Stereogum — This past Friday, Kid Cudi released a new album, INSANO, which featured guest appearances from A$AP Rocky, Young Thug, Lil Wayne, and more. Over the weekend, a giant statue of Cudi appeared off the coast of Southern California as a way to promote... more info

Stereogum — We’re getting a couple of would-be blockbuster rap albums this morning. There’s 21 Savage’s american dream , announced just a few days ahead of time. And there’s also Kid Cudi’s INSANO, which has been teased for months. At this point, C... more info

Stereogum — Last year, the chart fortunes of rap music were a big conversation point. It was the year of hip-hop’s much-marketed 50th anniversary, but we got through most of the year before any rap singles or albums went to #1 on the Billboard charts. It do... more info

L.A. Times - Pop & Hiss — The RICO trial against rapper Young Thug and YSL is being delayed after co-defendant Shannon Stillwell was stabbed multiple times in Fulton County Jail. more info

Stereogum — Young Thug (real name Jeffery Williams) and members of his rap crew YSL are on trial in Georgia as Fulton County prosecutors try to prove that the group is actually a criminal gang with ties to the bloods. The RICO case has generated lots of headl... more info

L.A. Times - Pop & Hiss — The YSL and Young Thug RICO trial was briefly halted after images showing the faces of jurors leaked online. The judge asked courtroom media to stop recording. more info

Stereogum — A year and a half after his arrest, Young Thug’s RICO trial is finally underway. High-profile prosecutor Fani Willis claims that Thug’s YSL record label and crew are actually a violent gang, and Thug is facing racketeering charges. Earlier thi... more info

L.A. Times - Pop & Hiss — Rapper Young Thug will have his day in court Monday as opening statements begin in his high-profile RICO case. Here's what to know about the complex case. more info

Consequence Of Sound — Prosecutors in the YSL RICO trial plan to connect the rapper's lyrics to specific incidents. Judge Rules Young Thug’s Lyrics Can Be Used in RICO Case by Prosecution Eddie Fu more info

Stereogum — When rappers go on trial, prosecutors often use their lyrics against them as evidence of criminal activity. It’s a controversial tactic, one that’s been curtailed by lawmakers in New York and California. The argument is that not everything peo... more info