Gunna’s lawyer shuts down snitching claims from YSL RICO case
The YSL RICO case has been one of the most talked-about criminal trials in hip-hop history, with the spotlight firmly on key figures like Young Thug and Gunna. The controversy surrounding Gunna’s Alford plea—where he pled guilty without admitting to the crime—has sparked intense debates about loyalty, snitching, and street codes. On Friday, Gunna’s attorney, Steve Sadow, took to Twitter to defend his client against accusations of betrayal. But what exactly is Gunna’s side of the story? And how does this impact the future of YSL and its members?
What Happened in the YSL RICO Case?
The YSL RICO case has been a whirlwind, involving a range of allegations against Young Thug and his associates, including Gunna. In 2022, Gunna was arrested as part of the racketeering case against YSL, which was accused of being a criminal street gang. Gunna, whose real name is Sergio Kitchens, faced charges that could have led to up to 20 years in prison.
However, after spending eight months in jail, Gunna entered an Alford plea in December 2022. This plea is a legal tactic where a defendant maintains their innocence but acknowledges that there is enough evidence for a conviction. While it’s not an outright admission of guilt, it was a way for Gunna to secure his release and avoid a prolonged trial.
The move was controversial. Fans, fellow artists, and even some legal experts questioned whether this constituted “snitching” on his fellow YSL members, especially given the public nature of the case.
The Snitching Debate: What Does It Really Mean?
In hip-hop culture, the concept of “snitching” has always been a sensitive topic. Street codes and loyalty are deeply ingrained in the industry, and betrayal—whether real or perceived—can have severe consequences for an artist’s career. When Gunna’s plea deal was made public, many fans and critics accused him of snitching on Young Thug and the rest of the YSL collective.
But what exactly is snitching? In its most basic form, snitching is when someone provides information to the authorities that implicates others in a crime. In Gunna’s case, the prosecution did not call him as a witness, and his plea did not directly contribute to Young Thug’s conviction. However, some critics pointed to a specific moment in court where Gunna affirmed certain aspects of the prosecution’s case. This led to accusations that Gunna had provided information that could harm his co-defendants.
Despite the backlash, Sadow maintains that Gunna did nothing to hurt Young Thug’s case. In fact, Sadow argues that Gunna’s plea was a strategic move that allowed him to avoid a lengthy prison sentence without betraying his peers.
Steve Sadow’s Defense: Gunna Didn’t Cooperate
Steve Sadow, who represented Gunna during the trial, has been vocal in defending his client. In a series of tweets on January 3, 2025, Sadow addressed the ongoing rumors and laid out a clear argument: Gunna did not cooperate with authorities, and he did not snitch.
Sadow highlighted that Gunna’s plea was an Alford plea, meaning he didn’t admit to any criminal activity but accepted that the evidence was enough for a conviction. Importantly, Sadow pointed out that Gunna’s plea deal was never used against Young Thug in court. Gunna was not called as a witness, and his plea deal was not referenced during Thug’s trial.
Sadow further emphasized the favorable terms of Gunna’s plea. Gunna received a five-year suspended sentence, meaning he wouldn’t have to serve time as long as he followed the conditions of his release. Additionally, he faced no reporting or travel restrictions, and there was no probation. In contrast, Young Thug’s trial was much more intense, with Thug spending 30 months in jail before ultimately pleading guilty. Thug’s sentence included 15 years of probation, with significant restrictions on his lifestyle.
Love the street rules and the dry-snitched comments. Oh the fake outrage, same old s**t. Both were charged with RICO. Both faced 20 yrs in prison. Both pled to RICO. Regardless, I'm more than willing to accept the blame for the great deal.
— Steve Sadow (@stevesadow) January 3, 2025
The Real Impact on Gunna’s Career
While the YSL RICO case has been a legal battle, the public perception of Gunna’s plea deal has had a lasting impact on his career. Since his release, Gunna has been able to resume his music career, performing all over the world and securing millions of dollars in earnings. His 2023 album, A Gift & A Curse, was met with critical acclaim, proving that his talent could still shine despite the controversies surrounding his legal situation.
But the question remains: has the backlash affected Gunna’s standing in the hip-hop community? For some, his decision to take the plea deal was a betrayal. Many artists, including Young Thug, have not publicly supported Gunna since the trial, and some fans have distanced themselves from the rapper. However, others have rallied behind him, pointing out that he made a calculated decision to avoid a lengthy prison sentence while maintaining his innocence.
Regardless of the mixed reactions, it’s clear that Gunna’s career is far from over. His success on the international stage suggests that his talent and fan base are still strong, even as the controversy lingers.
Young Thug’s Alleged Diss: How It Ties Into the Drama
The drama surrounding Gunna reached a new level when Young Thug appeared to diss him on the track Dum, Dumb, and Dumber by Lil Baby, which also features Future. Fans immediately speculated that Thugger was taking shots at Gunna, further fueling the tension between the two artists.
Thug’s verse, while not explicitly naming Gunna, seemed to make reference to a “snitch” and a “rat,” leading many to believe that the lines were aimed at his former YSL comrade. The alleged diss only added more fuel to the fire, as fans and media outlets quickly picked up on the possible feud between the two.
Sadow, in his tweets, addressed the ongoing drama, dismissing the “fake outrage” and reminding everyone that both Gunna and Thug were charged with the same crime. Sadow argued that Gunna’s plea deal, while controversial, did not affect Thug’s legal case, and that the ongoing criticisms were rooted in misplaced street loyalty rather than legal reality.
Gunna’s Legacy: More Than Just a Legal Case
While the YSL RICO case will always be a part of Gunna’s legacy, it’s important to remember that his contributions to hip-hop go beyond his legal troubles. Gunna has been a significant figure in the modern rap scene, known for his melodic flows and distinctive style. His collaborations with artists like Lil Baby, Future, and Young Thug have solidified him as one of the genre’s most talented and influential voices.
Moving forward, Gunna’s career will likely continue to evolve. While the controversy may linger for some fans, others will focus on his artistry and business acumen. With major performances, chart-topping albums, and a global fanbase, Gunna has proven that his talent transcends any legal battles.
What’s Next for Gunna and YSL?
As the dust settles on the YSL RICO case, it’s clear that Gunna’s future in hip-hop remains strong. The accusations of snitching may continue to haunt him in certain circles, but his plea deal was a strategic decision that allowed him to avoid prison while preserving his career. With Steve Sadow’s public defense, it’s evident that Gunna did not play a role in damaging Young Thug’s case.
Looking ahead, Gunna’s legacy will likely be shaped by more than just his legal controversies. His contributions to hip-hop, his ability to navigate a difficult legal situation, and his ability to bounce back from adversity will define his lasting impact on the culture. Whether you see him as a snitch or a survivor, one thing is clear—Gunna is here to stay.
