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Rapper Gunna has been released from the Fulton County Jail in downtown Atlanta after striking a plea deal with prosecutors in his RICO case. Gunna’s attorneys reached the deal on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022.Gunna, whose real name is Sergio Giavanni Kitchens, was accused of being part of a gang.Atlanta Rapper Gunna Set Free In RICO Case
The development means that the rapper has been sentenced to time-served, which officially suspends his sentence. He was released from jail just after 5 p.m. ET. after taking an “Alford” plea.
Through his legal representation, Gunna released the following statement:
“While I have agreed to always be truthful, I want to make it perfectly clear that I have NOT made any statements, have NOT been interviewed, have NOT cooperated, have NOT agreed to testify or be a witness for or against any party in the case and have absolutely NO intention of being involved in the trial process in any way.”
What Is An Alford Plea?
An Alford plea is one in which the defendant pleads guilty but continues to assert his innocence.
In Georgia, Alford pleas are only offered in felony cases.
Such pleas are considered risky because the judge may have strong feelings about the defendant’s guilt or innocence and may want to send a message with a stiffer than normal sentence.By taking an Alford plea, Gunna has chosen to cop a plea to avoid trial, which could affect the other people caught up in the case.Gunna was sentenced to five years with one served in prison. The one-year sentence was commuted to time served. The four-year remaining balance on his sentenced has been suspended and will be subject to special conditions including 500 hours of community service.Gunna’s bail was denied by the judge in May.
Prosecutors say the rapper’s musical associates, who collectively call themselves YSL (Young Slime Life), is a criminal operation. In court, the State alleged that Gunna serves in a “command” role in the organization.
In his statement Wednesday, Gunna said he didn’t look at YSL as a gang when he joined them more than eight years ago, but they were “more like a group of people from metro Atlanta who had common interests and artistic aspirations,” Gunna wrote. “My focus of YSL was entertainment — rap artists who wrote and performed music that exaggerated and ‘glorified’ urban life in the Black community.”
When Was Gunna’s Trial Set?
The judge set a trial date for January 9, 2023, for Gunna to face the charges. With the new developments, it’s clear that Fulton County attorneys are content to go after the bigger fish: Young Thug, the YSL honcho Young Thug, real name is Jeffery Williams.
He has been jailed for months now.
Young Thug was arrested at his Buckhead mansion on May 9 and Gunna surrendered to authorities two days later after Fulton County officials issued a 56-page gang indictment. The document alleges the pair are a part of — and running — a criminal organization involved in some serious crimes, including murder.
What Is RICO?
A RICO case is one that involves charges of participation in organized crime and in this case specifically, street gang activity. Georgia’s RICO Act is more wide-ranging than the federal equivalent so there is more of a chance that the charges may stick.
RICO, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, was made into law in 1970 as a way for the United States to fight organize crime.
The indictment also includes charges of conspiring to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, murder, armed robbery , participation in criminal street gang activity.
What Is Gunna Charged With?
Gunna is charged with a one count of conspiracy to violate Georgia’s RICO Act. Although 27 people are also charged in the case, Gunna and Young Thug are the two main targets.What Is Young Thug Charged With?
Thug is facing a litany of charges besides the RICO counts including possession of a sawed-off shotgun, sawed-off rifle, machine gun, dangerous weapon, or silencer; possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; possession of a Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substance with intent to distribute; possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
This is a fast developing case. Stick with AtlantaFi.com for more news.
Are you hungry for what ATL is cooking? Don’t miss our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.
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Isla & Co., an Australian-inspired restaurant, opened its doors in Buckhead on Thursday, December 8, 2022.
The eatery comes from Parched Hospitality Group, which previously opened restaurants in the Northeast. This time, PHG is betting on Aussie fare to lure Atlantans to the table.
Isla & Co. Opens First Of Two Atlanta Locations In Buckhead
The eatery is operated by Parched Hospitality Group, which is in the midst of expanding the Isla brand In Atlanta and other cities. A westside Atlanta location is also in the works, according to PHG Chief Strategy Officer Tom Rowse.
Isla & Co. is open Monday-Sunday and offers brunch, dinner and a 3 to 6 p.m. happy hour.
What’s On The Menu At Isla & Co.?
While Isla’s cuisine is a nod to Down Under, it’s menu is as varied as what you’d except from one of the great American dining capitals, thanks to executive chef Matt Foley, who helmed the kitchen at a Michelin-starred eatery in New York City.Some top menu options include: the Isla Burger, Spicy Shrimp Vodka Rigatoni, Fish and Chips, Braised Lamb Shoulder and a Half Chicken.
