As the high-profile trial unfolds, Yak Gotti speaks on brotherhood, betrayal, and the weight of public scrutiny
In a recent interview, Atlanta rapper Yak Gotti (Deamonte Kendrick) broke his silence on the tensions within the Young Stoner Life (YSL) collective, particularly between Young Thug (Jeffery Williams) and Gunna (Sergio Kitchens).
“I ain’t got no problem with Gunna,”
he declared.
“Gunna stay my brother, and Thug my big brother”
His comments pierced the vortex of speculation surrounding the YSL RICO case, providing a humanizing explanation for a legal drama that has fascinated the world of hip-hop.
The case began back in May 2022, when Young Thug, Gunna, Yak Gotti, and a handful of others were charged under Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, a law created in 1970s to fight organized crime. Prosecutors contend that YSL is a criminal street gang, a label that the defense disputes.
YSL’s bonds, forged in Atlanta’s vibrant music scene, are under strain. Yak Gotti emphasizes loyalty, stating,
“When two grown men have differences, especially when family is involved, you stay out of that”
Despite legal pressures, he views Young Thug and Gunna as family, urging respect for their private disputes.
In December 2022, Gunna entered an Alford plea, a legal maneuver allowing him to plead guilty to one racketeering charge while maintaining innocence, securing his release after seven months. The plea, which resulted in a five-year sentence with one year commuted and the rest suspended, sparked accusations of “snitching”—a serious violation of hip-hop’s loyalty code. Gunna has denied cooperating, stating,
“I have NOT made any statements, have NOT cooperated, have NOT agreed to testify”
Yak Gotti defended him, suggesting Gunna was
“manipulated into a situation” and that “people make mistakes, bro. Like, it’s life, like, we human”.
Social media has amplified the controversy, often spreading unverified claims. Music executive Wack 100 initially accused Gunna of snitching but later shifted blame to Yak Gotti, citing a viral interrogation video. Such flip-flopping, echoed by figures like DJ Akademiks, highlights the internet’s role in shaping narratives without evidence. Yak Gotti himself faced scrutiny over leaked footage, yet no definitive proof of cooperation has emerged.
The YSL case reveals a clash between legal strategies and street codes. Gunna’s plea, while legally strategic, conflicts with hip-hop’s expectations of loyalty. Young Thug, who accepted a plea deal in October 2024 for a 40-year sentence with 15 years of probation, has not publicly accused Gunna of betrayal. His lawyer requested continued collaboration with Gunna, indicating professional respect. Yak Gotti was acquitted of major charges in December 2024 but faces other pending charges.
Both artists have turned to music to respond. Gunna’s 2023 track “Bread & Butter” addresses the snitching allegations, claiming he was misled by lawyers and the DA. Young Thug’s album “Business Is Business,” released from jail in June 2023, reflects his legal and personal struggles.
