Previously turning himself into the local Fulton County Jail located in Atlanta, Georgia, widely-known artist Gunna has finally given his friends, family, and fans some words of hope from behind bars. Officially made public this past Tuesday, June 14, 2022, the rapper managed to get a statement to the outside, which inevitably was heard by his audience around the world. Gunna wrote to those who would listen:
“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 have seen Black men, Black women, and black children constantly attacked, hated, murdered, berated, belittled, silenced, judged, used, and held captive… I use my art form, my gift from God, to change my circumstance. 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 every day 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.” He ended his message with, “For now, I do not have my freedom. But I am innocent. I am being falsely accused and will never stop fighting to clear my name!”
The founder of YSL, Young Thug, also managed to release a statement of his own from behind bars that read, “You know, this is not just about me or YSL. I always use my music as a form of artistic expression, and now I see that Black artists and rappers do not have that, you know, freedom… Everybody please sign the ‘Protect Black Art’ petition and keep praying for us. I love you all.” The video message was first seen on Hot 97’s Instagram account and can still be found on their official page.