YSL rap artist, Gunna, has penned an open letter to his fans, family and loved ones. In it, speaks about growing up in the black community and the things he’s seen done to black people of all ages.
“My entire life I’ve seen black men, black women and black children constantly attacked, hated, murdered, berated, belittled, silenced, judged, used and held captive.”
Gunna shared that he has used his art and his “gift from God: to change his circumstances and to provide for his loved ones despite being arrested for the things he have said in his music. “The picture that is being painted of me is ugly and untrue,” said Gunna.
Now, Gunna is experiencing how it feels to be held captive. He is being held behind bars on a RICO indictment, with his next court appearance being in January 2023.
He stated, “For now, I don’t have my freedom. But I am innocent. I am being falsely accused and will never stop fighting to clear my name.”
Following the YSL indictment, many artists have spoken out and joined forces in support of the “protect Black Art” petition created by music executive Kevin Liles.
“My art is not a reflection of my character,” shared rap artist G Herbo in support of the petition.
Many musicians feel that the RICO indictment is a reflection of artists’ lack of freedom and a form of slavery. Gunna shared, “As a black man in America, it seems as though my art is only acceptable when I’m a source of entertainment for the masses. My art is not allowed to stand alone as entertainment. I’m not allowed that freedom as a black man in America.”
Gunna ended his letter with his popular line of 2022, “Pushing P.”
“We still pushing p: power, prayers, progress, passion, productivity, praise, precision, peace, prosperity, patience, pride and persistence.
