Though the Young Thug trial is far from over, Hulu couldn’t wait any longer to release its documentary highlighting the case.
“Rap Trap: Hip-Hop on Trial” is headed to the streaming platform on February 23rd. The doc will examine the controversial debate of whether or not prosecutors should use rap lyrics to help indict artists. Gunna, Thug’s friend and artist, will also be discussed in the program for his role in the case.
Many of hip-hop’s biggest names participated in the show, including Killer Mike, Fat Joe, will.i.am, and Thug’s former girlfriend and artist, Jerrika Karlae. Kevin Liles, the CEO of 300 Entertainment, also sat down with Hulu to express his support for the Grammy award-winning artist. He’d previously spoken during Thug’s bond hearing, pleading with the judge to free the rapper pending his trial date.
Hulu also tapped prison reform activist and former No Limit rapper McKinley “Mac” Phipps Jr. Mac served 21 years in prison for manslaughter, though he claims he never killed anyone. Scholars Michael Eric Dyson and Erik Nielson, co-author of “Rap on Trial,” also spoke out on how using rap lyrics in court can violate an artist’s freedom of speech. This practice disproportionately targets rappers of color.
Young Thug and Gunna were indicted in May 2022 for RICO charges. Authorities claim the two men, along with 28 others, ran the YSL gang with Thug accused of being the leader. Gunna took a plea deal in December 2022 and was released shortly after. Many have ridiculed him for allegedly “snitching” on his friend, something he claims he’d never do.
Gunna did not participate in the documentary.
