News
Young Thug Officially Denied Bond in RICO Case
Young Thug has been denied bond for the second time by Judge Ural D. Glanville during a hearing that lasted over several hours in Fulton County Court on Thursday, June 2.
According to New York Times music reporter, Joe Coscarelli, the hearing surrounded prosecutors wanting Thug’s lawyer, Brian Steele, to be removed from the case, citing conflicts of interest.
However, after going back and forth, the judge motioned for Steele to remain on the case.
Thug’s lawyer Brian Steel gave an emotional response to his potential removal: “I have been with Mr. Williams countless days, weeks, months and hours. I know his entire life. You want to talk about representation of a client? That is the bond of an attorney-client relationship.”
— Joe Coscarelli (@joecoscarelli) June 2, 2022
Steele then argued for Thug to be released on home confinement, with the promise of 24/7 law enforcement presence, police dog searches, complete video surveillance, drug testing and more.
300 Entertainment co-founder and music executive, Kevin Liles, took the stand on Thugger’s behalf, stating “I’m willing to back him personally and professionally.” Liles also agreed to cover any financial obligations that came with Thug being in home confinement.
Machine Gun Kelly also spoke on Thugger’s behalf, citing his community involvement.
twist: Machine Gun Kelly is among the people who provided videos to the court in favor of Young Thug’s bond, speaking to his role in the community
— Joe Coscarelli (@joecoscarelli) June 2, 2022
Despite these backings, prosecutors argued that Young Thug, born Jeffrey Williams, should remain in custody until trial, stating that he was not only at risk to flee, but would threaten witnesses. Prosecutors also stated that some of these witnesses were members of YSL who provided “proffers” that Young Thug was the leader of the organization.
Several YSL members took proffers against Young Thug including some that are indicted with him. pic.twitter.com/zjdTAMu9Sn
— muliani (@MulianiEnt) June 2, 2022
The Slime Language rapper was denied bond with his trial date scheduled for Jan. 9, 2023.
“There have been significant proffers about Mr. Willams being a danger to the community,” said Judge Ural D. Glanville. “In particular, the state’s proffer that they have spoken…taken proffers from other gang members and people who are in this particular indictment and not in this indictment that [Young Thug] is the leader of the gang, he is dangerous, and if he crosses them, he will kill them or their families.”
Young Thug denied bond. The proffers made by ex YSL members and even some indicted with him played a big part in the judge denying his bond. pic.twitter.com/nhwJXriHa8
— muliani (@MulianiEnt) June 2, 2022
Thug is being charged with conspiracy to violate the racketeer-influenced and corrupt organizations act (RICO) and participation in criminal street gang activity, while Gunna, born Sergio Giavanni Kitchens, is being charged with one count of conspiring to violate RICO.
Gunna has also been denied bond and his trial date is scheduled for Jan. 9, 2023.
Culture
Ashanti & Nelly Engaged & Expecting First Child Together
It’s official! Ashanti and Nelly are expecting their first child together.
The songstress confirmed to ESSENCE, saying, “This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation. Motherhood is something that I have looked forward to, and sharing this with my family, fiancé, and loyal fans, who have been so supportive of my career, is an amazing experience.”
In addition to the news, the couple has announced their partnership as co-owners of Proov, alongside founder Amy Beckley, PhD. Proov is a pioneering diagnostics company that offers affordable at-home tests designed to aid couples in their conception journey, providing valuable insights and support without breaking the bank. These medical-grade tests illuminate potential obstacles to conception, empowering individuals on their path to parenthood.
Congratulations to Ashanti who is expecting her first child with Nelly.
— miixtapechiick.com (@MXCKdotCom) April 17, 2024
pic.twitter.com/PHYwVvUB8c
This new addition will mark Ashanti’s first child and Nelly’s third. The “Hot in Herre” rapper is also a father to his adult children, Chanelle, 29, and Cornell Haynes III, 24, from a previous relationship. Nelly also adopted his late sister Jackie Donahue’s children, Shawn and Sydney Thomas, after her passing from leukemia in 2005.
Ashanti shared her pregnancy announcement on Instagram through a heartwarming video that included a moment with her mother, Tina Douglas. In the clip, Ashanti is seen preparing for a show, and her mother, acting as her timekeeper, asks how much time she needs to get ready. After being asked twice, Ashanti emerges from behind the curtains and responds, “I’ma need about nine months,” leaving Tina pleasantly surprised by the joyous news.
Culture
NBA YoungBoy Arrested in Utah: Facing Charges Ranging from Drug Offenses to Identity Fraud
NBA YoungBoy, also known as YoungBoy Never Broke Again, has found himself in legal trouble once again as he was apprehended on Tuesday, Apr. 16, in Utah. The charges against him span a range of offenses, from identity fraud and forgery to multiple drug-related charges.
According to records from the Cache County Sheriff’s Office, the charges, which originated from his hometown in Louisiana, include patterns of unlawful activity, attempts to obtain drugs, identity fraud, forgery, possession of controlled substances, and possession of a dangerous weapon. At the time of his arrest, NBA YoungBoy, born Kentrell Gaulden, was under house arrest in Utah.
In October 2022, YoungBoy Never Broke Again was granted bond by Louisiana Chief U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick after being arrested in March 2022. He had been placed in FBI custody due to an outstanding warrant related to drug and weapons charges from a September 2020 arrest in Baton Rouge, where he was filming a music video.
Last month, NBA YoungBoy released his seventh studio project, titled “Compliments Of Gravedigger Mountain,” featuring 13 tracks. Notably, this marks his thirteenth project in the past two years alone.
Culture
Gunna Announces New Album ‘One of Wun’
Gunna has announced the release of his new album, “One of Wun.”
The cover art, created by Calvin Clausell Jr. with creative direction by Spike Jordan of The Genius Club and art direction/design by Tal Midyan, was unveiled to accompany the announcement on socials. While no release date has been specified, the album is now available for pre-order, including physical copies.
The album will be distributed by Young Stoner Records/300 Entertainment.
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