For dessert items like the Sticky Date Pudding (pictured) satisfy the most ardent sweet tooth.
As for the cocktails, expect a creative and flavorful mix like What the Buck,Where Is Isla & Co. Located In Buckhead?
Isla & Co. is located at 56 East Andrews Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30305. Here is a map to help you find it.
Isla & Co. locations are also in the following cities or will be there soon.
- Dallas, TX
- Brooklyn, NY
- Fairfield, CT
- Midtown, NY
- West Palm Beach (opening soon)
- Miami Beach (opening soon)
Final Word
Make sure you check out Isla & Co. in Buckhead when you’re in the area and in the mood for some Down Under-inspired wonder. While you’re in the vicinity, you may be interested in what our guide on what to see and do in Buckhead.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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The Georgia Bulldogs ran roughshod over the LSU Tigers 50-30 in a battle of heavyweights Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, in the SEC Championship Game in downtown Atlanta, Georgia.
Read about Georgia’s 2022 season to the SEC championship.
The Dawgs punted on their first drive, but ran a blocked punt back for a touchdown after catching the Tigers off guard. UGA never looked back after that.
Georgia SEC Champions After Beating LSU, 50-30
The win puts the Dawgs at 13-0 and secures their spot as the #1 seed in the College Football Playoff (CFP).
Stetson Bennett waited until the SEC Championship Game to throw for a season-high four touchdown passes as the Dawgs put up 35 points in the first half.
LSU starting quarterback Jayden Daniels didn’t finish the game after he re-injured his leg in the first half. Backup Garrett Nussmeier came out slinging the ball, leading the Tigers (9-4, No. 14 CFP) to three second-half touchdowns.
LSU Coach Brian Kelly said the Tigers couldn’t overcome the early miscues and that the Georgia defense was too much.
““In its totality, you’re talking about five or six plays. Coulda, woulda, shoulda. The better team won. We were not clean enough in some of those areas against the No. 1 team in the country,” Kelly said.
Watch the press conference after the game:
How They Got Here: Georgia
The University of Georgia Bulldogs have not lost a game for the better part of two seasons. Coach Kirby Smart solved the Alabama curse — all the coaching assistants that Tide Coach Nick Saban has had lost to him — before anybody.
The UGA season started with a resounding 49-3 disposing of the Oregon Ducks in the Chick-fil-A Classic in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, site of the SEC Championship.
Their closest game of the season was Week 4. The Georgia Bulldogs came from behind to beat the Missouri Tigers on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022 in Athens. Even though the Dawgs won, the team dropped to No. 2 in the latest AP poll. Alabama was named No. 1.
Since then, big wins over the Vols and Ole Miss put the Dawgs in the driver’s seat. Many pundits said even with a loss to LSU, the Bulldogs would make the College Football Playoff. That conversation is irrelevant after the Dawgs dominated the Tigers in downtown Atlanta.
Read our guide on how Georgia won the SEC in 2022.
How They Got Here: LSU
LSU is bowl-eligible after two subpar years. The Tigers had a lot to prove this year with first-year coach Brian Kelly at the helm.
An opening loss to Florida State, where the Tigers missed the tying extra point and played a game filled with mistakes, including two muffed points, had many writing off the Bayou Bengals.
But the increased confidence of Arizona State transfer signal caller Jayden Daniels has allowed the Tigers to return to form rather quickly.
Methodical wins over Ole Miss, Florida and a dramatic one-point victory against Alabama in overtime served notice that the Tigers were back in a big way.
A bad loss to Texas A&M dashed their hopes for a College Football Playoff berth, but the Tigers have a lot of optimism about next season.
Final Word
When it comes to sports and exercise, you should always make time. That’s why AtlantaFi.com wants to help you with your journey. Check out how to make a home gym for cheap and even lose pounds in a hurry. -
More details have come to light about movie mogul Tyler Perry’s construction of his mega mansion outside Atlanta.
The property, which is located in Douglas County, Georgia encompasses more than 800 acres, making it one of the largest pieces of in-tact land available in all of metro Atlanta.
Tyler Perry’s New Mansion: Here’s What We Know
The Madea actor bought the acreage back in 2013 with plans to build on it at some point. I guess the time is now. The massive estate is currently under construction.
According to TMZ, Perry is investing a lot of planning into the property because he wants his young son to appreciate nature as well as animals, which the property will have plenty of.
