YSL members on charges that “Young Slime Life” was a criminal street gang. The 88-page grand jury indictment alleges 182 counts of criminal conspiracy, citing texts, social media posts, and clothing and accessories as evidence. Both Young Thug and Gunna have been denied the bond multiple times, and questions have been raised about artists being taken to court over the content of their lyrics.
“You know, this isn’t just about me or YSL,” Young Thug said in a recorded message to Hot 97’s Summer Jam on June 12. “I always use my music as a form of artistic expression, and I now see that Black artists and rappers don’t have that freedom. Please all sign the Protect Black Art petition and keep praying for us. I love you all.”
The petition to protect black art was co-written by 300 Entertainment co-founder Kevin Liles, who helped launch the YSL label. Atlantic Records COO Julie Greenwald also co-signed the document calling for federal and state legislatures to pass legislation to limit the use of rap lyrics as admissible evidence in court.
The accusation claims Young Thug is the founder of the street gang formed in 2012 with “connections to the national Bloods gang”. Young Thug founded the imprint Young Stoner Life with 300 Entertainment in 2016. The YSL Records group is called “Slime Family” and includes rappers Lil Duke, Yak Gotti and Unfook, who are also named in the indictment.