A high-profile criminal trial is underway in Atlanta that could have major implications for the music industry. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has alleged Grammy-winning rapper Young Thug is the cofounder of a criminal street gang responsible for violent acts and is pointing to his song lyrics as proof of the gang’s existence. In this episode, w ... Show More
Yesterday
Ukraine Accepts Peace Deal, Inflation Uptick, Thanksgiving Cold and more
A US official says Ukraine has agreed a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine, but some pieces of the plan are missing. New inflation data is out, and it’s not good news. We explain why the Trump administration's healthcare proposal is being delayed. Millions of Americans are set ... Show More
6m 48s
Yesterday
US-Russia Peace Talks, Volcanic Eruption, Met Gala Criticism and more
As attacks continue between Kyiv and Moscow, American and Russian officials are holding Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi today. We explain why James Comey and Letitia James’ legal battles aren’t over yet. The House is launching an investigation into alleged antisemitism in three ... Show More
6m 50s
Dec 2023
Should rap lyrics be allowed as evidence in criminal trials?
Grammy award-winning rapper Young Thug is currently on trial for gang-related charges in Atlanta, US. Prosecutors claim that the rap label he founded, Young Stoner Life (YSL) Records, is a front for an organised crime syndicate responsible for ‘75-80% of violent crime’ in the cit ... Show More
15m 16s
May 2022
May 10th - Young Thug and Gunna Indicted on Gang Charges & New Music Updates From Dua Lipa and Taylor Swift
Young Thug was one of 28 people indicted in Georgia on conspiracy to violate the state’s RICO act and street gang charges, according to jail records. Gunna was also named in the indictment on conspiring to violate the RICO act. Plus, Dua Lipa says she’s “half-written” her third s ... Show More
4m 4s
Dec 2023
The Blurry Line Between Rap Star and Crime Boss
<p>As a racketeering trial begins in Atlanta, much of the focus is on the high-profile defendant, the best-selling rapper Young Thug.</p><p>Joe Coscarelli, a culture reporter for The New York Times, explains why, in a sense, hip-hop itself is on trial.</p><p>Guest: <a href="https ... Show More
27m 17s
Dec 2023
Bryan McCann, "The Mark of Criminality: Rhetoric, Race, and Gangsta Rap in the War-on-Crime Era" (U Alabama Press, 2017)
On this episode, Dr. Lee Pierce (she/they)--Asst. Prof. of Communication at SUNY Geneseo--interviews Bryan McCann (he/his)--Associate Professor of Communication at Louisiana State University--on a dope new work of cultural criticism The Mark of Criminality: Rhetoric, Race, and Ga ... Show More
1h 2m
Jun 2019
Bryan McCann, "The Mark of Criminality: Rhetoric, Race, and Gangsta Rap in the War-on-Crime Era" (U Alabama Press, 2017)
On this episode, Dr. Lee Pierce (she/they)--Asst. Prof. of Communication at SUNY Geneseo--interviews Bryan McCann (he/his)--Associate Professor of Communication at Louisiana State University--on a dope new work of cultural criticism The Mark of Criminality: Rhetoric, Race, and Ga ... Show More
1h 2m