Young Thug trial sparks online questions about YSL rapper’s shirt: Updates

The hotly-anticipated trial of the rapper Young Thug is back under way in a courtroom in Atlanta, Georgia, after being derailed when a codefendant was stabbed in jail.

In May 2022, Young Thug, real name Jeffery Williams, was arrested and charged in a sprawling RICO indictment along with 27 other defendants.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis – who is using the same law to prosecute Donald Trump in his Georgia election interference case – accused the suspects of being part of a criminal street gang named YSL or “Young Slime Life.”

According to prosecutors, the gang is responsible for multiple violent crimes, including murders, shootings, carjackings and racketeering. Young Thug denies the accusations and insists YSL is simply his record label – Young Stoner Life.

The trial has been undoubtedly rocky. Shannon Stillwell, a YSL co-defendant, was stabbed “multiple times” in jail by a fellow inmate in December. The incident led to the trial’s postponement until 2 January.

When the trial resumed on Tuesday, Young Thug instantly sparked speculation online around what he was wearing under his shirt.

Key points

• YSL trial resumes after weeks-long delay

• Who is Young Thug?

• YSL codefendant stabbed in jail, delaying trial

The Young Thug trial is set to resume

Tuesday 2 January 2024 15:14 , Kelly Rissman

The Young Thug trial is about to restart on 2 January after a weeks-long break following a YSL codefendant being stabbed in prison.

The trial was supposed to begin at 9.30am, but like consistent with this case so far, it is once again delayed.

ICYMI: Trial was delayed for weeks after codefendant was stabbed in jail

Tuesday 2 January 2024 15:30 , Kelly Rissman

The third week of the YSL trial got off to a dramatic start when one of the defendants was reportedly stabbed.

Defendant Shannon Stillwell “was stabbed in jail,” Max Schardt, his lawyer, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Monday.

Willie Brown, an inmate at Rice Street Jail, was charged with aggravated assault and possession of prohibited items in connection to the stabbing, according to a Fulton County Sheriff’s Office press release.

A fight erupted between Mr Brown and Mr Stillwell on the evening of 10 December — but it’s still not known what led to the fight. Mr Stillwell was “stabbed multiple times by Brown” and Mr Stillwell is in stable condition, the release stated.

Read the full story...

Young Thug co-defendant in YSL Rico trial is stabbed in jail

Dwight Hutchins takes the stand

Tuesday 2 January 2024 16:03 , Kelly Rissman

Mr Hutchins testified that he used to work in security for 25 years until he had a stroke in 2020.

He said that he worked at Perimeter Mall from 2013 to 2015, which is the same place where Mr Williams was accused of making “terroristic threats” in July 2015.

When the prosecutor asked whether he encountered two ‘men on hoverboards, he said he remembered explaining to them why that wasn’t permitted. But they didn’t listen, Mr Hutchins testified.

He added that their demeanor toward him was “okay” But he contacted the director of security because he couldn’t “handle” dealing with them.

As they were leaving, he said they were yelling profanity, but didn’t remember which man was doing the yelling.

The indictment accuses Mr Williams of telling the security director that he “would shoot him in the face with a gun” if he approached.

Mr Hutchins allegedly wrote an incident report dated 7 July 2015 with his signature on it, but the witness said he didn’t remember writing the statement.

Who is Young Thug?

Tuesday 2 January 2024 16:15 , Kelly Rissman

Born in 1991 as Jeffrey Lamar Williams, Young Thug is an Atlanta-born rapper. He also goes by the name Slime.

After starting his career at the age of 19, he signed with Gucci Mane’s record label, and went on to become one of the most influential artists on the contemporary hip-hop and trap music scene.

His first two albums “So Much Fun”, in 2019, and “Punk”, in 2021, debuted at the top of the Billboard 200, as did his 2021 joint compilation album with Gunna, “Slime Language 2”.

Young Thug has also featured in multiple collaborations that have earned him several number one hits.

These include guest spots on Camila Cabello’s Havana in 2018, Travis Scott and MIA’s Franchise in 2020 and Drake and Future’s Way 2 Sexy in 2021, all of which topped the Billboard Hot 100.

