Georgia District Attorney Fanni Willis has reiterated her stance on using rap lyrics penned and sang by Young Thug and Gunna that led to their indictment on a massive RICO case last May.
The use of rap lyrics as prosecutorial evidence has been an ongoing debate among lawmakers and people in the hip-hop community, with some pointing out that it has become a move to criminalize black and brown communities in America.
Young Thug, Gunna, and 26 other associates of the YSL Records were indicted and arrested last May as they were alleged to have conspired to commit RICO in the state of Georgia.
Georgia District Attorney Wants Young Thug, Gunna Convicted?
According to Rolling Stone, Fulton County District Attorney Fanni Willis doubled down on using rap music lyrics as evidence for crime in court.
Speaking to a press briefing, Willis was asked about her strong stance on the matter.
"I think if you decide to admit your crimes over a beat, I'm going to use it. I'm not targeting anyone. You do not get to commit crimes in my county, and then get to decide to brag on it, which you do that for a form of intimidation and to further the gain and to not be held responsible," Willis said.
The use of rap music lyrics as evidence against an artist in court has been a highly-contentious subject that lawmakers and musicians have been talking about these past few months.
Several lawmakers, including Senators from Georgia and New York, have taken the lead in pushing the limitation of such action at the federal level.
Per Willis, she will continue to do such a thing, not batting an eye to detractors who are not happy with her prosecutorial course of action.
"I have some legal advice: Don't confess to crimes on rap lyrics if you don't want them used, or at least get out of my county," the DA announced.
Young Thug, Gunna Awaiting RICO Trial on January 2023
After being denied bond release numerous times, Young Thug and Gunna are staying behind bars until their January 2023 trial, in which Fanni Willis will be standing on the opposite bench.
Without a federal law put into place before 2023, the likelihood of Young Thug and Gunna, and the other YSL associates indicted for RICO, getting out of jail, remains in limbo.
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