The news has been pumping out stories about the arrests of Young Thug, Gunna, and dozens of other members of the record label, Young Stoner Life, but what does it all mean?
The major thing everyone is talking about is RICO. RICO stands for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, which basically makes it easier for the state to prosecute a group of people, giving the prosecutors more tools and heavier possible sentencing.
There have been at least 28 people accused of 56 counts. The authorities are going to try to prove that YSL as an organization is corrupt, and run in a way that makes money illegally. Charges include drug sales, but also involvement in murders and illegal gun purchases/sales.
Young Thug seems to be facing the worst charges, various drug and gun issues, but most notably he personally rented a car that was involved in a drive-by murder. It seems there are connections between YSL and the Bloods, which is why the government is considering the group not a record label, but a gang themselves.
Soon after this news broke, Lil Keed, another member of the label, was found dead reportedly (but not confirmed) due to organ failure.
Young Thug is one of the more influential artists of this generation, and someone who I and countless others looked up to. Obviously, I hope he and everyone else is cleared of all charges, but it really is seeming like YSL was a cover for many criminal operations. Separate the art from the artist, his music still slaps. Hopefully, he’s innocent so they can free Thugger. And Gunna too I guess.