He also co-wrote the hit song This Is America with Childish Gambino, real name Donald Glover, which became the first hip-hop track to win Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards in 2019.

Young Thug is also noted for his style, with a 2016 GQ article describing him as “a leader of the psychedelic fashion movement of rap hippies”.

“He is unapproachable. He radiates volatility. I can’t even imagine him making actual, on-purpose eye contact with another human,” the article states.

Former police officer Mark Stevens testifies

Tuesday 2 January 2024 16:37 , Kelly Rissman

Mr Stevens is testifying about the same mall incident in July 2015 involving Mr Williams.

At the time, he identified the person making threats to the director of security as Jeffery Williams, he testified.

He said that the security director was trying to get the men to cooperate and to issue them a “criminal trespass ban.” After the “threat was made,” the security guard let the men go, he added.

YSL, defined

Tuesday 2 January 2024 17:00 , Kelly Rissman

YSL takes on a few meanings in this trial.

According to its website, YSL stands for Young Stoner Life, a record label that includes artists Young Thug, Gunna, Yak Gotti, Unfoonk. They are all defendants in this trial.

The prosecution is arguing that “YSL” also stands for “Young Slime Life,” a “criminal street gang.”

During his opening remarks, Mr Steel discussed the alleged origins of “YSL.” He said the abbreviation stemmed from the “YSL” logo on Yves Saint Laurent pants.

Next witness takes the stand: Sgt Sean Lenahan

Tuesday 2 January 2024 17:07 , Kelly Rissman

Mr Lenahan works for the city of Dunwoody police department. He worked as a criminal investigator from 2012-2015, he said.

He is testifying about the same July 2015 incident allegedly involving Mr Williams.

The defence is trying to point out that only Mr May heard Mr Williams yelling the threats to him. He asked Mr Lenahan if any witness at the scene named or pointed to which of the men made the threats; none of the witnesses did.

Due to lack of corroboration, the DeKalb County DA’s office dismissed the case, the defence added.

Lunch time

Tuesday 2 January 2024 17:30 , Kelly Rissman

The jury took a recess for lunch and will return at 1.30pm, the judge said.

ICYMI: ‘Pushin P’ redefined

Tuesday 2 January 2024 18:00 , Kelly Rissman

Defence attorney Brian Steel pulled up a Powerpoint slide during his opening remarks showing a photo of his client, Mr Williams, flashing a hand sign. The indictment states that Mr Williams is flashing a “‘Bloods’ gang sign.” Mr Steel said the prosecution is arguing that his hand is in the shape of a “B.”

Mr Steel said that his client was holding up the letter “P” before referencing a song by Mr Williams and his codefendant Sergio Kitchens, aka Gunna, called “pushin P.” The lawyer translated the song to mean “pushing positivity.”

According to Mr Steel, “It means, any circumstance you’re in, if you think positively about something, you can make it through. You’re pushing positivity.”

The term has been represented online by the 🅿️ emoji and is understood to mean “keeping it real” or, according to Mr Kitchens on The Breakfast Club, it “could” mean keeping it “player.”

What has happened in the trial so far?

Tuesday 2 January 2024 18:28 , Kelly Rissman

The trial has been nothing short of dramatic so far.

Both the prosecution and defence frequently make objections, delays are common, and courtroom chaos is ritual.

In the first week the case, jurors’ faces were shown in a livestream, prompting fears of a mistrial. A screenshot of the jurors sitting in the front row quickly circulated on social media.

But still, the trial went on.

Another key point of this case hinges on definitions, mainly on the definition of YSL. The proseuction claims that YSL stands for Young Slime Life, which is a “criminal street gang,” while the defence insists that YSL is merely a record label: Young Stoner Life.

Mr Williams’ attorney Brian Steel made waves when he offered up a few other contested definitions in his opening remarks. He said that the YSL abbreviation derives from the logo for designer brand Yves Saint Laurent. Mr Steel also claimed that “thug” stood for “truly humble under God,” when describing his client’s rap name.

