Fans have kept a close eye on the trial against Young Thug and YSL, and Hulu is tapping in with a new documentary. Over two dozen people were arrested in connection to a 56-count indictment alleging various crimes. Young Thug, Gunna, and their alleged associates were arrested, but throughout, the rappers denied culpability. Soon, it was suggested that the artists' lyrics would be used against them and entered as evidence. Specifically, prosecutors noted several of Thugger's lyrics, alleging he was confessing through his music.
However, Young Thug's supporters quickly defended him. Petitions were filed to reject the use of artistic expression against a defendant. Soon, there were cries that Rap was once again on trial, mirroring much of what the genre experienced in its Golden Era. ABC News Studios has produced Rap Trap: Hip-Hop on Trial, an hourlong special highlighting this YSL case. The documentary will center on lyrical content being used in a court of law.
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Several artists and industry professionals will make appearances in the feature. Thug's ex-girlfriend and rapper Jerikka Karlae is seen, as is Fat Joe, 300 Entertainment's Kevin Liles, Killer Mike, and will.i.am also offer commentary. Additionally, former No Limit star McKinley "Mac" Phipps Jr. will share his story of serving 21 years in prison. The rapper, known as Mac, insists he wasn't responsible for the crime.
Last summer, Kevin Liles shared a petition about "protecting Black art" in response to attempts to have Rap lyrics used against Thug. "Weaponizing creative expression against artists is obviously wrong. But what gets us so upset is what’s happening to Young Thug, Gunna, and YSL is just the most high-profile case. In courtrooms across America, Black creativity and artistry is being criminalized. With increasing and troubling frequency, prosecutors are attempting to use rap lyrics as confessions, just like they’re doing in this case."
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It is reported that the jury selection for the YSL trial will last for several more months. Further, in December 2022, Gunna agreed to an Alford Plea deal, resulting in his release from jail. However, he and his attorney clarified that the plea did not mean Gunna would cooperate with authorities. Rap Trap: Hip-Hop on Trial premieres next week on February 23.
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