Young Thug

Brian Steel, Young Thug's lawyer, requested that Judge Glanville recuse himself from the <a href="https://hot97.com/hot-news/ysl-defense-lawyer-nicole-fegan-arrested-on-gang-related-charges">YSL RICO</a> trial on day 46, accusing him of bias against the rapper. After a heated exchange Wednesday afternoon (March 20), the Fulton County judge immediately denied Steel&rsquo;s request.
https://x.com/ThuggerDaily/status/1770544263727616207?s=20
According to Steel, Judge Glanville has repeatedly engaged in inappropriate behavior towards Young Thug. The new motion marks the second request of Judge Glanville&rsquo;s recusal by an attorney during trial.&nbsp;
The latest incident adds to multiple events since the trial began in late 2023. Before Wednesday&rsquo;s dispute, a former attorney in the trial was arrested on gang-related charges. In addition to bizarre testimonies by several state witnesses. A witness asked for water while testifying on Tuesday (March 19) due to being restless and intoxicated.&nbsp;
Young Thug was indicted on RICO charges in 2022 and has remained in detainment at the Fulton County Jail since. The prosecution has used several of his <a href="https://hot97.com/hot-news/ynw-mellys-lyrics-could-be-used-against-him-in-double-murder-retrial">rap lyrics</a> and music videos as references throughout the trial. If convicted, Thug could receive up to 20 years in prison.&nbsp;
Already the longest trial in Fulton County history, attorneys predicted the YSL trial could last until 2027.
While detained, Young Thug has released new music with Busta Rhymes,&nbsp;<a href="https://hot97.com/hot-news/the-weeknd-ausdap-rocky-meek-mill-sza-more-new-music-you-might-have-missed">Maino</a>, Metro Boomin, 21 Savage, Drake, Mariah The Scientist and many more.&nbsp;

Young Thug's Attorney Requests Judge To Recuse Himself From YSL RICO Trial

Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Gunna

Gunna

<a href="https://hot97.com/hot-news/j-cole-mgk-pusha-t-kodak-black-gunna-more-new-music-you-might-have-missed">Gunna</a>&rsquo;s career has been on an uphill journey since <a href="https://hot97.com/hot-news/ysl-defense-lawyer-nicole-fegan-arrested-on-gang-related-charges">YSL</a> was indicted on RICO charges in 2022. The Atlanta rapper was labeled a &ldquo;snitch&rdquo; by fans and the majority of hip-hop stars upon his release after accepting a plea deal in December 2022.&nbsp;
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Gunna denies "snitching" allegations in new collaboration track "Prada Dem" with Offset. He raps, "I set the trend, I&rsquo;m a trendsetter / I&rsquo;m not a rat, still gettin&rsquo; cheddar.&rdquo;&nbsp;
YSL <a href="https://hot97.com/hot-news/young-thug-stand-for-what-t-i-responds-to-comments-after-viral-video-or-wrap">RICO</a> trial is set to become Georgia's longest trial ever with an 88-page indictment against <a href="https://hot97.com/hot-news/young-thug-ysl-trial-attorney-nicole-fegan-arrest-charges-expert-opinions">Young Thug</a>. If convicted, Thug, born Jeffery Williams, could receive up to 20 years in prison. Gunna accepted a plea deal in the case that had him pled guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy.&nbsp;
The new single comes as Gunna hits the road this May. Offset appears on the album while on tour in support of his new album, Set It Off.&nbsp;
Since release from jail, Gunna has released a critically-acclaimed album in a Gift &amp; a Curse and collaborated with Turbo, Asake, and Vicent Thompson. However, been publicly shunned by former associates Lil Durk, Lil Baby, Drake, and Young Thug.
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Gunna Denies “Snitching” On New Offset Collaboration

