While It’s a Long Road to Get There, Speedy Hip-Hop Trials Do Exist

Cop Your XXL Merch Now The Young Dolph murder trial seemingly ended before it started. Following a four-day trial and four hours of deliberation, Justin Johnson was found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm in connection to the Memphis, Tenn. rapper’s 2021 killing. In a shocking move, Shelby County Judge Jennifer Mitchell sentenced Johnson on the spot to life in prison on the murder charge. Grand opening. Grand closing. When it comes to high-profile hip-hop-related trials, that isn’t always the case as we’ve seen recently. Young Thug‘s Georgia RICO trial is by far the longest trial in the state’s history—137 days as of the writing of this article—and there doesn’t appear to be an ending in sight. Thug has been behind bars fighting the case since May of 2022. YNW Melly has been locked up since February of 2019 fighting a double-murder charge. His first 19-day trial in 2023 ended in a hung jury following two days of deliberations. He is slated to be retried in 2025. Read More: Rappers’ Murders Are Being Solved More Quickly Than Ever Before The Dolph case was different and proved it doesn’t always takes...