Young Thug organized crime trial begins in the United States

Is rapper Young Thug a member of a gang, is his music label a front for criminal activity, and are his song lyrics evidence that can be used against him? The trial of this hip-hop figure tried with 13 other people began Monday in Atlanta with a very long jury selection.

It could be weeks before the parties agree on jurors, for a trial that could last a good part of the year.

Atlanta native Young Thug and his co-defendants jailed in the spring by a Georgia state grand jury for their alleged membership in a branch of the “Bloods” gang identified as “Young Slime Life,” or YSL. Initials that correspond to those of his label founded in 2016, Young Stoner Life Records.

Judged for criminal association

The fourteen protagonists face several charges including criminal conspiracy for extortion. In support of this accusation: alleged acts of murder, drug trafficking, violent car theft… Young Thug is on trial for criminal association and participation in the criminal activities of a street gang.

His arrest in May came as a shock to Atlanta’s influential hip-hop scene, of which the 31-year-old rapper, who has collaborated with the biggest names in the genre, is a figure.

Jeffery Williams, his real name, grew up in the poor neighborhoods of Atlanta. Like 2 Chainz, he caught the eye of Gucci Mane, who signed him in 2013. His singles Stoner and Danny Glover then brought him fame.