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Young Thug is showing Gunna's music some love.Although Thug is currently behind bars, the rapper added a link to Gunna's music in his Instagram bio. The rapper is still in prison as he awaits trial in <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/gunna-young-thug-talk-to-each-other-for-the-first-time-during-a-hearing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICO case.</a> "Everyone bouta switch up when thug tells everyone Gunnas good" commented one fan. "Imagine gunna never snitched so he been keeping quiet waiting for it to come to light so he can throw it in everybody face… thats why he was laughing in his ig story.." commented another- as many fans Gunna "snitched" to get himself out of prison. https://www.instagram.com/p/CrjZrIdu5Nj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linkWe <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/gunnas-lawyer-responds-to-snitching-allegations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">previously reported</a> that Gunna responded to those allegations. The rapper wrote, “while I have agreed to always be truthful, I want to make it perfectly clear that I have NOT made any statements, have NOT been interviewed, have NOT cooperated, have NOT agreed to testify or be a witness for or against any party in the case and have absolutely NO intention of being involved in the trial process in any way."He added, “I love and cherish my association with YSL music, and always will. I look at this as an opportunity to give back to my community and educate young men and women that ‘gangs’ and violence only lead to destruction.”

Social Media Reacts To Young Thug Promoting Gunna's Music On His Instagram

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Gunna will remain behind bars.According to<a href="https://www.complex.com/music/gunna-denied-release-from-jail" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> reports,</a> the rapper has been denied bond for the third time. Judge Ural Glanville declined to release Gunna from jail ahead of a trial which will begin in January. The judge justifies this as being rooted in the “same concerns” asserted in the prior two rejections.Back in May, Young Thug, <a href="https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/ysl-rapper-young-thug-alleged-gang-members-appear-in-court-on-new-charges" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gunna,</a> and 26 'YSL' members were indicted on RICO charges and are accused of operating a violent street gang. Young Thug is believed to be the ringleader- he also has been denied bond.“Mr. Sergio Kitchens, known as Gunna, is innocent. The indictment falsely portrays his music as part of a criminal conspiracy. Mr. Kitchens has been an advocate for his community, and it is our privilege to advocate for him,” Gunna’s legal team previously stated.

Gunna Reportedly Denied Bond For Third Time

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<h2 id="h-california-is-taking-the-necessary-steps-to-protect-black-art">California is taking the necessary steps to protect Black art</h2>California's Senate passed a new legislation that aims to restrict the use of rap lyrics as evidence in court. The State Assembly re-voted on Monday (August 22), just days after the State Senate unanimously approved the bill. <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB2799" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bill AB 2799</a> bans the use of rap lyrics in the courtroom as evidence unless prosecutors can prove that it's directly relevant. The bill additionally addresses that this legislation won't "inject racial bias into the proceedings".According to <a href="https://www.billboard.com/pro/california-rap-lyrics-bill-final-vote-headed-governor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Billboard</a>, the bill isn't a ban. But, it does provide hurdles for prosecutors to overcome. Such evidence of "creative expression" hold little value in the courtroom. Unless, the state can show that the expression was created "near in time to the crime; bears a level of similarity to the crime; or includes 'factual details' about the crime are not otherwise publicly available". Governor Gavin Newsom of California is expected to sign this bill into law. Although New York made a similar effort earlier this year, California would be the first U.S. state to restrict rap lyrics as evidence. <h3 id="h-reading-between-the-lines-the-controversy-behind-this-regulation">Reading between the lines -- the controversy behind this regulation.</h3>Critics, including celebrities, have spoke out against rap lyrics entering the courtroom. A-list celebrities like Jay-Z, Meek Mill, Fat Joe, Yo Gotti, and Kelly Rowland are among many who signed a letter proposing for lawmakers to make the change in New York State. Back in June during HOT 97's 2022 Summer Jam, <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/summer-jam-puts-spotlight-on-young-thug-and-use-of-lyrics-against-rappers-in-court" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Young Thug</a> encouraged fans to sign 'Protect Black Art' petition. The precedent of using rap lyrics as evidence is blatantly racist. This is because it unfairly discriminates against hip-hop and it sways juries by playing to racial bias. Compared to other genres, rap lyrics are taken literally and is stripped of its creativity. As a result, it directly prevents Black artists from telling their stories. The fear that it may be wrongly interpreted in court is a valid concern. In the recent case of Young Thug & Gunna's arrest on RICO charges, the indictment heavily cited their lyrics. Perhaps this new regulation can make its way to Georgia. Art is a safe space to tell stories that show the best and worst parts of human experience. Art should not have to be used in court.

