Atlanta journalist on connection between poverty, street gangs and recent indictments of local rappers

Young Thug performs at the Lollapalooza Music Festival in Chicago on Aug. 1, 2021. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP, File)

Journalist George Chidi says street gang life in Atlanta is fluid and authorities have been monitoring the activity of the Young Slime Life gang (YSL).

Atlanta-based rappers Young Thug and Gunna are accused of being affiliated with the group. They are also accused of engaging in street gang activity and violating RICO laws.

On a recent edition of “Closer Look,” Chidi talked with program host Rose Scott about his latest investigative reporting on street gangs and the recent indictment of several members of YSL.



During the conversation, Chidi expressed the need for policy to address poverty and street gangs.

“The poverty in South Atlanta is real; it’s driven by violence,” he said.