Judge Rules Young Thug's Rap Lyrics Can be Used as Evidence in Racketeering and Gang Trial
Judge allows certain rap lyrics as evidence, but reminds prosecutors they are subject to foundation and relevance tests; the decision sparks controversy as critics worry about violation of the First Amendment rights and racial biases.
- Judge Ural Glanville ruled that 17 sets of lyrics mentioned in the indictment performed by Young Thug and other co-defendants can be admitted as evidence, subject to foundation and relevance tests.
- Young Thug's attorney, Brian Steel, argued that lyrics are a form of artistic expression and should not be used as evidence of an individual's state of mind, adding that not all lyrics performed by Young Thug were even written by the artist himself.
- Prosecutors argue that the lyrics are relevant to the alleged crimes as they are being used to prove the nature of Young Slime Life (YSL) as a racketeering enterprise.
- Young Thug, whose legal name is Jeffrey Lamar Williams, is among 28 individuals named in the indictment who are allegedly associated with the Atlanta-based Young Slime Life (YSL) – a gang that prosecutors allege Young Thug founded in 2012.
- The use of rap lyrics as evidence in criminal proceedings is controversial and has gained national attention due to Young Thug's case, sparking a movement across the music industry called 'Protect Black Art', which aims to restrict this practice and has led to legislation being introduced.
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