California's Rap Lyrics Bill Is Expected To Be Signed Into Law

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Gunna and Young Thug got to chop it up for a few.The Atlanta rappers had another pre-trial hearing today (August 18) via satellite for their RICO charges. At some point, Gunna and Young Thug started talking briefly before they were told to stop.In the visual audio, you hear Thug ask Gunna if he's okay. Thug said, "you good?" Gunna <a href="https://www.hot97.com/on-air/thoughts-on-the-arrests-of-young-thug-gunna-on-rico-charges" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">replied</a>, "I'm good, my brother. You good?" Then, in the <a href="https://www.11alive.com/video/news/crime/trials/decision-young-thug-bond-ysl-rico-case/85-3ea3e930-7ea5-4395-88e2-e5273366ea61" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">video</a>, someone can be heard reminding Gunna that his audio is on. Another voice said, "Jefferey [Young Thug], I don't believe you are muted, either."The "Hot" rappers began talking again, and a woman told them that they were being recorded. She warned them to stop talking and "pretend they are not here." She said,"Hey, you guys. Everything you all are saying is being recorded," the woman reveals. "Don't laugh. Don't talk to each other. Pretend you are not here. Don't say anything."Young Thug was <a href="https://www.complex.com/music/young-thug-denied-bond-again-rico-case" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">denied bond</a> again for the third time. Brian Steel, Thug's attorney, said his client would be willing to "comply with a 24-hour home confinement." Steel also argued the prosecution is creating a false narrative against <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/the-wrap-up-loreal-luchi-young-thug-chris-brown-gunna" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Young Thug </a>by using "2014 song lyrics," TMZ reports. Video screenshot photos surfaced online of Young Thug. He's seemingly in good spirits despite the circumstances and rocked a big smile. Take a look:https://twitter.com/mymixtapez/status/1560290040718172163?s=21&t=XkB6AjJnFr92Q8Bq0MbfygIn May, Young Thug, <a href="https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/ysl-rapper-young-thug-alleged-gang-members-appear-in-court-on-new-charges" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gunna,</a> and 26 YSL members were indicted on RICO charges and are accused of operating a violent street gang. Young Thug is believed to be the ring leader. The trial date is set for January 9, 2023. https://twitter.com/rap/status/1560295248747790338?s=21&t=XkB6AjJnFr92Q8Bq0Mbfyg<a href="https://www.xxlmag.com/young-thug-gunna-speak-court-recorded/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Via</a>

Gunna & Young Thug Talk To Each Other For The First Time During A Hearing

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Judge Ural Glanville denied bond for rapper Gunna at the Fulton County Court today (July 7). Sergio G. Kitchens, popularly known as Gunna, was taken into custody in May after turning himself in. Young Thug’s high-profile case is one that the hip-hop community will never forget - especially not after the surprise statement he gave from jail during this year's annual Summer Jam concert. In the voice message, the rapper asked the crowd to support a petition to protect Black artists: “I always use my music as a form of artistic expression, and now I see that Black artists and rappers don’t have that, you know, freedom. Everybody please sign the ‘Protect Black Art’ petition and keep praying for us. I love you all.” This is regarding the fact that prosecutors have been analyzing Young Thug's song lyrics and social media postings as evidence for his case.Like Gunna, Young Thug was arrested on May 9 on charges of conspiring to violate the RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act. He was also suspected of being the mastermind of the street gang YSL (which stands for “Young Slime Life”). Prosecutors say that the alleged offenses that Young Thug, Gunna, and other gang members committed date as far back as 2013. Although Gunna has been proclaiming his innocence, and even virtually appeared at the court earlier today, the superior court judge allied themselves with the prosecutors and ultimately denied the request after there was talk about witnesses getting threatened. According to a New York Times article, prosecutors revealed that witnesses said, “‘that they fear not only for their own lives but for their families’ lives should they testify.’”Unless the judges reconsider their decision (which is a very low probability), both Young Thug and Gunna must remain behind bars until they are released for their trial on January 9, 2023.

