Hip Hop and the Law: The YSL Trial

In May 2022, Young Thug and 27 others were arrested as part of a 56-count indictment for violating Georgia’s Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO). Less than 48 hours after, Gunna turned himself in and was charged with a one-count RICO violation. In response, Hulu released Rap Trap: Hip Hop on Trial (2023), which examines the case with a particular focus on the admissibility of lyrics. During Block 7 2024, students in my Hip Hop and the Law course created a beautiful, brilliant, multimedia group project conversing with the documentary (a short video essay, a case guide, and an art exhibit).