The much-anticipated, high-stakes trial of Young Thug begins on Jan. 9, and a Who’s Who of hip-hop superstars and local leaders may be called into court to testify in the rapper’s defense – and in some cases to testify against him.
The defense witness list, according to WSB-TV, includes fellow rap stars, music executives, family members and politicians such as:
- Michael Render, a.k.a. rapper Killer Mike
- Kevin Liles, co-founder of Young Stoner Life records and current 300 ENT COE
- Lyor Cohen, YouTube’s Global Head of Music
- Atlanta City Councilman, Antonio Lewis
- Corey Jackson, a.k.a. rapper Lil C-Note, and protégé of Young Thug
- Jerrika Karlae, Williams’ fiancé since 2015
- Jeffrey Williams, Young Thug’s father
- Attorney Ashleigh Merchant
The defense attorney for Michael Farley, who is a co-defendant in the RICO trial alongside Young Thug, has listed his possible defense witnesses as rap boss Clifford “T.I.” Harris Jr., superstar Future and Trippie Redd.
JUST IN: Music executives, rappers, entrepreneurs, city councilman and family members among 28 named witnesses who could potentially testify on behalf of Young Thug during trial. We're still working to get a copy of the State's witness list. @wsbtv pic.twitter.com/9Vfpy8mDtC
— Michael Seiden (@SeidenWSBTV) January 3, 2023
Meanwhile, Fulton County prosecutors have presented their own list of big-name celebrities among the hundreds of people they may subpoena to testify against Thugger. The list includes:
- Rashawn “YFN Lucci” Bennett
- Dwayne Carter, a.k.a. “Lil Wayne”
- Alexis “Dolly’ Grier, Williams’ sister
- Dequantes Lamar, a.k.a. “Rich Homie Quan”
- Bryan Williams, a.k.a. “Birdman.”
- Rick Ross, whose real name is William Leonard Roberts II.
JUST IN: Lil Wayne, Birdman, Rich Homie Quan, YFN Lucci among notable witnesses who could testify against Young Thug during YSL trial. Jury selection begins today. I'm working on posting the State's list of 372 witnesses. @wsbtv
— Michael Seiden (@SeidenWSBTV) January 4, 2023
Keep in mind that some of the big names that Young Thug and Farley may call to the trial to defend them may also be used by the prosecution in an effort to convict the two defendants.
Further complicating matters is the report that the witnesses for some of the rappers and music executives have their own lawyers who may try to fight against testifying in court. YFN Lucci, for example, has already indicated through his attorney that he will refuse to testify against Young Thug, media outlets report.
