Young Thug’s RICO Trial Commences, Defense Explains ‘Thug’ as Personal Acronym

The RICO trial of rapper Young Thug and his record label YSL has begun, with the defense explaining that “Thug” is an acronym, not indicative of his lifestyle.

Young Thug, born Jeffery Lamar Williams, chose the moniker inspired by a Tupac song, “P.Y.T. (Playa Young Thugs),” which itself was influenced by Michael Jackson’s “P.Y.T.”

The 30-year-old artist faces charges related to conspiracy to violate the RICO Act and alleged involvement in street gang activity.

Despite pleading not guilty, a judge ruled that prosecutors can use Young Thug’s lyrics in the trial.

Young Thug’s lawyer Brian Steel:

“Jeffery would listen to beat after beat after beat. These are billions of musical chords that he would listen to. He tried and he forced himself to speak fast within the beat and rhyme words.” pic.twitter.com/uyFA8DRpCE

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) November 28, 2023

No one is more serious than Young Thug’s lawyer today.

“If he could ever make it as a musical artist and help his family, himself and his many others out of this endless cycle of hopelessness, he would be truly humbled under God. That’s what thug means.” pic.twitter.com/9m1czcwGsF

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) November 28, 2023