Rapper Young Thug was denied bond in his federal RICO case in Atlanta. The news came after industry executive Kevin Liles testified on the rappers' behalf at the bond hearing for the star, born Jeffrey Williams. Liles, who partnered with Thug to start Young Stoner Life (YSL) Records, took the stand to support his business partner and friend, growing emotional as he spoke for Young Thug’s character.

“I’ve been a fan for 12 years,” said Liles of how long he has known Williams. “I’ve gotten to know him personally over the last 10 years.” The music industry veteran, who is co-founder of 300 Entertainment with Lyor Cohen and Todd Moscowitz, wiped his eyes as he talked about his relationship with the rapper. “I’m kind of emotional because of how good this guy is,” said Liles. “I’ve been in this music thing called Hip-Hop for 38 years and for the life of me, I don’t understand why I have to testify of the good that Hip-Hop has done around the world.”

Despite Liles' testimony, the request for bond was denied.

Fulton County Superior Court judge Ural D. Glanville based the decision on prosecutors' statements that described Thug as a danger to the community who could intimidate witnesses; and cited a group chat from 2015 that mentioned retribution against anyone who “tells the God honest truth” in court.

Last month, 28 alleged gang members were arrested and named in the Fulton County district attorney’s indictment; which includes charges ranging from drug and gun possession to murder. YSL rapper Gunna (name Sergio Kitchens) is also among those arrested and facing charges.

“There have been significant proffers about Mr. Williams being a danger to the community,” said Judge Glanville. “In particular, the state’s proffer that they have taken proffers from other gang members and people who are in this particular indictment and that are not in this indictment, that he is the leader of the gang, he is dangerous, and if he crosses them, he will kill them or their families.”

“The two things that the court has significant concerns about is him being a danger to the community and flight,” he continued. “For those reasons in the aggregate, I’m going to deny bond at this time.”