Popular rapper Young Thug was arrested in his home in Atlanta for gang-related reasons according to the police. The rapper, Jeffery Lamar Williams was charged with “conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and participation in criminal street gang activity” according to CNN. Williams was not the only person indicted, but 27 other people a part of the same street gang. The District Attorney, Attorney Fani Willis in Fulton County, had recently promised to assist in the street gangs present in Atlanta. But, when the news came out, many on Twitter were shocked, especially since the indictment says that he was the founder of Young Slime Life, a criminal street gang.
Rapper Young Thug co-founded a violent street gang and promoted it in his songs, prosecutors allege in a sprawling indictment that accuses him and 27 others of racketeering and a laundry list of other crimes. His lawyer denied the allegations.https://t.co/kTWoqZOBtY
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 10, 2022
All 28 of those who were indicted were charged with RICO, which has been used in cases of organized crimes. Willis, the DA, also noted that gangs are responsible for the majority of violent crimes in Atlanta. She also noted that RICO charges should also be expected when it comes to other street gangs. The indictment claims that the gang was responsible for several crimes, all ranging in variety, like murder, attempted murder, and robbing or theft. Now, many are wondering how William’s rap lyrics will impact him in prosecution. Although this tactic has been used before, many note that rappers should be allowed to talk about violence, just like other people who are artists, like filmmakers or writers.
The Feds calling YSL a Criminal Gang.. indicted 28 of them on RICO charges and basically say they killed someone in 2015 and claim Young Thug rented the car that the killers drove to do the murder. This is serious. wow.
— DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) May 10, 2022
Young Thug is on the short list of rappers I actually believe everything they rap about, lol. https://t.co/7Ai31NeGxB
— Bean (@xoBeanxo_) May 10, 2022
Although some of the rapper’s music includes violence, he has also been known for his part in Childish Gambino’s “This is America” which has social commentary on the state of affairs in the country. He also appeared on Camila Cabello’s “Havana.” So, many pointed out it is not fair to say that he only raps about things including violence.
Damn, Young Thug is facing VERY serious charges. Prayers to him and his children, this is heartbreaking after they lost their mother 2 months ago.
— Dedee ???? (@thoughtfulbae) May 10, 2022
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Some online thought of William’s children, especially after the mother of one of his children was killed in March. Others also discussed the seriousness of the charges, especially since all of them were charged with RICO.
