Young Thug

Young Thug shaped contemporary rap and conquered the US mainstream. Now he's awaiting trial alongside 27 others because his record label, YSL, is accused of being a criminal street gang. With lyrics being used as evidence against him, is this the biggest ever case of rap on trial?

Young Thug and Gunna are facing heavy gang-related charges and prosecutors are citing lyrical content as evidence. Yet the use of rap lyrics in court has been shown to be overwhelmingly prejudicial – and to reinforce racist stereotypes. So why is it still happening and what is being done to stop it?

In the lead up to his upcoming LP, PUNK, the rapper debuts a new rock-influenced aesthetic and sound in his Tiny Desk concert.

Inspired by single motherhood, the Jamaican dancehall artist is now cracking the international market with her inclusive, sexy anthems.

In the 2010s, the trap beat became one of the defining signatures of contemporary music. Simon Reynolds traces its migration from the streets of Atlanta to the pop charts, spawning scenes across the globe.