Gunna Stays In Jail After Judge Denied Bond For Young Thug’s Case

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Gunna has been denied bond, again.According to reports Gunna was denied bond due to the belief that he does pose a threat to the public. The 'Pushing P' rapper was previously denied bail on May 23.Gunna is currently facing one count of conspiracy to violate RICO, which means he’s being categorized as a Young Slime Life gang member. The trial is scheduled for January 9, 2023. Gunna previously released an open letter, pleading for his freedom. "Growing up from where I come from in a marginalized neighborhood, I never dreamt my art would change my life and the lives of my loved ones," Gunna wrote in the statement. "We still pushing P: Power, Prayer, Progress, Passion, Productivity, Praise, Precision, Peace, Prosperity, Patience, Pride, and Persistence."https://twitter.com/1GunnaGunna/status/1536724439928283136?s=20&t=V2gNvXxjsFGDB2k2IJpsuQFor now - Gunna will remain behind bars until his trial. We will keep you posted as this story continues to develop.

Gunna Denied Bond Again, Will Remain In Jail

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<h3><a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/young-thug-gunna-indicted-roc-nation-taking-on-rico/">The Wrap Up</a> with <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.instagram.com/lorealluchi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">L’Orèal Luchi</a>, keeping you informed on everything that happened in hip hop culture this week:</h3><hr><h2>Lil Tjay:</h2>Bronx rapper Lil Tjay is recovering from <a href="https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/edgewater/2022/06/22/lil-tjay-shot-edgewater-nj-emergency-surgery/7698064001/">emergency surgery</a> after getting shot multiple times at a shopping center in Edgewater, New Jersey. Prosecutors say the attack was an attempted robbery against the rapper and two people he was with. Police arrested three men; one is facing attempted murder, armed robbery, and a weapons charge.PRAYERS UP FOR LIL T TJAY<h2>Chris Brown:</h2>Hip hop heads got involved in heavy <a href="https://amp.www.complex.com/music/chris-brown-addresses-michael-jackson-comparison">debates</a> about Chris Brown and MJ comparisons in the last few years. During a recent <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/kevin-gates-wants-to-sleep-with-beyonce-tory-lanez-update-jay-zs-free-bitcoin-class/">interview</a>, Chris Brown tells the world exactly how he feels about it.<h2>Nipsey Hussle:</h2>The woman who drove Eric Holder to Nipsey’s marathon clothing store, Bryannita Nicholson, took the stand and claimed she had no idea Eric was going to murder Nipsey. Bryannita says she only knew Eric for about five weeks. She saw Eric pull a gun out, she took him around the corner, she claims she didn’t see the shooting but heard gun shots. After Eric killed Nipsey, he returned to Bryannita’s car, and she took him to LA.Bryannita received <a href="https://www.bet.com/article/msh5ea/nipsey-hussle-trial-getaway-driver">immunity</a> in exchange for her testimony. Eric is facing life if convicted.<h2>Young Thug:</h2>Young Thug dropped a jailhouse freestyle and said he’s suicidal. He said he’s been contemplating taking his life. He also asked God for a second chance and addressed the legal system using his lyrics against him and creating a narrative about him.Young Thug and Gunna were indicted on RICO charges for their alleged involvement in the YSL gang. Both Atlanta rappers were denied bail, and their trial begins next year.<h2>Ludacris & Martin Lawerence:</h2>Ludacris and Martin Lawrence are getting honored in a significant way. They’ll both receive a star on the <a href="https://thesource.com/2022/06/22/ludacris-and-martin-lawrence-announce-receiving-stars-on-hollywood-walk-of-fame/">Hollywood Walk Of Fame</a> in 2023.<h2>Jussie Smollett:</h2><a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/jussie-smollett-sentenced-to-30-months-in-jail-for-hoax-hate-crime/">Jussie Smollett</a> is still claiming he’s innocent of MAGA / <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-47317701.amp">homophobic attack.</a> In a new interview, he said, “If I had done something like this, it would mean that I stuck my fist in the pain of black African Americans in this country for over 400 years.”Although his acting career cooled off, he’s working on something else in the entertainment industry.<h2>Beyoncè x Drake:</h2>Beyonce & Drake are bringing 90’s house music back to life.Beyonce & Drake are bringing 90’s house <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/cardi-b-finally-gives-lol-tjay-an-answer-after-he-suggested-they-do-a-collab/">music</a> back to life. Beyonce dropped “Break My Soul and Drake released a new project called Honestly Nevermind, which is also a jersey club-inspired sound. Many online debates about this revived sound; let us know your thoughts.

