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Tae Hong
Editor-in-Chief
In the past week, there have been multiple arrests and charges against many popular artists. Fans and followers have been following the situation closely even though little information has been confirmed.
The first of the few included a situation between Iazye and Summrs in which Iazye was charged with gun possession and artists Summrs, Desire, and Breezy, were named as affiliations in part of a related robbery.
As of now, the four musicians are facing charges of armed robbery and potentially more. According to a post on the “r/PlayboiCarti” forum on Reddit, “[the authorities] recovered a Glock that had a switch on it.” This is referring to a semi-automatic pistol with a small device on it that allows the gun to fire at higher rates and, in some cases, become fully automatic; this alone is very illegal.
Much of social media has already been showing resentment toward Iazye, calling him a snitch and, in some ways, “canceling” him on various platforms.
Shortly after this information came out, Young Thug and Gunna were arrested as well; this caused outrage in the trap community and beyond. The two highly popular trap artists are facing charges related to what’s become known as “The RICO Arrests.” According to an article on Pitchfork by Mark Hoban, “The 28 people named in the indictment are all charged with conspiracy to violate the state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO.” This is specifically concerning since artists like Playboi Carti are rumored to be in the 28 people being named.
Young Thug (Jeffery Lamar Williams) and Gunna (Sergio Giavanni Kitchens) are being charged by Fulton County with racketeering because of their affiliation with the gang Young Slime Life (more popularly known as YSL), which has ties to the Bloods. Thug’s label and collective is named “Young Stoner Life.” As of May 13th, 2022, they were both denied bail.
“[With these arrests,] people will realize that celebrities aren’t untouchable, especially if their favorite [artist] goes to jail,” says South student Isabel Dantas. For many listeners, it’s hard to imagine these artists getting arrested or being unable to make music.
A majority of the rap community is in fear because many of these Atlanta rappers are connected in ways that could also get others into legal trouble.
“I am so very upset,” says Yoav Rabbi, one of Gunna’s biggest fans at Newton South. “Now he is thrown in jail, and many passionate Gunna fans, including myself, will not have new music for years. I couldn’t believe it when I first heard it. It made me almost as sad as when Juice passed away,” Rabbi continues, relaying his sorrow.
A comment section under a TikTok about Young Thug’s arrest speculates that artists’ lyrics such as Playboi Carti could be incriminating since they frequently mention ties with the gangs being investigated.
While much of the situation is still under the rug, it is clear that with the arrests of some of the American youths’ favorite artists, many will suffer.
