Brian Steel, the legal representative for rap artist Young Thug, has launched a strategic legal maneuver in an effort to dismantle the ongoing YSL RICO case.
The move comes on the heels of a recent high-profile murder conviction in Georgia, a state where Hip Hop culture intersects with the criminal justice system.
The was a recent overturn of the earlier conviction of Morgan Cardelle Baker by Georgia’s highest court. Baker had been found guilty in the 2019 shooting of a security guard.
The pivotal factor in this reversal was a music video for the track “Ghetto Angels” by NoCap, in which Baker brandished a firearm, which was deemed inadmissible by the jurors tasked with evaluating the 2019 killing of Tamarco Head.
The court’s ruling showed the delicate balance between artistic expression and its impact on legal proceedings. The video’s portrayal of violence became a central point of contention, leading to Baker’s exoneration.
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Brian Steel wasted no time seizing upon this precedent. On Thursday, March 7, he filed a memorandum of law with Judge Ural Glanville, urging the exclusion of all evidence related to “rap videos, musical lyrics, and the like” during the YSL RICO trial. His argument hinges on the notion that such content unfairly biases jurors and taints their perception of the accused.
Previously, Young Thug, born Jeffery Lamar Williams, had been implicated as the alleged gunman in the YSL RICO case. During the trial on February 20, prosecutors played a recording of a 911 call made on September 11, 2013. In the call, an unidentified woman initially identified Thugga as the shooter responsible for the death of a mutual acquaintance. However, she later clarified that her information came from an unspecified third party, emphasizing the need to document it with law enforcement.
The YSL RICO case has drawn significant attention due to its impact on the music industry and the broader Hip Hop community. Young Thug, a prominent figure in the genre, faces serious charges related to organized crime.
Tory Lanez to appeal 10-year conviction
Meanwhile, another rapper Tory Lanez continues to fight for his freedom after being convicted of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in 2020.
The rapper, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, has filed an appeal to overturn his verdict and sentence, which could land him in prison for up to 10 years.
According to journalist Meghann Cuniff, who has covered the case from the beginning, the appeal process is not yet reflected in the court records, but she promised to share any updates as they happen. Cuniff also reported that Lanez was denied bail on Thursday as he awaits the outcome of his appeal.