Young Thug Has Suicidal Thoughts, Lil Tjay Shooting, Nipsey Hussle Update

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<a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/young-thug-gunna-indicted-roc-nation-taking-on-rico/">The Wrap Up</a> with <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.instagram.com/lorealluchi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">L’Orèal Luchi</a>, keeping you informed on everything that happened in hip hop culture this week:<hr><h2>Megan Thee Stallion:</h2>Megan Thee Stallion recently graced the <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/megan-thee-stallion-new-album-1366025/amp/">Rolling Stone</a> cover and touched on the Tory Lanez July 2020 shooting incident. During the interview, she spoke about people not taking her seriously and feeling betrayed by Tory and her ex-best friend, Kelsey Harris. Kelsey hasn't been saying much until <a href="https://thesource.com/2022/06/16/megan-thee-stallions-ex-best-friend-kelsey-harris-denies-claims-that-tory-lanez-bought-her-silence/">now</a>. She responded to Megan's recent interview.<h2>Kanye West:</h2>Kanye West put <a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kanye-west-calls-out-adidas-yeezy-design-copy-1235086869/amp/">Adidas</a> CEO Kasper Rørsted on blast for copying his Yeezy slides. Kanye told Kasper he's not standing for the "blatant copying" anymore. Then he called the Adidas sandal a fake Yeezy and said, "I'm not talking to D.C. about this either, Kasper, come to talk to me." DC is Adidas senior Vice President, Daniel Cherry III.<h2>Nipsey Hussle:</h2>Eric Holder, the man facing multiple murder charges for the killing of <a href="https://amp.tmz.com/2022/06/15/nipsey-hussle-alleged-murderer-trial-begins-chilling-details-shooting/">Nipsey Hussle</a>, finally had trial this week after years of delays. The L.A. County Deputy Public Defender Aaron Jensen, wants to convince a jury that Eric took Nipsey's life away because he had a "passionate response" to the "snitching" accusations from Nipsey, and the killing wasn't premeditated. However, Deputy DA John McKinney is determined to prove Eric's moves were planned. Our thoughts & prayers continue to be with Nipsey, his family & fans.<h2>Gunna: </h2>On Gunna's 29th birthday earlier this week, he broke his silence in the RICO case. In a lengthy <a href="https://www.xxlmag.com/gunna-statement-rico-arrest-falsely-accused/">post,</a> he spoke about his music's positive impact on his life. Then he said, "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. My art is not allowed to stand alone as <a href="https://www.hot97.com/watch-now/the-wrap-up/young-thug-speaks-on-jail-conditions-keyshia-cole-calls-abs-behavior-harsh-migos-split/">entertainment</a>, I'm not allowed that freedom as a Black man in America."Young Thug and Gunna were supposed to perform at our HOT 97 Summer Jam. Young Thug sent a special <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CewDYVvAnWG/">pre-recorded message</a> to the crowd about <a href="https://www.complex.com/music/young-thug-urges-fans-to-sign-protect-black-art-petition-in-special-summer-jam-message">protecting black art.</a> <h2>R. Kelly:</h2>R. Kelly and his legal team try every attempt to avoid the singer getting a life sentence. According to new <a href="https://radaronline.com/p/r-kelly-rkelly-reveals-shocking-message-alleged-victim-criminal-case/">court documents</a>, R Kelly told the court and showed text messages from one of Jane Doe's parents telling her to lie about her age, encouraging her to seduce him, and commence a romantic relationship in 2015 when she was 17. R Kelly is found guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering. He'll be sentenced on June 29. <h2>Verzuz: </h2>There's been a lot of versus chatter this week! Jim Jones challenged <a href="https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.71053/title.jim-jones-challenges-lloyd-banks-to-a-verzuz-battle-ill-smoke-banks-head-up-right-now">Lloyd Banks</a> to a battle and said he'd smoke him. Jimmy took a jab at G Unit. Fellow Dipset member Juelz Santana wants to battle Memphis Bleek. They've been throwing jabs at each other online, but it's unclear whether a versus is in the works.

