"One of the greatest prophets to come out of our culture"— Kevin Liles claims crime rate in Atlanta went up in absence of Young Thug's leadership

Record executive Kevin Liles addressed Young Thug's prison release in an interview on The Angie Martinez Show, posted on YouTube on October 31. The Atlanta rapper was released on 15 years of probation on Thursday after being arrested in the YSL Rico case in May 2022.

Several artists, including Travis Scott, Drake, Kanye West, T.I., and Sexyy Red, celebrated Thug's homecoming through social media posts. Liles, the CEO of 300 Entertainment, reflected on Thug’s absence and its impact on Atlanta on Angie's podcast.

Liles called Thug a "leader," noting that the rapper chose this role for himself. The 56-year-old claimed that poverty, crimes, and r*pes have seemingly increased in Atlanta due to the absence of Young Thug and other leaders. He added:

"What they do is take out the Leader to change the community back to what it was."

During the conversation, Angie asked Kevin Liles how he would see Thug if he overcomes his legal woes in the future. Liles replied:

"One of the greatest prophets to come out of our culture. I think he's going to say different things. Do different things. Be different because...he's going to go to a place that some of the greats have been through because they try to take everything from him."

Kevin Liles continued:

"once you get to that other side, you get to the other side, you're on a mission. You live a purpose-driven life because that box — it changes people."

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Kevin Liles shares words of joy upon Young Thug's prison release

Judge Paige Reese Whitaker delivered her verdict on Young Thug's long-running YSL Rico trial on Thursday, October 31. Thug, born Jeffery Lamar Williams, accepted a no-contest plea deal with certain stipulations that he is required to follow for the next 15 years to avoid serving time in prison.

Despite the strict nature of these conditions, artists from the rap and hip-hop community shared positive messages celebrating Thug's release. The rapper, who joined Kevin Liles' 300 Entertainment as a signee in 2014, also received a tribute post from the CEO.

Liles took to Instagram on November 1 and exclaimed:

"On God, Words can’t express the incredible happiness and relief I feel to learn of Jeffery’s freedom."

Liles suggested he would get back to weigh in on "the criminalization of hip-hop lyrics" and "the use of bond denial as a weapon against defendants." He wanted to celebrate Thug's homecoming for the time being. He praised the 33-year-old rapper as an "amazing artist."

Kevin Liles rejoiced at the fact that Young Thug would finally be able to hold his parents, siblings, children, and other family members close. He concluded his message with a message for everyone:

"We must always remember artists aren’t fictional characters on stage. They’re human beings first."

In court on Thursday, Young Thug stood before Judge Whitaker and took responsibility for firearm and gang-related charges against him. He also apologized to the victims affected by his actions.