Young Thug Holds Surprise Courthouse Concert Amid Probation Questions

Rapper Young Thug held a surprise free concert outside the Fulton County Courthouse in downtown Atlanta on Sept. 28, announcing the event on social media hours earlier and livestreaming it on YouTube and Twitch for hundreds of fans. The appearance was his first public Atlanta performance since his release from Fulton County Jail and came amid promotion for his new album UY SCUTI, which was released on Sept. 26; he performed songs including “Ski” and “Digits” and urged attendees to “stop the violence.” The event featured a stage, sound system, visible security and streets that appeared closed around the courthouse. Williams was previously indicted in the YSL racketeering case, pleaded no contest to RICO- and gang-related counts, and is serving probation; the probation terms previously barred him from Atlanta and it is unclear whether this appearance complied with any amended restrictions. The UY SCUTI rollout has also drawn attention for altered album art, controversial promotional posts and boxed-set merchandise tied to his legal team.