This is the second Atlanta-area mansion Perry has lived in, if you remember Avec Chateau, which is located on Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead.
As you know by now, Perry is a billionaire. Most of his worth comes from the content he’s created over the years, particularly his movies. With the ascension of Tyler Perry Studios, Perry now reportedly generates a quarter of his worth from that property.
Here Is The Latest Picture Of The Tyler Perry Mansion
As you can see, landscaping is
Where Is Tyler Perry’s Mansion Located?
The palatial estate encompasses hundreds of acres surrounding a mansion located in Douglas County, which is about 20 minutes outside Atlanta.Some of the amenities that have been revealed to be in the mansion so far are:- Lap pool
- Helipad for a helicopter
- Jet runway
- Organic farm with horses
How Big Is Tyler Perry’s New Mansion And What’s It Worth?
According to media reports, Perry’s new mansion encompasses 40,000 square feet of space and is valued at $100 million. According to Douglas County real estate records, Perry was able to purchase the property in liquidation after plans for a subdivision feel through.
Here are some metrics we have learned about the property:
- 40,000 square-foot home
- 2,100 acres
- 8 bedrooms
- 12 bathrooms
Under Construction: Tyler Perry’s New Mansion (Pics)
Final Word
When it is built, Perry’s new mansion will be the most expensive in the Atlanta-area.
Like a good movie, the mansion is taking several years because Perry wants it done right. No doubt when the project is complete, pictures of the finished mansion will circulate on social media.
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The coolest gadgets not only help you solve a problem or add convenience, but they come at an affordable price.
If you love innovative technology, there are some really cool gadgets currently on the market.
Best Gadgets For This Holiday
Some high-tech companies are making some really fun things these days and you should know about it. Let’s go over some of the best must-have gadgets:
Voice Activated LED Mask
One of the hottest gadgets of the season, this voice-activated LED mask is great for showing true expression while staying safe.
Formé Shoe Shaper
This shoe shaper safely stretches shoes up to a half a size. This is a great item for women who have fallen in love with a pair of shoes, but they’re sized differently.
Bose Noise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth Headphones 700, With Alexa
Upright GO 2 NEW Posture Trainer and Corrector With App
Wi-Fi LED Smart Light Bulb
Vector Robot by Anki, A Home Robot Who Hangs Out & Helps Out, With Amazon Alexa Built-In
What Are The Coolest Gadgets Right Now?
Technology is making life much more convenient for us in a lot of ways. But the coolest gadgets are the things we don’t actually need.
Technology continues to advance, which means that you can find some futuristic consumer products easier than ever.
If you’re looking for a computer for 2021, check out these cool laptops.
Personal finance is something they should learn in grammar school, but unfortunately that’s not the case. Want to save money, check out this links:
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Nobu Hotel has opened its doors in Atlanta, Georgia. The long-awaited opening comes more than three years after the famed hotel’s entry into the Atlanta market was first announced with none other than Hollywood actor Robert De Niro.
Located in Buckhead, Nobu Hotel offers 152 rooms and suites anchored by a plush restaurant that specializes in Japanese cuisine, bar and lounge complete with rooftop swimming pool.
When Did Nobu Hotel Open In Atlanta?
Nobu Hotel opened on Wednesday, November 23, 2022. The hotel has been taking reservations since August, but now you can actually stay there and make a reservation for the famous restaurant. The eatery comes from the mind of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, who has made a name for himself for his fusion Japanese and Latin American cuisine.
What’s on The Nobu Restaurant Menu?
Diners at Nobu’s restaurant can expect such signature dishes such as Black Cod Miso, Rock Shrimp Tempura, Crispy Rice and Spicy Tuna and Yellowtail Sashimi. The beverage program also features creative and bold cocktails. Here is Nubo’s Cold Dinner Menu:
Who Owns Nobu Restaurant?
Now an acclaimed, Japanese celebrity chef and restaurateur, Matsuhisa is determined to add Atlanta to his stable of upscale restaurants.
Matsuhisa said that it was his mother that inspired him to venture into the culinary arts.
“Watching my mother and grandmother inspired me to cook, but my brother helped me discover sushi. He took me to a sushi restaurant in Saitama, where I am originally from,” he told Country and Townhouse magazine. “We sat at the counter and watched the chefs make it – it was an incredible experience. I didn’t know what any of the names meant, but after one bite, I knew I wanted to be a sushi chef.”
