Latest news with #SummerSmashFestival
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Judge Declines to Revoke Young Thug's Probation Following Viral Tweet
An Atlanta judge declined to revoke Young Thug's probation after prosecutors pushed to send the rapper back to prison for re-sharing a viral tweet criticizing an investigator in the district attorney's office. In an order Thursday, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker cautioned the artist, born Jeffery Williams, over his use of social media. 'While the Court does not find that the cited social media post rises to the level of a violation of Defendant's probation, it may be prudent for Defendant to exercise restraint regarding certain topics,' Whitaker said in a footnote, per the Associated Press. More from Rolling Stone Young Thug Denies Making Threats After Prosecutors Seek to Revoke His Probation Nicolas Cage's Son Avoids Jail, Gets Mental Health Diversion for Alleged Assault on Mom Soulja Boy Denies Raping Woman, Calls Sex Assault Allegations 'Disgusting' Earlier on Thursday, Williams' legal team blasted the move by Atlanta prosecutors to revoke the rapper's probation. The post in question included a photo of Fulton County District Attorney investigator Marissa Viverito, who had served as a witness during Williams's criminal trial, and called her a 'liar.' When Williams pleaded guilty to drug, gang, and gun charges last October, he was sentenced on the spot to time served, 15 years of probation, and a 'backloaded' consecutive sentence of 20 years that would only kick in if he violated probation. On Wednesday, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis claimed that the retweet violated the terms of agreement by allegedly threatening the safety of a prosecution witness. In a response filed Thursday, Williams' lead lawyer said his client did not step out of line. 'The prosecution's motion to revoke Mr. Williams' probation fails, on its face, to allege any conduct by Mr. Williams that would rise to a violation of the probationary sentence,' defense lawyer Brian Steel said. 'There is no violation of Mr. Williams' probation by reposting an image on social media and opining that Investigator Viverito is untruthful.' Williams had been in jail for more than two years awaiting the outcome of his racketeering trial when he agreed to his open plea last October. It was 'non-negotiated,' meaning his sentence was up to the judge. It was a risky move, considering he was facing up to more than 100 years in prison on the state's charges. The judge let him walk out of custody that day, but with strict terms to his probation. His remaining co-defendants in the trial were later acquitted. Williams took to X following news of prosecutors' motion to revoke his probation, writing, 'I don't make treats to people I'm a good person, I would never condone anyone threatening anyone or definitely participate in threatening anyone.' He added, 'I'm all about peace and love.' The rapper, 33 is scheduled to co-headline Summer Smash Festival with Don Toliver x Yeat, and Future in June, which will be his first performance since being released. Best of Rolling Stone The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Young Thug denies making threats amid probation row
Young Thug has denied making threats after prosecutors sought to revoke his probation. Lawyers for the prosecution have filed a motion to revoke the probation of the rapper, real name Jeffery Williams, who was released from jail in October last year. They have accused the Grammy-winner of having "engaged in conduct that threatens the safety of witnesses and prosecutors, compromises ongoing legal proceedings, and warrants immediate revocation of probation," according to the filing, reported by Channel 2 Action News. Williams took to X following news of the motion, writing, "I don't make threats to people I'm a good person, I would never condone anyone threatening anyone or participate in threatening anyone." He added, "I'm all about peace and love." The rapper spent more than two years behind bars after he was arrested and charged in the YSL gang case. He secured his release after pleading no contest to racketeering and gang charges, as well as guilty to drug, gun and a lesser gang charge. Williams was sentenced to time served, 15 years of probation, and a "backloaded" consecutive sentence of 20 years that would go into effect if he violates the terms of his probation. He is scheduled to co-headline Summer Smash Festival with Don Toliver x Yeat, and Future in June, which will be his first performance since being released.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Young Thug Denies Making Threats After Prosecutors Seek to Revoke His Probation
Fulton County prosecutors have filed a motion to revoke the probation of Grammy-winning rapper Young Thug, who was released from jail in October 2024. According to Channel 2 Action News, prosecutors accused the artist, born Jeffery Williams, of having 'engaged in conduct that threatens the safety of witnesses and prosecutors, compromises ongoing legal proceedings, and warrants immediate revocation of probation.' The filing continues to claim that 'the integrity of this court, and the safety of those involved in this prosecution are at stake.' More from Rolling Stone Fulton County Medical Examiner Says Young Scooter Died From Leg Wound, Not a Gunshot Did Young Thug Inspire an NFL Rule Change? Young Thug Will Play First Show Since Jail Release at 2025 Summer Smash Williams took to X following news of the motion, writing, 'I don't make treats to people I'm a good person, I would never condone anyone threatening anyone or definitely participate in threatening anyone.' He added, 'I'm all about peace and love.' A representative for Williams did not immediately respond to Rolling Stone's request for