Young Thug warned Atlanta teenagers against gun violence during a weekend appearance at the Next Level Boys Academy, drawing on his personal experience with the legal system and his high-profile YSL RICO case, per hiphophero.com.
The 35-year-old artist visited the hometown institution, which mentors young people navigating the criminal justice system, to serve food and deliver a speech on the dangers of firearms. Reflecting on his own prolonged legal battle, he told the attendees that firearm offences are not worth the consequences, noting that he spent nearly three years in a courtroom.
Young Thug faced eight charges in his indictment, which included possession of a machine gun and multiple firearms during the commission of a felony. Law enforcement confiscated numerous weapons following his arrest, ranging from various Glock models to an FN Five-Seven and a Smith & Wesson.
Following his release in October 2024 through a plea deal, the rapper publicly accepted responsibility for his offences and issued an apology. He attributed his legal troubles to trying to accommodate too many people as his profile grew, warning that individuals in positions of influence must exercise greater caution.
•Featured image: Young Thug/Hip Hop Hero/YouTube Still