All posts tagged "Youngthug"

Atlanta (AFP) - Prosecutors in Atlanta said Monday that rapper Young Thug was the "proclaimed leader" of a gang that "moved like a pack" to commit crimes, as opening statements in a long-delayed racketeering case got underway. Controversy and hiccups have dogged the sprawling trial alleging criminal conspiracy since jury selection began in January, notably over the state's presentation of rap lyrics as evidence.  The US state of Georgia holds that Young Thug's record label, YSL, is a front for a crime ring, arguing that the defendants belong to a branch of the Bloods street gang identified as ......

New York (AFP) - Opening statements in the long-awaited US gang conspiracy trial targeting rapper Young Thug are due next week -- and the prosecution controversially will be allowed to present rap lyrics as evidence. Critics say the practice that's sparked controversy numerous times over past decades is a constitutional violation of expression that stifles creativity, taking slice-of-life lyrics out of context and criminalizing artists of color. This time around the defense had sought to exclude lyrics from evidence, saying the use of verses could unfairly influence the jury. But Atlanta Judge......