After more than a year in custody, Atlanta rapper Young Thug has released a new album from jail.
The chart-topping musician, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, alluded to his new music on social media last week, posting a QR code that linked to a countdown clock for Friday’s midnight release.
His album, titled “Business is Business,” features fellow rappers Drake, Future, 21 Savage and Travis Scott, among others. Fellow defendant Yak Gotti, whose real name is Deamonte Kendrick, is also featured on one of the tracks.
The 15-track album was released via Thug’s Young Stoner Life Records. “Business is Business” is Young Thug’s first LP since 2021′s “Punk,” which peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. There hasn’t been a No. 1 hip-hop album so far this year. Atlanta-based hitmaker Metro Boomin served as an executive producer on the album.
Williams, 31, was arrested in May 2022 on gang and racketeering charges. Fulton County prosecutors allege he is the co-founder and leader of Young Slime Life, which they say is a criminal street gang responsible for much of Atlanta’s violence. The rapper’s attorneys strongly contest the charges and say YSL is simply a record label.
Williams was among 28 people named in the sweeping RICO indictment last year. Jury selection in the sprawling case began in early January and is on pace to become the longest trial in Georgia’s history.
Supporters including fellow musicians and producers have criticized the prosecution’s use of the rapper’s lyrics in the indictment. Last year, 300 Entertainment CEO Kevin Liles and Atlantic Records COO Julie Greenwald launched a petition against the use of rap lyrics as evidence. The petition, titled “Art on Trial: Protect Black Art,” has received more than 85,000 signatures.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has defended her decision to use lyrics as evidence, saying, “If you decide to admit your crimes over a beat, I’m going to use it.”
A series of bizarre incidents have led to repeated delays in the jury selection process. One defense attorney was arrested, another had his laptop seized and a courtroom deputy was recently jailed, accused of having an inappropriate relationship with one of the defendants in the case. There have also been instances of drugs being brought into court, law enforcement officers scuffling with defendants and potential jurors being held in contempt.
Last week, fellow Atlanta rapper Gunna released his first album, “A Gift & A Curse,” since taking a plea deal in the gang case last year. Gunna is not featured on “Business is Business,” which marks the first Young Thug project without a Gunna appearance since 2016′s “Slime Season 3.” Gunna promoted his friend’s new album on social media, however.
