As of last Monday, well-known Atlanta rapper, Young Thug’s RICO trial has begun. The award-winning artist is on trial for racketeering activity as well as co-founding a gang.
Allegations and Accusations
Young Thug, real name Jeffery Lamar Williams, is currently on trial for allegedly leading a slew of heinous crimes underneath his record label, Young Stoner Life (YSL). These crimes range anywhere from armed robbery to murder. Adriane Love, who is Fulton County’s Chief Deputy District Attorney, claims that YSL actually stands for Young Slime Life rather than the latter. Saying that Young Slime Life is a derivative of the National Bloods gang. Further saying that Williams is the head leader of this gang, underneath the alias of “King Slime.”
Furthermore, Love goes on to say that Williams had his associates carry out various crimes. One particular incident being the murder of Donovan Thomas. Now, Donovan Thomas is a supposed member of a rival gang who was gunned down in 2015. Prosecutors believe that Williams had rented a car for YSL’s associates to carry out the killing. The reasoning being that there was a lyric in one of Young Thug’s songs, which Love believes is in connection with this incident. The lyric in question states, “Hundred rounds in a Tahoe.” This lyric mentions the same car that the victim was in when the shooting occurred. Another incident being that YSL members allegedly shot at Lil Wayne’s tour bus back in April of 2015. The reason? Love believes the reason for this was to assert their dominance and to show their loyalty to YSL and Young Thug.
Additionally, prosecutors say that this activity has been going on for approximately seven years, throughout the Metro Atlanta area. Attorney Love stated, “The evidence will show that these defendants, that the members and associates of YSL, they knew who their leader was and they knew the repercussions of not obeying their leader”
What is a R.I.C.O Charge?
Now for those not in the know, a R.I.C.O. charge is when two or more people commit or conspire a variety of crimes. The acronym technically stands for Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Crimes under this charge include murder, bribery, robbery, fraud, etc. Individuals with this charge (if convicted) will receive a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison as well as paying fines. The amount in fines is either $250,000 or twice the amount of any profits made from these crimes.
Not Guilty
These allegations and accusations are deemed to be false by Williams along with his peers who are also standing trial. Originally there were 20-plus affiliates arrested with Williams. However, with plea deals being on the table, that number dwindled quite a bit. The remaining defendants and Williams pleaded not guilty.
Thug’s lawyer, Brian Steel, is adamant that YSL is not nor in alliance with a criminal organization. Instead, it’s just a flourishing record label that involves a group of collaborators and friends who depict a gangster-like facade with the expectation to produce high sales. Steel says that even though others may have been indicted on these crimes, Williams is not liable for the decisions made by these individuals. Rather that, he’s simply a person who started at the bottom and has worked his way up to success.
Steel says that Williams is someone who rejects the idea of leaving those in his life behind just because of the fame. Rather to elevate those who have been by his side since the beginning. But instead, those same people have switched their loyalty to him and will be testifying against him. It also said that Williams is a major help to his community.
For example, 15-year-old Corey Jackson testified for Williams saying that the rapper is essentially a mentor to him. Always encouraging for Jackson to stay on a positive and successful pathway in life. Also telling Jackson that he doesn’t condone violence or drug abuse of any kind. Discussing that Williams wanting to change the reputation or stereotype that comes along with his stage name. Steel has even states that “Thug” in his stage name stands for “Truly Humbled Under God”. Many people vouch for Williams saying he’s a positive influence to his community. While others believe he’s a menace to society and a danger to the very community he helps.
Written by Saniya Fields
Sources
The New York Times – Young Thug’s YSL RICO Trial: What to Know by Joe Coscarelli
CNN – 5 things to know about Young Thug and the YSL RICO case by Christina Maxouris
CNN – Prosecutor says Young Thug was ‘proclaimed leader’ of violent street gang at racketeering trial openings by Christina Maxouris
Top and featured image Courtesy of Cielodip’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset image Courtesy of Wp Paarz’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
