

The Blurry Line Between Rap Star and Crime Boss
28 snips Dec 5, 2023
Joe Coscarelli, a culture reporter for The New York Times, dives deep into the complex intersection of hip-hop and crime, focusing on the high-profile trial of rapper Young Thug. He discusses how the RICO Act is being used against hip-hop artists and the implications this has for the culture. The conversation explores how lyrics can be weaponized as evidence, questioning the authenticity of rap and its ties to street life. Coscarelli also examines how plea deals influence the hierarchy within rap collectives, shedding light on the blurry lines between artistry and criminality.
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Young Thug's Rise
- Young Thug, born Jeffrey Williams, emerged from Atlanta's Jonesboro Housing Projects.
- He gained fame for his experimental music, pushing boundaries in style and sound.
YSL's Influence
- Young Thug's collective, YSL, functioned as a hub for emerging rappers in Atlanta.
- His influence extended to choosing who succeeded in the city's rap scene.
Mainstream Success and Legal Troubles
- Young Thug achieved mainstream success with the hit song "Havana," reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Despite his commercial success, he cultivated an outlaw image, facing legal issues.