G Breaks His Silence, Kanye Accuses Adidas Of Stealing His Designs, Nipsey Hussle Trial Begins

Gunna issues a statement from prison for the first time since his arrest.The letter opens with "2022 has been the best year of my life despite this difficult situation."Gunna assures fans that the innocent, “I am being falsely accused and will never stop fighting to clear my name! The picture that is being painted of me is ugly and untrue,” Gunna wrote. “My fans know I love to celebrate life, I love my family, I love travel, I love music, I love my fans. I have all faith that God will grant me justice for the purity in my heart and the innocence of my actions.”The statement continues, "my art is not allowed to stand alone as entertainment," Gunna says. "I'm not allowed that freedom as a Black Man in America." Read the letter in full below.https://www.instagram.com/p/CeyfLE4rUJe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linkWe previously reported that Gunna's legal team denied all claims against the 'Pushin P' rapper. “Mr. Sergio Kitchens, known as Gunna, is innocent. The indictment falsely portrays his music as part of a criminal conspiracy. Mr. Kitchens has been an advocate for his community, and it is our privilege to advocate for him,” Gunna’s legal team said.

Gunna Issues Open Letter From Prison Following Rico Charge: 'I Have All Faith'

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<h1>Bill in New York Assembly would curb the practice.</h1><h4>Written by: Colt Shaw</h4>As this year’s big acts took the stage at Summer Jam, their Atlanta peers — Young Thug and Gunna, along with some 26 associates — were awaiting trial on RICO charges in Fulton County, Georgia, in one of the most high profile criminal cases in hip-hop’s history. Their lyrics are on trial, as well, as prosecutors allege bars from the two are indicative of guilt. The issue was highlighted just before the night’s main act, Fivio Foreign, with a video featuring Polo G, G Herbo, DJ Khaled and Post Malone, among others, speaking in support of Thug and Gunna and artistic expression. The video ended with a recorded message from Thugga himself.“I just want to say thank you to all my friends and my family for coming out and supporting us,” Thug said. “Everybody please sign the ‘Protect Black Art’ petition and keep praying for us.” Advocates for Black music in New York are working to make sure the practice is a thing of the past in the state. On May 17, the New York state Senate passed what has been dubbed the “Rap Music On Trial” bill, aimed at shielding rappers from having their lyrics used against them in court. Hot97 teamed up with 300 Entertainment to create the “Protect Black Art” <a href="https://www.change.org/p/rap-music-on-trial-protect-black-art?utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=custom_url&recruited_by_id=2b5969f0-e79b-11ec-86d0-fd7c7995fa4f">campaign and petition</a> to advance the cause. The cause has earned support from the likes of Jay-Z, Fat Joe and Meek Mill. New York’s own Bobby Shmurda wants to see similar bills passed around the country. After his 2014 arrest, the “Hot N***a” rapper had lyrics from the smash hit used against him on weapons charges. "I'm grateful for it," Shmurda has said. "I feel like it needs to happen all around the country, especially with what's going on in Atlanta right now."Last week, Kevin Lisle, CEO and Founder of 300 Entertainment, and Senator Jamaal Bailey, co-sponsor of SB7527, sat down with Ebro in the Morning to <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/interviews/lyrics-on-trial-young-thug-gunna-ny-senate-bill-s7527-protecting-black-art/">discuss the importance</a> of the bill, which still needs to pass the State Assembly and receive a signature from Governor Kathy Hochul.

Summer Jam puts spotlight on Young Thug, and use of lyrics against rappers in court

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Ebro in the Morning sits down with Senator Jamaal Bailey, Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz, and CEO/Founder of 300 Entertainment Kevin Liles to discuss the importance of <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/new-york-senate-passes-the-rap-music-on-trial-bill-to-protect-rappers/">New York Senate Bill S7527</a> which would limit a prosecutor's use of song lyrics and other forms of creative expression to be used as evidence in court.New York's State Senate's bill was passed on May 17, and was sponsored by Jamaal Bailey and Brad Hoylman. The bill has received support Jay-Z, Meek Mill, Fat Joe, Robin Thicke, and many many more artists who are trying to protect creative freedom in music and art overall.Kevin Liles discusses Young Thug and Gunna's situation as they face RICO charges in Georgia. Why this case is important to look at because in many of the cases of the two artists specifically, the evidence being used against them is being used as part of the case of criminal conspiracy which would be a violation of their constitutional rights.HOT 97 has teamed up with 300 Entertainment to crate the campaign: Protect Black Art to help make this precedent illegal by protecting black art and creativity.Help us send a message to our elected officials by signing the petition now at <a href="http://change.org/protectblackart">change.org/protectblackart</a> .Join us at <a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/hot-97-summer-jam-east-rutherford-new-jersey-06-12-2022/event/00005C87ABC3348F">Summer Jam</a> as we continue to push the message to protect the constitutional rights of artists targeted in the world of Hip Hop and Protect Black Art.

