The high-profile RICO trial of rapper Young Thug commenced Monday in Atlanta, with prosecutors alleging his lyrics prove he led a violent street gang called YSL responsible for murders, shootings and other crimes.
Young Thug, along with Gunna, Lil Keed and 24 other defendants were indicted in May 2022 under Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations act. Prosecutors claim YSL is a criminal enterprise, while the defense says it's merely Young Thug's record label.
After lengthy delays, the trial got underway with the state delivering opening arguments. Prosecutors said they will use Young Thug's explicit lyrics as evidence of his participation in the alleged conspiracy, drawing objections from the defense.
The use of rap lyrics has sparked controversy, with critics saying it infringes on lyrical artistic expression. But prosecutors argue they demonstrate criminal intent, with Young Thug the head of a gang using music promotion to boast about violence.
With Atlanta prosecutors pursuing a high-stakes legal theory, the coming weeks will determine if linking provocative lyrics to serious gang charges holds up in court. Young Thug faces decades in prison if convicted.