Meanwhile prosecutor Adriane Love, in her opening statement, referenced The Jungle Book: “For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.” She then consistently painted Mr Williams as the head of said “pack.”

In the trial’s second week, Mr Williams sparked speculation that he was trying to send the prosecution a message by boasting a designer sweater emblazoned with a cartoon wolf. The sweater sold out days later.

APD Officer Curtis Cogdell testifies

Tuesday 2 January 2024 20:09 , Kelly Rissman

The officer testified about an alleged incident that took place on 25 September 2019 involving Shannon Stillwell.

He said the “driver was dancing around in the driver’s seat” and wasn’t wearing a seatbelt so the officer tried to pull him over but the driver refused to stop.

The car ran a red light and then got involved in an accident. By the time Mr Codgell caught up to the car, he noticed the driver was running on foot, he told the court.

He was driving without a licence, the officer said.

Confused about some of the terms used in the YSL trial?

Tuesday 2 January 2024 20:35 , Kelly Rissman

We’ve got you covered.

Perhaps the most viral moments from the trial so far have consisted of the unusual terminology and references being used.

From ‘pushin P’ to ‘SLATT,’ here’s a guide to the most important - and perplexing - words and phrases so far:

YSL and Pushin P: A dictionary guide to the Young Thug trial

The Young Thug trial is back. Here’s what you need to know:

Tuesday 2 January 2024 20:56 , Kelly Rissman

The YSL members named in the indictment are charged with conspiracy to violate Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

The act is similar to its federal counterpart, which is used to convict large-scale organisations such as the mafia.

According to the indictment, associates of YSL “conspired to associate together and with others for the common purposes of illegally obtaining money and property through a pattern of racketeering activity”.

It claims that YSL members were involved in murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, theft, drug dealing, carjacking, and witness intimidation.

Other activities include “the posting of messages, images, videos and songs, demonstrating allegiance to the enterprise and willingness to engage in violence on its behalf”.

Prosecutors claim they can show that some of the group’s lyrics are related to crimes that they are accused of committing.

Through these activities and more the gang aimed to “preserve, protect, and enhance the reputation, power and territory” of the enterprise, prosecutors said.

Recap: Shannon Stillwell stabbing

Tuesday 2 January 2024 21:12 , Kelly Rissman

On 10 December, Mr Stillwell was stabbed while in custody at Rice Street Jail.

A fight erupted between a fellow inmate and Mr Stillwell — but it was unclear what led to the fight. Mr Stillwell was “stabbed multiple times by Brown” and Mr Stillwell is in stable condition, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office said.

After the incident, the inmate was charged with aggravated assault and possession of prohibited items in connection to the stabbing,

According to the indictment, Mr Stillwell faces eight charges, including conspiracy to violate the RICO Act and two counts of murder. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Social media users are wondering what is under Young Thug’s sweater

Tuesday 2 January 2024 21:50 , Kelly Rissman

Under the rapper’s blue turtleneck appeared a chunky object with a white wire trailing below, sparking speculation on social media as to whether a heat pad or something else was underneath.

Cross-examination of Officer Cogdell

Tuesday 2 January 2024 22:21 , Kelly Rissman

After a series of breaks, the defence is cross-examining Mr Cogdell, who testified about an alleged incident involving codefendant Shannon Stillwell.

Mr Stillwell’s attorney, Mr Schardt, clarified that Mr Cogdell didn’t know who his client was when he saw him driving.

Mr Schardt described his client’s ‘bouncing around’ in the car, as the witness testified earlier, as just bopping around to music in his car; the officer said that he had seen a seatbelt violation, which prompted him to pursue Mr Stillwell’s vehicle.

The attorney also asked whether the person whom Mr Stillwell is accused of pushing reported the incident; the officer said she did not.

Mr Schardt also asked about the car, which was a rental, and the recovered firearm, which has never been reported stolen.

“Is your conclusion that Mr Stillwell acted on his own?” Mr Cogdell replied, “Yes.”

Court breaks for the day

Tuesday 2 January 2024 23:00 , Kelly Rissman

After a day of hearing from numerous witnesses, the court adjourned.

The judge said court will resume tomorrow at 9.30am.

