Gunna Pens Letter To Fans Behind Bars Amid RICO Case
Gunna has broken his silence following his May 11 arrest. The rapper, who is signed under Young Thug’s YSL (Young Slime Life) label, which prosecutors have labeled as a “criminal street gang” has been charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, under a sweeping, 56-count RICO indictment.
Gunna, born Sergio Kitchens, penned a letter to his fans posted on his social media accounts–on what happens to be his 29th birthday–about his experience as a Black man in America while also declaring his innocence.
“2022 has been one of the best years of my life, despite this difficult situation. This year I had the whole world pushing P,” the letter begins. “Growing up from where I come from in a marginalized neighborhood, I never dreamt my art would change my life and the lives of my loved ones.
“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.”
“I used my art form, my gift from God, to change my circumstance,” he continues. “I worked, I honed my craft, I worked, I empowered Black Women in my industry, I worked, I lived in the recording studio, I worked, I lived on the road, I worked. I worked everyday to show God how grateful I am for my gift, for my art, for my life and to be able to provide for my loved ones.
Gunna was denied bond last month has a trial date of January 9, 2023.
“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! The picture being painted of me is ugly and untrue. My fans know I love to celebrate life, I love my family, I love travel, I love music, I love my fans. I have all faith that God will grant me justice for the purity in my heart and the innocence of my actions.”
“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,” he writes. “My art is not allowed to stand alone as entertainment, I’m not allowed that freedom as a Black Man in America. It is a sad reality that slavery is still alive in America today and still affecting my people. In 12 states more than half of the prison population is Black, one of those states is Georgia.
“Nothing will stop me from chasing my dreams, I won’t stop being a good person, even if some unnamed and unknown accusers want the world to see me as a bad person. When I was free, I was good and kind to the community around me and, when I am released, I will do the same thing all over again.”
He concluded his letter by writing, “We still pushing P: Power, Prayer, Progress, Passion, Productivity, Praise, Precision, Peace, Prosperity, Patience, Pride and Persistence.”
In the caption of the lengthy post, the rapper shedded a light on his experience behind bars and a declaration on protecting Black artists, “22 & 2, just a bed & a shower, no windows just walls. Can’t see or talk to anyone. I’m writing now & still praying everyday . I was raised to fight fire with water, even tho my country’s amendments have failed me! PROTECT BLACK ART!”
Take a look at the post below:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CeyfLE4rUJe/
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