![]() “The First Amendment does not protect people from prosecutors using as evidence if it is such,” she said at the press conference. For instance, the indictment quotes Young Thug rapping in 2018, “I never killed anybody but got something to do with that body.” Jay-Z and Meek Mill have recently championed a bill that would block rap lyrics from being used as evidence in the state of New York.ĭistrict Attorney Willis has shown no qualms about using lyrics as evidence. Not coincidentally, the Young Thug indictment has also drawn scrutiny for quoting the rapper’s lyrics, a prosecutorial practice long criticized by advocates for hip-hop and free speech. Prosecutors have brought RICO charges in recent years against rappers Bobby Shmurda and Tekashi 6ix9ine, along with the disgraced singer R. But rappers and their crews may be particularly vulnerable to such charges when placed in front of jurors perhaps not familiar enough with the form to make a distinction between art and reality. “I believe it allows juries and the communities to see the complete picture of a crime,” she said at the press conference. Willis has indicated that she plans to keep bringing RICO charges against alleged gangs. Young Thug’s lawyer, Brian Steel, told Pitchfork on May 10 that the rapper “has committed no violation of law, whatsoever.” The government also cited Gunna’s lyrics and social media posts, including his June 2020 appearance in Lil Keed’s “ Fox 5” video, where Gunna allegedly wears “YSL” and “Slatt” pendants while rapping, “We got ten-hundred round choppers.” They included allegations of theft by receiving a stolen firearm, possession of drugs with intent to distribute, and participation in gang activity, and a traffic stop for speeding involving vehicles that purportedly were armed with an AK-47 and other weapons. ![]() Gunna’s alleged RICO acts in the indictment ranged from September 2017 to March 2022. The killing does not appear to have been carried out. According to prosecutors, one of the co-defendants (who had apparently been a murder target years earlier) ordered a fellow YSL associate to murder an alleged gang member. The most recent crimes alleged in the indictment took place on April 27 or April 28. (Prosecutors dropped the other charges, which originally included violation of the RICO Act and multiple counts of aggravated assault.) In August 2020, after an earlier sentence was thrown out by a judge, Roscoe pleaded guilty to two gang-related charges in connection with the tour bus shooting. Roscoe’s RICO crimes, the indictment alleges, include shooting Lil Wayne’s tour bus in April 2015. Along with conspiracy to violate Georgia’s RICO law, Roscoe faces additional drug, gun, and gang charges, which could lead to more prison time. Notably, the indictment also names rapper Peewee Roscoe. (On February 7, one of the two YSL associates who sought Young Thug’s permission to murder YFN Lucci attempted to murder an Atlanta police officer, prosecutors claim.) On top of that, on February 22, two other YSL associates discussed how to get Young Thug’s “permission” for a second murder attempt on the incarcerated YFN Lucci, the indictment asserts. YFN Lucci is also a rival gang member, prosecutors claim. ![]() On February 9, 2022, the indictment alleges, three YSL associates attempted to murder YFN Lucci by stabbing him with a shank. Other allegations that stand out concern YFN Lucci, an Atlanta rapper who has been in jail following his own 2021 state RICO indictment. ![]() Drinks, who was 23, was found with multiple gunshot wounds, according to a local news report. On March 14, prosecutors claim, four YSL associates shot and killed Shymel Drinks, allegedly another rival gang member. Thomas’ death isn’t the only alleged murder in the indictment.
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