What does ‘thug’ mean?

Wednesday 3 January 2024 00:00 , Kelly Rissman

Mr Steel, an attorney for Mr Williams, pointed out that his client had two major musical influences growing up: Lil Wayne and Tupac. Tupac famously defined “THUG LIFE” as standing for “The Hate You Give Little Infants F***s Everyone.”

“That was not what ‘thug’ meant to Jeffery,” Mr Steel said, offering up a different definition: “Truly Humble Under God.”

What is RICO?

Wednesday 3 January 2024 03:00 , Kelly Rissman

RICO stands for the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, which is a state law in Georgia based on the 1970 federal law, allowing the prosecution of alleged criminal organizations.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis explained at a press conference following the 2022 indictment: “RICO is a tool that allows a prosecutor’s office and law enforcement to tell the whole story. We use it as a tool so they can have all the information they need to make a wise decision.”

Donald Trump and his 18 codefendants were also charged under this Georgia statute.

ICYMI: Young Thug’s sweater that sent social media buzzing

Wednesday 3 January 2024 06:00 , Kelly Rissman

Social media buzzed over a now sold-out designer wolf sweater donned by Young Thug at his trial in Georgia - days after prosecutors described him as the head of a wolf pack.

The rapper, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, is in court in Fulton County, Georgia, fighting gang and racketeering charges in connection with what DA Fani Willis and prosecutors say is a violent street gang he co-founded called Young Slime Life (YSL). He and 27 defendants other are facing RICO charges and have each been individually charged with other violations. Mr Williams has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Last month, Mr Williams arrived at court wearing an Amiri sweater emblazoned with a wolf, according to WSBTV. The sweater retails for $1,090 and was on sale for $595 as of Tuesday. By Wednesday morning, the sweater appeared to be sold out on the Amiri website.

Read the full story...

Young Thug’s designer wolf sweater sells out after sparking trial speculation

Has the case been controversial?

Wednesday 3 January 2024 09:00 , Kelly Rissman

The use of lyrics from rappers associated with YSL and Young Thug in the case has been an ongoing point of contention.

Earlier this month, Fulton County Superior Court Chief Judge Ural Glanville ruled that he would allow prosecutors to introduce 17 sets of lyrics, as long as they can show that the lyrics are related to crimes that the rapper and other defendants are accused of committing.

Defence attorneys had asked the judge to exclude them, arguing the lyrics are constitutionally protected speech and would be unfairly prejudicial.

“The question is not rap lyrics. The question is gang lyrics,” prosecutor Mike Carlson said, during a pre-trial hearing. “These are party admissions. They happen to come in the form of lyrics.”

Mr Carlson had argued that First Amendment speech protections do not apply because the defendants are not being prosecuted for their lyrics. Instead, he said, the lyrics refer to the criminal act or the criminal intent related to the charges.

Another prosecutor, Simone Hylton, also separated the lyrics into three categories: those that prove the existence of YSL as an enterprise, those that show the gang’s behaviour and actions, and those that show that Young Thug is a leader of the gang.

What has happened in the YSL trial so far?

Wednesday 3 January 2024 12:00 , Kelly Rissman

Jurors heard testimony from a host of law enforcement witnesses and several victims regarding their accounts of the “overt acts” listed in the indictment. Many of the overt acts mentioned thus far pertained to defendants who are no longer a part of the trial.

Although the indictment lists 28 co-defendants, many have been severed from the case or have taken plea deals, leaving six defendants remaining on trial.

The third week of the trial was perhaps the most dramatic of all. When court began on 11 December, the judge told jurors that there had been a “medical issue come up with one of our participants,” and therefore the court had to recess for the day.

It was later revealed that Shannon Stillwell, one of the six co-defendants on trial, was stabbed in jail the night before. Mr Stillwell is in stable condition and his fellow Rice Street Jail inmate who stabbed him has been charged with aggravated assault and possession of prohibited items in connection to the stabbing.

How has the music industry reacted to the trial?

Wednesday 3 January 2024 14:00 , Kelly Rissman

Several big names in the music industry have expressed support for YSL and hit out at prosecutors’ efforts to use their own lyrics against them.

