YSL (Young Stoner Life) is both a record label and an alleged criminal street gang, which has gained significant attention due to the RICO case against its members. Founded by rapper Young Thug (Jeffery Williams) in 2016, YSL Records operates as a legitimate music label under 300 Entertainment and Atlantic Records.

However, prosecutors in Atlanta, Georgia claim YSL is also a violent criminal enterprise affiliated with the Bloods gang. In May 2022, Young Thug and several YSL members were indicted on RICO charges, with authorities alleging that the record label served as a front for criminal activities.

As a record label, YSL has released successful music projects featuring artists like Gunna, Lil Keed, and Young Thug himself. The label has produced hit albums including "Slime Language" and "Slime Language 2," which reached commercial success on the Billboard charts.

The controversy surrounding YSL's dual nature has created significant debate in the hip-hop community. Prosecutors point to song lyrics and social media posts as evidence of criminal activity, while defenders argue these are artistic expressions protected under the First Amendment.

Key aspects of YSL:

As a record label:
- Founded in 2016
- Distributed by 300 Entertainment/Atlantic Records
- Home to successful hip-hop artists
- Released multiple charting albums

As an alleged gang:
- Named in a 56-count RICO indictment
- Accused of various criminal activities
- Allegedly affiliated with the Bloods
- Currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings

The current RICO case against YSL members is still ongoing, with Young Thug and others awaiting trial. This situation has sparked important discussions about the intersection of hip-hop culture, business enterprises, and law enforcement's interpretation of artistic expression.

While YSL began as a legitimate record label, its status has become complicated by legal allegations. The ultimate determination of whether YSL functions primarily as a gang or a record label may be decided in court, but its impact on the music industry remains significant regardless of the outcome.

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