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 like ““Everyday We Lit” and “Key to the Streets,became entangled in a high-profile RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) case, in which several members of his music collective YFN were linked to gang activities.

In January 2021, Lucci turned himself in after a warrant was issued for his arrest in connection with a Atlanta shooting that left 28-year-old James Adams dead and another man injuredProsecutors alleged that Lucci was the driver in the incident, although they said he did not pull the trigger. The charges against him include murder, aggravated assault, racketeering and engaging in gang activity.

YFN and its connection to the Bloods gang

The indictment painted a bleak picture of YFN as more than just a music collective, alleging it had close ties to the Bloody Gang and its members accused of multiple criminal activities over several years. Prosecutors linked Lucci’s case to a broader gang rivalry with YSL, Young Slime Life, another collective linked to rapper Young villain.

After spending nearly three years in prison awaiting trial, YFN Lucci reached a plea agreement. During the jury selection process, the rapper agreed to plead guilty to one count of violating Street Gang Terrorism in Georgia And Prevention ActIn return, prosecutors dropped 12 of the 13 charges against him, including the murder and extortion charges which could have led to a life sentence.

Lucci was sentenced to 20 years – of which 10 years in prison and the remaining 10 years on probationHowever, given the time he has already served since his arrest in 2021 and the possibility of parole, he could be eligible for release much sooner.

The case against YFN Lucci is part of a broader effort by the Fulton County District Attorney to combat gang-related crime in Atlanta, a campaign that has also caught other notable rappers, including Young Thug and members of his YSL crew. Both cases have sparked widespread debate over the use of song lyrics as evidence in courta controversial tactic that many say violates freedom of expression.