Canadian superstar Drake referenced the case in the track Sticky on his new album Honestly, Nevermind.

“Somebody’s getting paid and/Free Big Slime out the cage,” Drake says in the song.

Killer Mike of rap group Run The Jewels previously told ABC News: “Hip hop is not respected as an art because Black people in this country are not recognised as full human beings.

“If we allow the courts to prosecute these men based on characters they created and stories of pretend that they tell in rhyme then next, they’ll be at your door.”

YSL, as defined by Young Thug’s lawyer

Wednesday 3 January 2024 15:10 , Kelly Rissman

Last month, Brian Steel, Mr Williams’ attorney, also discussed his client’s love of fashion. He said his style was inspired in part by rapper Lil Wayne’s style. Mr Steel also claimed that “YSL” stemmed from the logo for designer brand Yves Saint Laurent.

Mr Williams has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges against him. The trial is continuing into its second week as the prosecution calls up witnesses.

What has happened in the trial so far?

Wednesday 3 January 2024 15:31 , Kelly Rissman

The trial has been turbulent.

Shannon Stillwell, one of the six codefendants on trial, was stabbed in jail in mid-December, prompting a delay in the case.

This delay is only one of a series of postponements that have plagued the trial. Jury selection took nearly a year. And now that the trial is in full swing, the rockiness has not eased.

Both the prosecution and defence often make objections, sidebars happen frequently, and a livestream showed jurors’ faces on camera, prompting concerns from at least one juror.

Officer Kirton Raymond takes the stand

Wednesday 3 January 2024 16:05 , Kelly Rissman

He was testifying about the same September 2019 incident allegedly involving Shannon Stillwell. Yesterday, an officer testified that he spotted a driver without a seatbelt, and when he tried to pull him over, the driver sped away. The car was eventually involved in an accident.

The defence is trying to cut into the officer’s testimony, underscoring that he was responsible for making the report yet wasn’t at the scene of the accident.

Trontavious Stephens testifies

Wednesday 3 January 2024 16:49 , Kelly Rissman

The 30-year-old was a codefendant in the case but took a plea deal in December 2022.

The prosecution asked what he and his friends called Cleveland Avenue Park. He replied, “the park.” The prosecutor asked if he had ever referred to the park as “Bleveland Avenue Park,” hinting at YSL’s alleged penchant for changing Cs into Bs, and he said he hadn’t.

Mr Stephens also said that he has been involved in gangs, including ROC (Raised on Cleveland) Crew.

The witness also said he talked to Mr Steel yesterday for 10-13 minutes, but declined to speak with the prosecution without his lawyer present. Adriane Love then specifically asked why Mr Stephens agreed to speak with Mr Steel and not with her. He replied, “I never declined speaking with you” and reiterated that his lawyer wasn’t present.

She then pressed about a tattoo that Mr Stephens allegedly has that says: “75k/18.” The prosecution suggested that he previously told investigators that the tattoo meant he had $75,000 at the age of 18. Mr Stephens said he didn’t recall.

Things get heated as Trontavious Stephens testifies

Wednesday 3 January 2024 17:11 , Kelly Rissman

The prosecutor seemed annoyed at Mr Stephens’ responses because they were a bit roundabout. She repeatedly asked him to name members of ROC Crew, a gang he said he was affiliated with. He explained that he was trying to remember everyone on the street where he grew up off of Cleveland Ave because “that’s what made us ROC Crew.”

He named two people before saying he couldn’t remember. Mr Stephens also said he didn’t recall discussing illegal activities with other members of ROC Crew.

Ms Love asked him when he joined ROC -- when he said he had to count, she said she would ask him another question as he was counting, to which he replied, “No, no, one thing at a time.”

Mr Stephens also admitted to ROC Crew being part of the national Bloods gang.

Trontavious Stephens describes gang signs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 17:26 , Kelly Rissman

Mr Stephens said “hand signs, handshakes” and colors were a way people could identify being part of a specific gang.

After Ms Love asked him to show a hand sign to the court, the witness turned to the judge: “I’m in no way toying with this judicial system. I’m not trying to play, for the record.”

