“Don’t Leave Again, The People Need You”: Reactions from Nicki Minaj, Travis Scott, Drake and More on Young Thug’s Release

Young Thug Released on Probation After Long Legal Battle

Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, has been granted freedom after being detained for two years. Initially arrested in May 2022, he finalized a plea agreement on October 31, 2023, concerning charges related to Georgia’s anti-racketeering laws.

Plea Deal and Sentencing

After unsuccessful negotiations with prosecutors, Young Thug’s legal team opted for a non-negotiation plea deal, foregoing his right to a jury trial. This decision was accepted by Judge Paige Reese Whitaker, who sentenced Williams to 15 years of probation. He faces a possible 20-year prison term if he violates the terms set forth in the agreement.

Industry Support and Celebration

The announcement of Young Thug’s release was met with overwhelming support from fellow artists. Numerous rappers celebrated this milestone on social media platforms. Notably, Nicki Minaj shared a heartfelt welcome home message, emphasizing the void his absence left in the hip-hop community.

Screenshot of Nicki Minaj's Instagram story celebrating Young Thug's release — Nicki Minaj’s Instagram story celebrating Young Thug’s return home.

Other Artists Join in the Celebration

Kanye West and Drake also expressed their joy. Kanye included Williams in a feature on his collaborative album “Vultures 2,”while Drake reminisced about their past collaboration on “Parade on Cleveland.”Other artists such as Travis Scott and Trippie Redd shared congratulatory posts, celebrating Young Thug’s return after one of Georgia’s most extensive criminal trials.

Rappers celebrating Jeffery Williams' release — Artists’ Instagram stories celebrating Jeffery Williams’ release.

Messages Flood in from Peers

“Praise God!”- Kid Cudi.

“Praise be to Allah they let this man come home. Be Great Slime.”- Jay Electronica.

“Welcome Home lil bruddah. It’s been too long… Time to get back to it!!!”- T.I..

“THEY LET TWIN OUT!!!”- Sexyy Red.

“THUG FREE WHAT A DAY! !!!!!”- DJ Mustard.

Mariah the Scientist’s Emotional Response

Mariah Amani Buckles, known artistically as Mariah the Scientist and Young Thug’s girlfriend, publicly expressed her joy over his release. Initially facing the prospect of serving up to 125 years, Williams’ new sentencing of 15 years probation felt like a miraculous outcome to her.

“Thank you, God. Thank you, God. This is more than what we prayed for,”she stated in a heartfelt message.

The Conditions of Young Thug’s Release

While Young Thug is now a free man, his plea deal imposes strict conditions. For the first decade of his probation, he is prohibited from entering the Atlanta metro area, although he is required to make quarterly visits for community service, including delivering presentations aimed at reducing gang and gun violence.

Furthermore, the rapper must avoid contact with other defendants and witnesses from the YSL RICO trial, although he has requested an exception for his brother, Quantavius Greer, and fellow artist Gunna, who remains under contract with YSL Records.

As Young Thug embarks on this new chapter, his supporters and the hip-hop community remain hopeful for his future contributions to music and social issues.

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