The Art of Crime: Young Thug’s Viral Courtroom Fist Bump Recreated

Painter recreates rapper’s iconic courtroom fist bump following pleading guilty in YSL Record's racketeering trial.

Artwork and Image Courtesy by @allleu

Grammy-winning rapper Young Thug was released from jail last week, pleading out of his long-running racketeering conspiracy case. The Atlanta-based artist changed his plea to guilty in Georgia’s longest-running criminal trial, being sentenced to time served, 15 years of probation, and a “backloaded” consecutive sentence of 20 years, only in effect if he violates his probation. Prosecutors claimed Thug’s Young Stoner Life record label was involved in a violent criminal enterprise, acting as a criminal street gang involved in murder, drug dealing, and armed robbery.

Image Courtesy of The New York Times

The painting, created by the artist Alina (@allleu), captures the moment Young Thug was photographed fist-bumping his lawyer before court proceedings in April of this year. Subsequently going viral on social media, many viewers noted that the image would make for an iconic album cover. The painter has posted several images on her social media account of her works replicating famous rap artists' album covers, including A$AP Rocky’s At. Long. Last. ASAP, and Frank Ocean’s Blonde, suggesting her interest in capturing prominent Black musicians. Her recent work stylistically pays homage to the media’s fascination with courtroom sketches, offering an exploration of the significant influence of the art of crime.

Image Courtesy of Rolling Stone

The rapper, born Jeffery Williams, spoke before the judge while waiting for the courtroom’s decision: “I take full responsibility for my crimes, for my charges. I want to say sorry to my family, my mom.” The prosecution and defence did not reach a sentencing agreement, leaving the judge to determine the final punishment. Thug avoided further prison time with probation, concluding a nearly two-year trial. 

Alongside the plea deal’s agreements in sentencing and probation of the turbulent case against him and colleagues of his YSL record label, the rapper agreed to additional conditions. The deal includes detailed requirements such as random drug tests and home searches and a 10-year ban on him from entering the Atlanta metropolitan area except for attending funerals, weddings, graduations, and medical emergencies. In addition, he is expected to give quarterly anti-violence school lectures. Any violation of the agreed-upon conditions will result in serving the backloaded years in prison.

Image Courtesy of The Washington Post 

Many discussions have arisen online over the ethics of this case, more specifically, with implications of the trial being conducted according to racist agendas. Pertinent to the prosecution's argument were allegations that Williams weaponised his music to threaten rivals of his street gang. The State’s continuous examination of lyrics and music video imagery fosters larger concerns regarding the future of the hip-hop industry.