comment. The rapper spent more than two years behind bars after he was arrested and charged in the massive YSL gang case. He secured his release after pleading no contest to racketeering and gang charges, as well as guilty to drug, gun, and a lesser gang charge. Williams was sentenced to time served, 15 years of probation, and a 'backloaded' consecutive sentence of 20 years that would go into effect if he violates the terms of his probation. Per the terms, the artist is prohibited from associating with other known gang members or co-defendants in the trial (except his frequent collaborator Gunna). Williams is also barred from promoting gang activity in any way, must stay away from the Atlanta metro area for 10 years (with the exception of significant events such as weddings or funerals), and must give several anti-gang and anti-violence presentations. He is scheduled to co-headline Summer Smash Festival with Don Toliver x Yeat, and Future in June, which will be his first performance since being released. Best of Rolling Stone The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Young Thug, Future, Don Toliver & Yeat to Headline Summer Smash Festival
Lyrical Lemonade has announced this year's Summer Smash Festival lineup — and it contains some potentially culture-shaking performances. The three-day event will be headlined by Future, the world debut of the newly formed duo of Don Toliver and Yeat, and Young Thug in his first live performance since his release from jail. Scheduled for Friday, June 20, through Sunday, June 22, Summer Smash will grace SeatGeek Stadium near Chicago for its seventh iteration. Tickets will be released for purchase on Friday (March 28) at 12 p.m. CT via the Summer Smash website. More from Billboard Huey P. Williams, Beloved Lead Singer of the Jackson Southernaires, Dies at 80 Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show Received 125 FCC Complaints New Billy Joel Documentary 'And So It Goes' to Air on HBO This year's Summer Smash Festival features some of the hottest names across hip-hop's innumerable scenes. Led by Don Toliver and Yeat, the Friday night lineup also includes Trippie Redd, Ski Mask the Slump God, NLE Choppa, Nettspend, DC the Don, Molly Santana, Karrahbooo and more. On Saturday (June 21), Future will lead a lineup that features Sexyy Red, Lil Tecca, Destroy Lonely, SahBabii, Soulja Boy, Osamason, BabyTron, Plaqueboymax, Famous Dex and 1900Rugrat. The lineup of Sunday night performers preceding Thugger's highly anticipated live comeback includes Lil Yachty, Quavo, Nav, G Herbo, Saba, Insane Clown Posse, Bktherula, Skaiwater and TiaCorine. Chance the Rapper will close out one of the two main stages on Sunday night. 'I feel lucky to be able to throw the party of the year with my best friends,' said Cole Bennett, Summer Smash Festival cofounder and Lyrical Lemonade founder, in a press release. 'May this be the best one yet. Lucky No. 7.' Young Thug's headlining appearance comes the year after Summer Smash hosted one of the most iconic musical homecomings of the decade with Chief Keef's long-awaited return to performing in Chicago after a 12-year hiatus. Thug, of course, was in the throes of his state RICO trial for most of 2024. On Oct. 31, 2024, he was sentenced to 15 years probation and no prison time after pleading guilty in the long-running case accusing him of leading a violent Atlanta street gang. Despite popping up on songs with Lil Baby ('Dum, Dumb & Dumber') and Playboi Carti ('We Need All Da Vibes'), Thugger has been relatively quiet on the music front so far in 2025. See the full lineup below: Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
USA Today
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Young Thug headlines Summer Smash 2025 lineup in first show since prison release
Young Thug headlines Summer Smash 2025 lineup in first show since prison release In what could be his first performance since being released from prison last year, Young Thug is among the headliners for the annual hip-hop festival Summer Smash. The "Trance" rapper will headline alongside Future, Don Toliver and Yeat during the festival at the SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois scheduled for June 20-22, 2025. Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, will headline the third and final day on Sunday, June 22 which includes acts like Chance The Rapper, Quavo and Lil Yachty. The Atlanta rap star was jailed between May 2022 and November 2024 on several charges relating to alleged street gang involvement with Young Slime Life (YSL). Yet he avoided more time incarcerated after pleading guilty in November returning home on probation. On Wednesday, the rapper posted on Instagram a photo of himself performing, a treat for fans who've highly anticipated his return to the stage during the festival's 7th edition. "I feel lucky to be able to throw the party of the year with my best friends," Summer Smash Festival co-founder Cole Bennett said in a news release. "May this be the best one yet. Lucky No. 7." Music news: Ye sued for copyright infringement by German singer angered over antisemitism Summer Smash 2025 lineup Lyrical Lemonade unveiled its Summer Smash 2025 lineup Thursday featuring some of the biggest names in hip-hop. Don Toliver and Yeat will collectively headline Day One on Friday, June 20, while Future leads Day Two on Saturday, June 21. Young Thug will serve as the final headliner Sunday, June 22, with the day also including a special performance by Chance the Rapper. See the full lineup below. Summer Smash 2025 tickets Three-day passes for Lyrical Lemonade's 2025 Summer Smash festival will go on sale Friday, March 28, at 12 p.m. CT on the event's official website. Ticket prices will start at about $370 with parking passes priced at about $135. Contributing: Edward Segarra, USA TODAY