The prosecutor asked, “Did you believe, when you heard it, that harm could come to a person who falsely claimed ‘Sex Money Murder’?” Sex Money Murder is a subset of the Bloods gang, the indictment says. He replied, “yes.”

After being asked, Mr Stephens then described other hand signs used.

Court takes a lunch break

Wednesday 3 January 2024 17:45 , Kelly Rissman

The court will resume at 1.30pm. Mr Stephens’ testimony will continue.

What does “Bloods” mean?

Wednesday 3 January 2024 18:00 , Kelly Rissman

Bloods are a national gang. “YSL claims affiliation with” this gang, the indictment says.

“Bloods gang members typically and often will disrespect the rival Crips by avoiding the use of the letter C,” often replacing it with the letter “B” or an X or by crossing out the letter entirely, Detective Belknap said.

Read more about the terms used in the YSL trial.

YSL and Pushin P: A dictionary guide to the Young Thug trial

ICYMI: How long has Young Thug been behind bars?

Wednesday 3 January 2024 18:32 , Kelly Rissman

Young Thug has been in prison since his arrest in May 2022.

In November, a jury was finally selected after almost one year – with over 2,000 people having been summoned to possibly serve.

Opening statements finally kicked off on 27 November.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the trial could end up being the longest in Georgia’s history.

Who is Trontavious Stephens?

Wednesday 3 January 2024 19:00 , Kelly Rissman

Stephens took the stand on Wednesday.

He was originally named as a defendant in the case, but took a plea deal in December 2022.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported at the time that Stephens pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate Georgia’s RICO Act.

He admitted that he was one of the YSL founders.

Prosecution asks Stephens about others in the courtroom

Wednesday 3 January 2024 19:29 , Kelly Rissman

Ms Love asked about the initiation process.

Stephens said one is “jumped in,” which consists of a “fistfight” between a person who was “already in and a person who was trying to get in.”

“Have you ever falsely claimed ‘Sex Money Murder’?” Ms Love then asked. “I never went through the process of being jumped in,” he said, before admitting that he had falsely claimed it.

He said got a “B” tattoo.

When asked if anyone in the courtroom was a member of ROC Crew, he said “no one in this courtroom was originally raised on Cleveland.” When Ms Love changed her question to being “affiliated” with ROC Crew, he took a long time to answer, asking for clarification, before answering yes because they know him.

Stephens said by “affiliated,” he meant he was including people he went to neighbourhood clubs, naming Jeffery Williams, Shannon Stillwell, Marquavious Huey, and Deamonte Kendrick.

He said he knew Mr Huey since 2015, Mr Williams since 2012, Mr Stillwell since 2013 or 2014, and Mr Kendrick since elementary school.

ICYMI: Why was the trial delayed until 2 January?

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:00 , Kelly Rissman

One of the codefendants on trial, Shannon Stillwell, was stabbed in jail on 10 December.

Willie Brown, an inmate at Rice Street Jail, was charged with aggravated assault and possession of prohibited items in connection to the stabbing, according to a Fulton County Sheriff’s Office press release.

A fight erupted between Mr Brown and Mr Stillwell on the evening of 10 December — but it’s still not known what led to the fight. Mr Stillwell was “stabbed multiple times by Brown” and Mr Stillwell is in stable condition, the release stated.

Read the full story...

Young Thug co-defendant in YSL Rico trial is stabbed in jail

Stephens’ tattoos analysed

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:30 , Kelly Rissman

Prosecutors showed a picture of the tattoo on his neck, which read “BFL,” Stephens testified.

The F, which is in red ink, said it looks like a skateboard brand, adding that there was a star in it.

The L is shaped like a gun and the B is a money bag or bank. Stephens said the letters mean“put your money first and last.”

The prosecution then showed a photo of the back of his neck with a tattoo that said “Kant fight fate.” Ms Love then pulled up a beanie with the words “Bompton,” instead of “Compton.”

Ms Love was perhaps trying to insinuate he did so to adhere to Bloods gang tendencies. “Bloods gang members typically and often will disrespect the rival Crips by avoiding the use of the letter C,” Detective Belknap previously testified.

