Gunna Releases Birthday Post From Prison – Claims He’s Being Racially Targeted & Falsely Accused In First Official Statement Since RICO Indictment

Gunna

Gunna Releases Birthday Post From Prison – Claims He’s Being Racially Targeted & Falsely Accused In First Official Statement Since RICO Indictment

Rapper Gunna is speaking out for the first time since being arrested earlier this year.

The Atlanta native, who turned 29 today (June 14th), issued a statement from behind bars, addressing his current RICO charges. Gunna, born Sergio Giavanni Kitchens, was one of more than 25 individuals imprisoned by Georgia authorities back in May, facing a myriad of felony charges. The rap stars close associate, YSL records founder Young Thug, 30, was the first to be indicted in the case.

In the statement posted to his instagram, the “Pushin P” artist wrote:

“2022 has been one of the best years of my life, despite this difficult situation. This year I had the whole world pushing P.”

It continues:

“For now, I don’t have my freedom. But I am innocent. I am being falsely accused and will never stop fighting to clear my name!”

Gunna

The rap star goes on to discuss how a false narrative of his character is being portrayed to the media, and seemingly addresses the controversial issue of prosecutors using rap lyrics as evidence in court. Gunna wrote:

“The picture that is being painted of me is ugly and untrue….As a Back Man in America, it seems as though my art is only acceptable when I’m a source of entertainment for the masses. My art is not allowed to stand alone as entertainment, I’m not allowed that freedom as a Black Man in America.”

Music executive Kevin Liles announced last week that we was joining the battle to help Young Thug, Gunna, and other Black artists who are criminalized due to circumstantial rap lyrics. Kevin, who unsuccessfully testified in support of Young Thug receiving a bail option earlier last month, partnered with Atlantic Records CEO Julie Greenwald to draft “Rap Music on Trial: Protect Black Art”. The petition, which is a follow up to the Jay-Z backed New York bill “Rap Music On Trial”, calls for federal legislation preventing prosecutors from using rap lyrics to incriminate artists.

Though the moment may currently be bleak for Gunna, the musician ends his note in seemingly good spirits. He concluded:

“Nothing will stop me from chasing my dreams, I won’t stop being a good person….When I was free, I was good and kind to the community around me and, when I am released, I will do the same thing all over again.”

And continued:

“We still pushing P: Power, Prayer, Progress, Passion, Productivity, Praise, Precision, Peace, Prosperity, Patience, Pride, and Persistence.”

Gunna was also denied bond by a court judge, and has a trial date set for 2023.

What are your thoughts on Gunna’s RICO statement? Discuss with us in the comments!