Gunna shares an open letter from prison, says he’s innocent and being falsely accused.
Gunna turns 29 today, and the rapper sent a letter from the prison. The rapper is behind bars after being arrested with Young Thug and other YSL members as Part Of A 56-Count RICO Charge last month.
“2022 has been one of the best years of my life, despite this difficult situation. This year I had the whole world pushing P,” he states in the letter. “Growing up from where I come from in a marginalized neighborhood, I never dreamt my art would change my life and the lives of my loved ones. My entire life, I’ve seen Black Men, Black Women and Black Children constantly attacked, hated, murdered, berated, belittled, silenced, judged, used and held captive.”
“I used my art form, my gift from God, to change my circumstance. I worked, I honed my craft, I worked, I empowered Black Women in my industry, I worked, I lived in the recording studio, I worked, I lived on the road, I worked. I worked every day to show God how grateful I am for my gift, for my art, for my life and to be able to provide for my loved ones.
For now, I don’t have my freedom. But I am innocent. I am being falsely accused and will never stop fighting to clear my name. The picture that is being painted of me is ugly and untrue. My fans know I love to celebrate life, I love my family, I love travel, I love music, I love my fans. I have all faith that God will grant me justice for the purity in my heart and the innocence of my actions.”
“As a Black Man in America, it seems as though my art is only acceptable when I’m a source of entertainment for the masses. My art is not allowed to stand alone as entertainment, I’m not allowed that freedom as a Black Man in America. It is a sad reality that slavery is still alive in America today and still affecting my people. In 12 states, more than half of the prison population is Black, one of those states is Georgia.
Nothing will stop me from chasing my dreams, I won’t stop being a good person, even if some unnamed and unknown accusers want the world to see me as bad person. When I was free, I was good and kind to the community around me and, when I am released, I will do the same thing all over again.
We still pushing P: Power, Prayer, Progress, Passion, Productivity, Praise , Precision, Peace, Prosperity, Patience, Pride and Persistence.”
“22 & 2, just a bed & a shower, no windows just walls. Can’t see or talk to anyone. I’m writing now & still praying everyday . I was raised to fight fire with water, even tho my country’s amendments have failed me! PROTECT BLACK ART!,” the caption reads.
Rap contemporaries such as T.I., Bun B, Bobby Shmurda, Dave East, Doe Boy, and others responded to Gunna’s message with praise and support in his Instagram comments area.
Young Thug addressed fans in a recorded audio message played during Hot 97’s Summer Jam on Sunday (June 12), where he and Gunna were supposed to perform. “I just want to say thank you to all of my friends and my family for coming out and supporting us. You know, your support during this time means a lot to us, ya know,” he said. “You know, this isn’t just about me or YSL, I always use my music as a form of artistic expression, and now I see that Black artists and rappers don’t have that, you know, freedom. Everybody please sign the ‘Protect Black Art’ petition and keep praying for us. I love you all.”
Check out the letter below.
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