Brian Steel, the powerhouse attorney now defending Sean “Diddy” Combs, pumps himself up for court by blasting Young Thug’s music, revealing a deep personal connection to the rapper he famously freed. In a candid moment, Steel shared that he listens to “Jeffery Williams all day long” on his way to court, a ritual that fuels his focus for high-stakes legal battles. This revelation not only highlights Steel’s admiration for Young Thug but also underscores his unique bond with the Atlanta rapper, forged through one of Georgia’s most grueling trials.
Steel, a veteran criminal defense attorney based in Atlanta, has built a stellar reputation since 1991, earning accolades like a spot on Billboard’s 2023 Top Music Lawyers List. Known for his relentless preparation and creative legal strategies, he’s represented everyone from judges to professional athletes. But his work with musicians, particularly rappers, has thrust him into the spotlight. Steel’s most notable cases involve defending Young Thug and Gunna in the complex YSL RICO trial, a legal saga that gripped the music world.
The YSL case began in January 2023 and was Georgia’s longest trial, stretching over 22 months. Young Thug, arrested on May 9, 2022, faced 56 counts alongside 27 others, accused of running a criminal gang disguised as a music label. Steel’s skillful navigation of the case led to a plea deal on October 31, 2024, where Young Thug pleaded guilty to drug and gun charges and no contest to gang-related charges. The result? Freedom after over two and a half years in custody, with time served, 15 years of probation, and a condition to stay out of Atlanta for a decade except for special occasions like funerals or graduations.
Gunna, another YSL artist, benefited from Steel’s expertise, securing an Alford plea in December 2022 to a single RICO charge, avoiding a lengthy trial while maintaining his innocence. Steel’s ability to tackle such high-profile cases caught the attention of Diddy, who hired him in April 2025 for his federal sex trafficking trial, set to kick off with jury selection on May 5, 2025, and opening statements on May 12, 2025.
Steel’s connection with Young Thug goes beyond the courtroom. Their bond grew tight during the trial, with daily calls, jailhouse pushups, and Young Thug saving Steel’s number as “My Brother Brian.” This camaraderie shines through in Steel’s choice to vibe to Young Thug’s music, like tracks from the 2016 album Jeffery, to get in the zone for court. The rapper returned the love, shouting out Steel in the 2018 song “Oh Okay” with Gunna and Lil Baby and even wanting him to strut the runway at his SP5DER fashion show during Paris Fashion Week.
The YSL trial wasn’t just a legal battle but a cultural flashpoint. Prosecutors tried using Young Thug’s lyrics as evidence, sparking debates about freedom of speech and the targeting of Black artists. Steel fought back, arguing that the lyrics were art, not confessions, and comparing them to the work of Bruce Springsteen or Tupac Shakur. His strategy paid off, not just in the plea deal but in cementing his legacy, inspiring Drake and PartyNextDoor to name a track “Brian Steel” on their February 2025 album, Some Sexy Songs 4 U.
Steel’s peers sing his praises, too. Douglas Weinstein, a fellow attorney in the YSL case, called him a “legend” for his tenacity and insight. With his track record, Steel’s not just a lawyer; he’s a force, blending legal brilliance with a genuine passion for the music that shapes his clients’ lives.
