Atlanta rapper Young Thug has pleaded guilty to street gang activity and drug and weapons charges, in a surprise twist that could end the long-running trial against the musician, US media report.

The 33-year-old rapper, whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, was arrested in May 2022 on racketeering and other charges stemming from his alleged leadership role within the street gang Young Slime Life, or YSL.

Prosecutors had initially sought up to 120 years in prison for Mr. Williams before reportedly reaching a deal, which still needs a judge’s approval.

The case is believed to be the longest running criminal trial in the history of the state of Georgia.

As part of the deal, the Grammy-winning singer pleaded guilty to one gang charge, three drug charges and two weapons charges.

He also entered a plea to leading a criminal street gang and conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (Rico) Act, meaning he decided not to contest these charges and accepts punishment for them.

His sentence will now be determined by Superior Court Judge Paige Whitaker.

Prosecutors plan to impose a 45-year sentence, with 25 years in prison and 20 years of probation.

Three of Williams’ co-defendants in the case reached plea deals earlier this week.

In 2022, prosecutors in Georgia used the Rico Act – made famous in mob trials – against Mr. Williams and 27 associates believed to be involved with YSL.

Prosecutors said the gang committed nearly 200 separate “overt” criminal acts as part of the criminal conspiracy. They also alleged that gang feuds between the YSL and other groups after 2015 led to more than 50 incidents of violence on the streets of Atlanta.

While jury selection in the trial began in January 2023, it wasn’t until November of that year that opening statements began.

By then there were only six co-defendants left, including Mr Williams.

In July this year, the trial was suspended indefinitelyafter Williams’ lawyers asked a previous judge to apologize over allegations of misconduct.

The attorneys said Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville held an “inappropriate” meeting on June 10 when he met privately with prosecutors and a key witness.

They alleged that Judge Glanville tried to pressure the witness to testify and that the attorneys pressured him to recuse himself, requests that the judge denied.

Mr Williams’ lead lawyer, Brian Steel, was also found in June this year for criminal contempt after refusing to reveal how he found out about the meeting.

A number of unusual incidents also occurred during the trial, including the arrest of a Fulton County sheriff’s deputy for allegedly trying to smuggle contraband to a defendant.

In another case, the court’s Zoom account was hacked by someone shouting “free villain!” shouted.

The remaining two defendants in the case, Shannon Stillwell and Deamonte Kendrick, reportedly plan to move forward with the lawsuits.