Grammy award winning Atlanta rapper Jeffery William also known as YOUNG THUG is under a lot of scrutiny! Jury selection is currently underway for Mr YOUNG THUG and 13 other individuals.
District attorney Fani Wills made statements to reporters, where she alleges that gangs are responsible for an estimated 80% of all crimes that are violent in Atlanta. District attorney Fani has concluded that YSL and Young Slime Life is in fact, a gang. Yet, Williams (Young Thug) maintains his innocence by implying that YSL is only a music label. Fani Wills announced a 65 count indictment. These charges range from possession of illegal drugs, aggravated assault, theft and even murder! This case includes over 360 witnesses. A main witness in this case includes rap artist Lil Wayne. An incident that took place back in 2015 alleges that YSL and Williams (YOUNG THUG) shot up Lil Wayne’s tour bus.
The judge and lawyers have estimated that Jury selection may take weeks, and trial may be even longer, ranging from 6-12 months! Gunna, who’s real name is Sergio Kitchens, recently plead guilty to one of the charges last month. Upon his release he stated that the plea deal was in his best interest and he maintains his innocence. Gunna made a statement upon his release, “ I love and cherish my association with YSL music and always will.” Gunna exclaimed that they all had a common interest in music and that the lyrics were only an artistic, creative measure of expression.
The DA is using a song called “Anybody” in Williams’ (Young Thug) indictment. The DA cites some of the lyrics, where he said, “I never killed anybody but I got something to do with that body, I got the streets on my back.. I told them to shoot a hundred rounds.” Wills said that the lyrics are fair game. Wills stated “I have some legal advice. Don’t confess to crimes on rap lyrics if you do not want them used!” A debate has spurred over the practice of using an artist’s creative lyrics against them and if this is a violation of the 1st amendment right.
Young Thug said the following on a recorded call from jail, “This isn’t just about me or YSL. I always use my music as a form of artistic expression and now I see that black artist, rappers don’t have any freedom.”