Young Thug Is Finally Home, Hip-Hop And R&B React

Young Thug‘s RICO trial has finally ended — at least for him — and the rapper is now free. On Thursday (Oct. 31), Thugger’s high-profile YSL RICO case reached its conclusion for the Atlanta rhymer, with Fulton County Judge Paige Reese Whitaker handing him his sentence.

Prosecutors fought tooth and nail to get Thug to serve 45 years—25 years in custody and 20 on probation—but Thugger was given five years behind bars, ultimately commuted to time served. The remaining 15 years will be served on probation with a conditional “backloaded” 20-year sentence.

“The total sentence is 40 years, to serve the first 5 years in prison but commuted to the time you’ve already served,” the judge said at the proceeding.

Thug was even allowed to speak about his newfound freedom at the proceedings. Standing next to his lawyer, Brian Steel, Thug talked about accountability and pleaded with the court to see the good in him on his new journey.

“I take full responsibility for my crimes, for my charges. I want to say sorry to my family, my mom…I am a smart guy, I am a good guy, and I really got a good heart, you know. I find myself in a lot of stuff because I was just nice or cool,” Williams told the judge. “I hope that you allow me to go home today and trust in me to do the right thing…I promise you I won’t ever be in this type of situation again.”

As news spread around the internet, Thug’s contemporaries began sharing posts dedicated to the rapper’s newfound freedom. Take a look at a few below.