Gunna Speaks Out On His Birthday, Amid RICO Indictment
Rapper Gunna has issued a message on his 29th birthday after being listed on a RICO indictment with YSL rapper and founder Young Thug.
According to an official statement obtained by BET.com, Gunna wants his fans and those following the case to know where his head is at.
“2022 has been one of the best years of my life despite this difficult situation. This year I had the whole world pushing P,” he shared.
“I used my art form, my gift from God, to change my circumstances. I worked, I honed my craft,” he added. “I worked everyday to show God how grateful I am for my gift, for my art, for my life and to be able to provide for my loved ones.”
He continued in part: “For now I don’t have my freedom. But I am innocent. I am being falsely accused and will never stop fighting to clear my name! The picture painted of me is ugly and untrue.”
“We still pushing P: Power, Prayer, Progress, Passion, Productivity, Praise, Precision, Peace, Prosperity, Patience, Pride and Persistence.”
The news about the Atlanta Racketeeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act involving rapper Young Thug, Gunna, and several artists under his Young Stoner Life Records broke in May 2022, those involved are facing more than 50 allegations.
One major allegation includes: Preserving, protecting, and enhancing the reputation, power, and territory of the enterprise by the posting of messages, images, videos, and songs, demonstrating allegiance to the enterprise and a willingness to engage in violence on its behalf.
Rapper Young Thug surprised Hot 97 Summer Jam concertgoers with a virtual visit from jail and took an opportunity to thank his fans for their support while he is behind bars on a RICO indictment.
According to TMZ, Thug shared a message at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday (June 12) where asked those watching to help get the word out about the Protect Black Art initiative, a law that might prevent prosecutors from using rappers’ lyrics in court against them.
“I just want to say thank you to all of my friends and my family for coming out and supporting us,” the Slime Season rapper opened his message. “You know, your support during this time means a lot to us, ya know.”
He added, “You know, this isn’t just about me or YSL, I always use my music as a form of artistic expression, and now I see that Black artists and rappers don’t have that, you know, freedom.”
“Everybody please sign the ‘Protect Black Art’ petition and keep praying for us. I love you all.”
Most recently, music executive Kevin Liles, started a petition in the hopes that the use of lyrics within hip hop music will be decriminalized now that prosecutors are attempting to cite them as confessions to crimes in courtrooms across the country.
The “Rap Music On Trial: Protect Black Art” petition states that the practice of using rap lyrics on trial is not only a “violation of First Amendment protections for speech and creative expression,” it also “punishes already marginalized communities and silences their stories of family, struggle, survival, and triumph.”
