Photo Credit: Young Thug and Kevin Liles / Instagram
300 Entertainment CEO Kevin Liles issues a statement on the conclusion of Young Thug’s trial: ‘Artists aren’t fictional characters.’
Kevin Liles, co-founder and CEO of 300 Entertainment, has released a statement following Atlanta rapper Young Thug’s sentencing following a guilty plea on Thursday (October 31). Liles signed the rapper, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, to 300 Entertainment in 2014.
Young Thug is to be released from prison after spending the past two years in custody, following his arrest in May 2022 along with over a dozen others as part of a massive indictment for alleged violations of Georgia’s RICO law.
“Words can’t express the incredible happiness and relief I feel to learn of Jeffery’s freedom,” said Liles. “There will be a time to discuss the criminalization of hip-hop lyrics and the use of bond denial as a weapon against defendants, but in this moment everyone should feel nothing but joy that this amazing artist and even better man can hug his children, parents, siblings, and other loved ones tonight.”
“We must always remember artists aren’t fictional characters,” Liles continued. “They’re human beings first. God bless Jeffery and his family.”
The trial, which kicked off in November last year, was built around claims that Williams and other members of his YSL Records had committed murders, drug dealings, carjackings, and other crimes. Williams refused to take a plea deal that would have resulted in his immediate release and opted for a non-negotiated guilty plea. He was sentenced to 15 years probation with no time to be served.
“I know what I bring to the table and I know what I am,” said Williams, noting the influence he holds in his community, and telling the court he takes ‘full responsibility’ for his actions. “I know the heights I’ve reached and I know the impact I’ve got on people in the community.”
The 33-year-old is not permitted to visit the Atlanta metro area except in special circumstances, but must return multiple times a year to hold anti-gang and anti-gun violence presentations as part of his sentencing.
