In Monday’s indictment, prosecutors laid out several instances they said furthered the YSL conspiracy. Kitchens’ involvement appears to be tied to the 2017 Brookhaven traffic stop. Also noted in the indictment is a 2018 traffic stop during which Williams, Kitchens and other associates of YSL in another car were pulled over for speeding.
One of the vehicles contained several weapons with high-capacity magazines, according to the indictment.
Like Williams, Kitchens is also accused of furthering the interests of YSL through his rap music, social media posts and music videos. Willis said Tuesday the First Amendment is “one of our most precious rights,” but she said free speech doesn’t protect someone from having their own words become evidence in a criminal proceeding.
Gunna was one of the first artists signed to the YSL Records label, which has been a growing presence in Atlanta. He was featured on Lil Baby’s 2018 hit “Drip Too Hard,” which peaked at No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot 100. He has also collaborated with artists such as Travis Scott, Machine Gun Kelly and fellow Atlanta rapper Future, as well as with Young Thug.
Earlier this year, Gunna’s “DS4Ever,” his third album, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard album chart.
Kitchens appeared before a Magistrate Court judge Wednesday morning, but a Superior Court judge was expected to consider bail at a later date.
As for his part, Williams is facing an additional seven charges stemming from his arrest Monday and the subsequent search of his Buckhead home. In addition to his indicted charges of participating in criminal street gang activity and conspiring to violate the RICO Act, the 30-year-old now faces drug and weapons possession charges, as well as three new gang-related charges.
Both Williams, who was moved to the Cobb County jail after his arrest, and Kitchens are being held without bond.
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