He started off with his restaurant restaurant in Beverly Hills, California in 1987. From there, his creative mix of Japanese and Peruvian ingredients grew into a success. He joined forces with De Niro in 1994 and his restaurants went global.
Where Is Nobu Hotel Located In Atlanta?
Nobu Hotel is located at 3520 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326, which is in Buckhead. Here’s a map to help you find it.
How Many Nobu Locations Are There?
As of this writing, there are xxx Nobu locations worldwide, with hotels in the following cities:
- Barcelona
- Chicago
- Las Vegas
- Ibiza Bay
- London (Portman Square and Shoreditch)
- Los Cabos
- Malibu
- Manila
- Marbella
- Miami Beach
- Palo Alto
- Santorini
- Warsaw
Aside from Atlanta, additional Nobu locations set to open include Atlantic City, Bangkok, Barbuda, Danang, Al Khobar, Hamburg, Madrid, Marrakech, New Orleans, Orlando, Punta Canta, Roma, San Sebastian, São Paulo, Tel Aviv, Toronto, Tulum
Final Word
When it comes to visiting some of Atlanta’s best restaurants and places of business, Buckhead is a fun place to go. Read our guide on what to see and do in Buckhead.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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On a rainy Friday morning, tens of thousands of people packed State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta to remember Takeoff, the local rapper who made it big with his hometown group, Migos.
The funeral service for Kirshnik Kari Ball, better known as Takeoff was held on Friday, November 11, 2022.
Chloe Bailey performed as did Justin Beiber.
A who’s who of celebrities came out in support of the funeral service, including his Migos partners Quavo and Offset. Although the once close friends have grown distant of late, they both made remarks that signaled that they were focused on brotherhood.
Drake also spoke at the funeral, while also announcing that he would be delaying his performance at the Apollo Theatre out of respect for Takeoff’s funeral.
Here is the funeral program for Takeoff:
When Did Takeoff’s Funeral Service Take Place?
The funeral for Takeoff took place on Friday, Nov. 11 at 12 p.m. at State Farm Arena. Doors opened to the public at 11 a.m., the arena said.
The Rev. Jesse Curney III, Senior Pastor of New Mercies Christian Church in Lilburn officiated the service.
Childhood friend Offset was spotted with his wife Cardi B outside the service as paparazzi staked out the area. The couple have a mansion in nearby Buckhead.
Free tickets for the funeral were made available only to Georgia residents. Tickets became available on Tuesday, November 8th at 2 p.m. via Ticketmaster.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers or gifts that donations should be made to The Rocket Foundation which was recently established to support programs which are saving lives through proven, community-based solutions to prevent gun violence. Donations can be made at: www.rocket-foundation.org
Where Was Takeoff’s Funeral Held?
Takeoff’s funeral was held at downtown Atlanta’s State Farm Arena at 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303.
Final WordGot an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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Turkey is not the only thing on the menu for Turkey Week. Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar will feature a holiday pop-up bar during Thanksgiving week, AtlantaFi.com has learned.
Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar Introduces Holiday Pop-Up
“The bar will be transformed into an autumn wonderland, as seasonal florals will adorn the bar alongside Chinese lanterns, orange lilies and colorful leaves. The Thanksgiving Pop-Up will be serving up cups of cheer featuring several delicious Thanksgiving libations,” according to a news release.
You may be wondering what customers have to say about Drift Fish House. Here’s one Google review: ”
“Stumbled upon this gem while shopping in the area. Wonderful ambiance, nicely decorated casual but with an upscale flair. Food tastes amazing! The scallops & pork belly dish was very flavorful and the portion was just right. I’ve had salmon prepared dozens of different ways in different restaurants all over the world, this is definitely one of if not my favorite. Will definitely be back to try other dishes.”What’s On The Pop-Up Menu?
According to the release, here’s some of the items that will be ready to be served:
Bountiful Harvest
Castle & Key Harvest Gin, Fresh Cranberry, Baking Spices, Salers Aperitif, Lemon, Sparkling Rose
PSM
Pumpkin-spiced Plantation Dark Rum, Kahula, Cardamaro, Cream
Thyme Change
Capital Vodka, Organic Turkey Stock, Ancho Reyes, Bloody Mary Mix, Sage & Thyme
Aw, Snap!
Laird’s Applejack, Hot Apple Cider, Fresh Ginger, Ginger Snap Cookie
Candied Walnuts
Buffalo Trace, Nux Alpina Liqueur, Fee Bros. Black Walnut Bitters, Demerara, Charred Orange
For the record, Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Where Can You Eat For Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving typically is a slow week for area restaurants as the holiday prompts people to eat home meals with their families. With that said, there are still several restaurants with robust menus on the holiday.
