Rapper Young Thug has been arrested after being accused of participating in criminal street gang activity.
The hip-hop artist, real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, was one of 28 people charged, as part of an investigation into "Young Slime Life" (YSL), an alleged street gang.
Others arrested were charged with violent crimes include murder, assault with a deadly weapon and attempted robbery, Sky News reports.
Young Thug, who won a songwriting Grammy for Childish Gambino's hit This Is America in 2019, is alleged to be one of three founding members of YSL, and to have illegally obtained money and property through racketeering.
The group, which is believed to have formed in 2012, allegedly claims affiliation with the national Bloods gang, whose members have previously been convicted of various criminal activity including murder.
The artist is charged with two counts – conspiracy to violate the state of Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations (RICO) Act, and participating in criminal street gang activity.
It's alleged he committed the crimes on or between 12, May 2018 and 8, May 2022.
Young Thug's lawyer, Brian Steel, said he is innocent and will be cleared of any wrongdoing,
"Mr Williams has committed no violation of law, whatsoever," he said.
"We will fight this case ethically, legally and zealously. Mr Williams will be cleared."
According to Fulton County Jail records, the rapper was booked into jail on Monday and his release date has not been revealed.
Among Young Thug best known albums are Punk, which debuted at number one in the US when it was released last year.
The Atlanta native has starred in two Fast and Furious movie films.
In March the mother of rapper Young Thug's child was reportedly shot and killed at the age of 31.
LaKevia Jackson was allegedly killed outside a bowling alley in Atlanta after a fight.
Police were called to Metro Fun Center on Thursday evening (March 17) after reports that a woman had been shot.
Her mother told a local reporter that she was at the bowling alley to celebrate a friend's birthday.
She then alleged that a man had waited in the car park for LaKevia to leave for 20 minutes before shooting her dead.
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