Young Thug debuts announces clothing line

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:02 , Kelly Rissman

The rapper announced the new clothing line on Instagram on Tuesday, writing “If you support me then... you know the rest.”

The line is called ActNormal. An account, which seemed to belong to the brand, reposted Mr Williams’ Instagram story writing “#freeJeff.”

In a separate post, the account wrote in a caption: “When the world is in chaos we do what the rest of the world isn’t doing.”

Mr Williams’ clothing has been the subject of headlines over the past few weeks during the trial, when he wore a designer wolf sweater after the prosecution accused him of being the “leader” of the YSL “pack.”

Trontavious Stephens explains his tattoos while on the stand

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:30 , Kelly Rissman

Lil Wayne incident

Wednesday 3 January 2024 22:00 , Kelly Rissman

The prosecution is asking Stephens about an alleged 2015 incident in which codefendant Jimmy Winfrey was accused of shooting at a bus in which Lil Wayne was a passenger, according to the indictment.

Winfrey initially pleaded guilty to 27 counts related to shooting up the tour bus, according to reports, and began to serve part of his 10-year sentence when a Georgia Supreme Court judge overturned his conviction. He then took another plea deal in which he pleaded guilty to two of the 27 charges.

What does “SLATT” stand for?

00:00 , Kelly Rissman

The prosecution and some law enforcement witnesses have mentioned “SLATT.” The indictment says that it is an abbreviation for “Slime Love All the Time.”

Atlanta Police Department detective Mark Belknap, a witness for the prosecution, told jurors that “SLATT” is an identifier of the gang YSL, and can often be used in tattoos, graffiti or on social media.

Recap: What’s happened in the trial so far?

03:00 , Kelly Rissman

Mr Williams’ attorney Brian Steel made waves early on when he offered up a few other contested definitions in his opening remarks. He said that the YSL abbreviation derives from the logo for designer brand Yves Saint Laurent. Mr Steel also claimed that “thug” stood for “truly humble under God,” when describing his client’s rap name.

Meanwhile prosecutor Adriane Love, in her opening statement, referenced The Jungle Book: “For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.” She then consistently painted Mr Williams as the head of said “pack.” In the trial’s second week, Mr Williams sparked speculation that he was trying to send the prosecution a message by boasting a designer sweater emblazoned with a cartoon wolf. The sweater sold out days later.

Jurors heard testimony from a host of law enforcement witnesses and several victims regarding their accounts of the “overt acts” listed in the indictment. Many of the overt acts mentioned thus far pertained to defendants who are no longer a part of the trial. Although the indictment lists 28 co-defendants, many have been severed from the case or have taken plea deals, leaving six defendants remaining on trial.

The third week of the trial was perhaps the most dramatic of all. When court began on 11 December, the judge told jurors that there had been a “medical issue come up with one of our participants,” and therefore the court had to recess for the day.

It was later revealed that Shannon Stillwell, one of the six co-defendants on trial, was stabbed in jail the night before. Mr Stillwell is in stable condition and his fellow Rice Street Jail inmate who stabbed him has been charged with aggravated assault and possession of prohibited items in connection to the stabbing.

Jeffery Williams is a founding member of YSL, ex-codefendant testifies

07:00 , Kelly Rissman

ICYMI: Where does Young Thug fit in?

11:00 , Kelly Rissman

The indictment portrays Young Thug as the leader of the criminal gang, which was responsible for multiple violent crimes, including murders, shootings and carjackings.

Prosecutors say the rapper also used his music and social media posts to promote the gang,

He is also alleged to have committed multiple crimes that he has not been charged with.

While he is not being charged for such “overt acts”, they lend credence to the allegation that the group of defendants were together engaged in a criminal conspiracy.

Brian Steel, Young Thug’s lawyer, told The New York Times: “Mr Williams came from an incredibly horrible upbringing, and he has conducted himself throughout his life in a way that is just to marvel at. He’s committed no crime whatsoever.”

Read more about the case here...

Young Thug, YSL and questionable lyrics: The controversial ‘gang’ trial, explained