Where to eat in Atlanta for Thanksgiving.
Where Is Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar?
Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar is located in East Cobb at The Avenue East Cobb, 4475 Roswell Rd #1410, Marietta, GA 30062. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
Drift House isn’t the only awesome seafood place in metro Atlanta. Here’s our guide to the best seafood spots around the city.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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Gocha Hawkins, the restaurateur behind two upscale brunch eateries in the metro Atlanta, is set to open a new food concept in the area this fall.
Gocha’s Tapas Bar is set to open November 1, 2022, AtlantaFi.com has learned. Keep reading to find out all we know about the exciting new restaurant.
What Is Gocha’s Tapas Bar?
Gocha’s Tapas Bar is the latest offering from Hawkins, who continues to add to her restaurant portfolio. Tapas, which are traditionally snack-size plates of food, will be a departure from the portion sizes at Hawkins’ other two eateries.
Open for a few years now, Gocha’s Breakfast Bar has two locations in metro Atlanta — 3695 Cascade Rd Suite 440, Atlanta, GA 30331 and 834 Glynn St S suite 244,248, Fayetteville, GA 30214 — which are extremely popular.
She hopes Gocha’s Tapas Bar will continue to build on her success, which centers on fusion-inspired soul food and classic brunch dishes.
“I’m so excited to be expanding our footprint in the restaurant industry by creating a tapas bar,” Hawkins was quoted as saying in a news release. “With the tapas bar, I wanted to open a space where locals and visitors to the community can get together, socialize and enjoy themselves.”
What’s On The Menu At Gocha’s Tapas Bar?
While the eatery hasn’t announced the menu just yet, the neighborhood association where the restaurant is located says that it will have items such as:
- Fried Lobster
- Cauliflower Tacos
- Impossible Sliders
- Smoked Salmon Chips
- Lobster Rolls
- Fried Green Tomatoes with Crab Salad Pineapples
- Fry options like Truffle Fries and Sweet Potato Fries
- Tuna Tartare and more
Where Is Gocha’s Tapas Bar Located?
Gocha’s Tapas Bar is located at 5829 Campbellton Rd SW in the Sandtown Crossing center, which is anchored by a Publix supermarket. Here is a map to help you find it.
Final Word
Gocha’s has made our list of best black-owned restaurants in Atlanta and that says a lot about the service, food quality and atmosphere of her eateries.
Brunch is kind of a big deal in Atlanta. So are tapas. If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, check out our guide on new Atlanta restaurant openings.
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If you’re looking for a cold one in Midtown Atlanta, make sure you check out Old Fourth Ward’s newest brewery, BrewDog.
The establishment opened its doors along the Beltline’s Eastside Trail on Friday, October 14, 2022, and joins a powerful stable of local breweries with flavorful ales and beers.
What’s On Tap At BrewDog?
BrewDog features the brand’s best Headliner pours, including Elvis Juice and Punk IPA. There’s also an onsite Brew Kit that makes ciders from Georgia-grown fruit.
The business is also intentional about supporting local breweries, so you can expect to see a rotating list of Atlanta beer makers. Yes, that means the good folks at New Realm, Wrecking Bar, Halfway Crooks in Summerhill, Arches in Hapeville and many others.
What’s To Eat At BrewDog?
When it comes to pub grub, BrewDog’s menu sounds like an action picture on the plate. Here are some burger highlights:
There’s the Cluck Norris: Buttermilk fried chicken, avocado, red onion,
cajun mayo & cilantro. The Patriot, which is a 7oz beef patty, smoked bacon, cheddar cheese,
pickles, red onion, lettuce & bbq sauce. We can’t leave out the Fast Joe, a 7oz beef patty, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, pickles, red onion & Elvis Juice bacon jam.There’s also salads, sandwiches and plant-based options for those who want to go meatless with your ale.
Where Is BrewDog Located?
BrewDog is located at 112 Krog St. NE, Atlanta, GA. 30307 just off the BeltLine Eastside Trail at The Stove Works, adjacent to Krog Steet Market. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
If BrewPub is any indication, Atlanta’s craft beer scene is on and pouring! Make sure you check out Krog Street Market, one of Atlanta’s many food halls.
Traveling to the city’s midsection can lead to unexpected adventures, including new restaurant openings and more.
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