Rayshawn Bennett, better known by his stage name YFN Lucci, saw his career and freedom derailed by a series of serious legal charges that culminated in a 20-year prison sentence. The rapper, best known for hits such as “Everyday We Lit” and “Key to the Streets,“” became involved in a high-profile RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) case in which several members of his music collective YFN were implicated in gang activities.

In January 2021, Lucci turned himself in after an arrest warrant was issued against him in connection with a Shooting in Atlanta that left 28-year-old James Adams dead and another man injured. Prosecutors alleged that Lucci was the driver in the incident, although they claimed he did not pull the trigger. The charges against him included murder, aggravated assault, organized crime and participation in gang activity.

YFN and the connection with the gang The Bloods

The prosecution painted a grim picture of YFN as more than just a music collective and claimed it had close ties to Bloods Gang and accused its members of multiple criminal activities over several years. Prosecutors linked Lucci’s case to a broader gang rivalry involving YSL, Young Slime Life and another collective linked to the rapper Young thug.

After nearly three years in custody, YFN Lucci agreed to a deal. During jury selection, the rapper agreed to plead guilty to one count: Street gang terrorism in Georgia And Prevention Act. In return Prosecutors dropped 12 of the 13 charges against him, including the Charged with murder and organized crime that could have resulted in a life sentence.

Lucci was sentenced to 20 years – 10 of them in prison and the remaining 10 on probationHowever, since he has already served a prison sentence since his arrest in 2021 and has the possibility of parole, he could potentially be released much sooner.

The case against YFN Lucci is part of a broader effort by the District Attorney of Fulton County to combat gang violence in Atlanta, a campaign that also involved other well-known rappers, including Young Thug and members of his YSL crew. Both cases have sparked a broad debate about the use of Song lyrics as evidence in courta controversial tactic that many believe violates freedom of expression.