Lyrics On Trial: Young Thug & Gunna, NY Senate Bill S7527, + Protecting Black Art

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More details are unfolding as we continue to mourn the loss of Atlanta rapper, Trouble. A resurfaced video went<a href="https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.70866/title.slain-rapper-trouble-urges-young-men-to-stop-killing-each-other-over-women-in-resurfaced-clip"> viral</a> of the rapper ironically urging men to stop killing other men over a <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/troubles-gf-speaks-out-after-reports-say-rapper-was-killed-at-another-womans-home-allegedly-by-her-ex-ill-never-be-mad-at-him-for-this/">woman</a>. In the video, Trouble warns men to stop stressing over chicks with "good bottom." He says that as a man, you can get "caught up" and at the end of the video, he said, "She ain't gonna do nothing but let another n*gga buss in her."Take a look:https://www.instagram.com/p/CejF43DFuxA/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ce4c4542-459f-4483-bf9e-ba5f018307e6In the comment section, one user wrote, "He always spoke about shit like that .. it's sad he died the way he did." Another person said, "Wow…the irony is chilling." Someone else commented, "My thoughts exactly... now you take 2 lives while she's out here living hers."Trouble, born Mariel Semonte Orr, 34, was killed on June 5. He was visiting a woman at an apartment complex where she lived when he was fatally shot in the chest. Authorities believe Trouble was killed by the ex-boyfriend (Jamichael Jones, 33) of the woman he went to see. <a href="https://www.11alive.com/article/news/crime/jamichael-jones-trouble-murder-case-arrest-warrant/85-a5392509-0bc7-4565-9367-41ec598c7060">11Alive</a> reports Jones, punched his ex-girlfriend in the face when he got to her apartment, then shot Trouble. The rapper was then taken to a hospital where he later died from his injuries.Jones turned himself in two days later. He's in police custody plus charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, home invasion, and battery. A news source reports, Jones was <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/bond-denied-man-accused-murder-atlanta-rapper-trouble/KNTRU5NPYNF27ASQYEWBPPUOI4/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">denied bond</a>. His next hearing is scheduled for June 15. Fans continue to speak out on social media about Trouble as a person and his music. Comedian <a href="https://twitter.com/lilduval/status/1533467485902893056?s=20&t=ydCK6xk8kD6L-vwY2G6-Ww">Lil Duval</a> wrote, "Damn trouble was somebody i use to really preach to and help spiritually. And he was learning how to be happy and live life. This one kinda hurt me i ain’t gon front." Someone else on Twitter gave props to Trouble and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4ABd_xG1wo">Young Thug</a> for their delivery on "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJ6QylmIYDw">Thief In The Night</a>."https://twitter.com/NewJetJoe_12/status/1533439494774472706?s=20&t=ydCK6xk8kD6L-vwY2G6-Ww

Trouble Warns Men To Stop Killing Each Other Over Women In Chilling Resurfaced Clip

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It looks like Young Thug is in good spirits, despite his current situation.Thug's longtime ex-girlfriend, Jerrika Karlae, opened up about the rappers mental health while he's currently behind bars. "Yeah, I spoke to him," she told hosts on The Progress Report Podcast. "He's doing good, actually, and he's in great spirits. I feel like this is just a moment for him to learn a lot of lessons.""Honestly, he was giving me advice on how to... He was like, 'Keep your head in the game, wake up every day and put a smile on your face and be thankful, and we good.'" Jerrika also spoke about Thug's relationship with God. She says the rapper "knows the bible in and out" but a lot of people wouldn't know that.https://www.instagram.com/p/Ceen7aGvFXc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linkWe <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/young-thug-and-gunna-denied-bond-after-their-rico-arrests/">previously reported</a> during a house raid, officers reportedly found weapons and drugs in Thug’s home while executing a search warrant which resulted in seven new charges. These charges include possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and many others.After hearing the arguments from the prosecution and the defense, Judge Robert Wolf denied the rapper’s bond claiming him to be a flight risk, and agreed with concerns about him committing more felonies.