JEFFERY: Young Thug from fame to RICO trial | Full documentary series

The 11Alive exclusive ‘Jeffery’ series unravels the high-profile grand jury indictment of Atlanta rapper Jeffery Williams, better known as Young Thug. We explore the impact of the controversial indictment, which alleges that his prominent record label, YSL, is allegedly connected to street gang activity, according to Fulton County prosecutors.

The recent events reignited a decades-long conversation about the use of rap lyrics in courtrooms across the country, the movement to protect Black art, and the precedent this case could set.

As this notorious case nears a trial date, 11Alive’s ‘Jeffery’ series gives an exclusive lens into what this case means – legally, artistically and culturally. And where do the lines blur between art and reality?

11Alive's Neima Abdulahi has conducted interviews with the key players, traced all the contours of both the case and the culture and brings the definitive telling of a defining Atlanta figure ahead of one of the most-anticipated trials the city has ever seen.

Watch this on your TV: Text "plus" to 404-885-7600 to download 11Alive+ and stream 24/7 on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.

11Alive is Where Atlanta Speaks. We believe that news shouldn’t be a one-way conversation, but a dialogue with you. Join in, share your thoughts and connect with new perspectives.

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[JohnDRambo]

TI is the master of using alot of words just to say nothing ...

[CAM]

TI: “it would be likened to the idea similar to the thought of walking in the store, and buying a lottery ticket that hit the mega million.”
He could have simply said “it’s like winning the lottery.” 😂🤦🏽‍♀️

[TrustnTruth]

Black folks need to decide if we want safe communities, or if we want to continue to protect the very folks who are a danger to our communities.

[kevinsmith]

We gotta start taking accountability for our own shit. Damn I’m tired of these rappers rapping about killing and robbing our own people, then wanna cry victim. Hip hop has become a toxic genre and it’s not our culture anymore. It’s self destructive

[Racing_With_AC]

When Lil-wayne said "Feds listening, they your biggest fan"

[laineylee]

This is more than lyrics. They have rental cars records of Thug renting a car used for in a murder, cell phone tower locations etc. DA would not just bring a case based on lyrics.

[kwalker]

Prosecutor: Is YSL a street gang?
Gunna: Yes Ma’am
😮

[nobodyexceptme]

I respect this piece and where its coming from. I got all the empathy for the man and his music, but we also watched this man do some wild shit online/socials/camera over the years w/ very public beefs, throwing up a lotta gang signs, clearly bloodin it up, clearly standing on cars, shooting up ppl mama house, beefin w/ various rappers. We all saw what the first social media reaction was when his childs mother recently passed....he encompasses all of that as well, just as much as he makes beautiful songs and has interesting interviews. Nobody is one singular thing, but them boys had a chance to step all the way out and focus on just music and legit business....and they didn't, and now its gonna be what it is. They all tryna come home as soon as possible. I'm gonna keep listening to Young Thug, same way I'm gone remember how he had his lil babies stackin gang signs better than anyone should. He got a lot on his plate, gotta sit with it now and hope to come out better.

[latishashakiradash]

If you’re not committing crimes and violence then why rap about it 🙄people talk about culture culture culture but the culture has killed more of my friends than I want to remember. Friends who never got a chance to grow up. The culture has taken countless lives due to senseless violence that continues to be perpetuated as an art form. The culture needs to be changed. Periodt!

[truthsaber]

If you’re confessing to crimes or implicating yourself in crimes and recording it, why u mad when they come for you.

[dameyonealons]

The problem is he did things and he wanted to let everyone know. And here we are.

[ndutzz]

Thanks for this feature. You've made it make sense to me as a lover of hip-hop

[Slayedbyevie]

I changed it as soon as TI started talking like that 😂

[kevinfrench]

Freedom if speech and self incrimination are 2 different things.

[dopernautz]

The "take it to trial" song is the reason im free of a false DV felony. They tried give me a plea deal and while out on bond i heard that song and i took that shit to triall and won! lmao💯

[everythingque]

It’s truly a problem that starts in the household. It’s like a runaway greenhouse effect. The young men have been gangbanging for so long they have children and continue to engage in organized crime/nefarious activities which gets them locked up. The young man’s child then grows up with no father figure, and ends up following the same path. State prisons are filled with father/son offenders. Father and brothers locked up. Kids and uncles. Kids and cousins. I knew people who were celled up with their uncles and distant cousins. Who just got moved out of their brothers cell. It’s a deep issue that needs addressing.

[aceboogy]

People are tired of blaming everything on “racism”.

[reggiewilliams]

I don’t feel sorry for young thug at all😂😂😂 if I had his kind of money, I would turn away from the hood and the street and live my best life somewhere else

[justo]

For them to think that this case is about freedom of speech is insane.

[jackiehughesgpg]

IDK where I stand with cases like this anymore!!?? I just turned 40! I believe in the power of the Streets and why people have to live that life...BUT, I also believe in Justice and fighting crime...Especially in the Black Communities!! 🤷🏾‍♀🤷🏾‍♀