ATLANTA — Editor's note: The video above is from Wednesday when a judge releases 'Lil Woody' from court for the day
If you're watching the YSL RICO trial involving Atlanta rapper Young Thug, the words 'I don't recall' should be familiar. It's the title of a new song released by key witness Kenneth Copeland, better known as Lil Woody.
In the song, Lil Woody directly references his recent testimony in the high-profile YSL RICO trial, where, for the past week, he's repeatedly used the phrase "I don't recall" in response to many of the prosecution's questions.
"Ion know them n*****, I just be spending; I don't recall. Don't be asking me about no co-defendants, I don't recall," Lil Woody raps in his new release.
Lil Woody's testimony has become a focal point in the trial, which centers around the 2015 murder of Donovan "Nut" Thomas Jr., a figure allegedly tied to gang violence in Atlanta. Thomas, a 26-year-old father of two, was gunned down outside a barbershop, and his death has been linked to members of the alleged Young Slime Life (YSL) gang, including those currently on trial with Atlanta rapper Jeffery "Young Thug" Williams.
Throughout his testimony, Lil Woody's credibility was questioned as he admitted to lying in his initial interviews with police to protect himself. His repeated claims of "I don't recall" when asked about the murder of Thomas and other key events in the case have left jurors and the public questioning the reliability of his statements.
In his new song, "I Don't Recall," Lil Woody leans into the controversy surrounding his courtroom performance. The track's title and lyrics echo his evasive answers on the stand, blurring the lines between his music and the ongoing legal drama. The song's release has sparked conversation about whether Lil Woody is using his platform to address — or perhaps capitalize on — the attention his testimony has garnered.
The YSL RICO trial has been fraught with unexpected developments, including the recent suspension of Lil Woody's lawyer, Jonathan Melnick, and the removal of the case's initial judge, Ural Glanville, after a controversial ex parte meeting. Amidst this backdrop, Lil Woody's role as both a key witness and a public figure has only intensified the spotlight on the case.
Prosecutors had hoped that Lil Woody's testimony would help build their case against the alleged YSL members involved in Thomas's murder. However, his erratic responses and the subsequent release of "I Don't Recall" have complicated the narrative.