According to US media reports, Atlanta rapper Young Thug has pleaded guilty to engaging in criminal street gang activity, a surprise turn that could end the musician's long-running trial.

The 33-year-old rapper, whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, was arrested in May 2022 on extortion and other charges related to his alleged leadership role in the Young Slime Life (YSL) street gang.

Prosecutors had originally sought up to 120 years in prison for Mr. Williams before reportedly reaching a deal that still requires a judge's approval.

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

As part of the agreement, Mr. Williams also pleaded no contest to two additional felonies: leader of a criminal street gang and conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (Rico) Act.

Three of Mr. Williams' co-defendants in the case entered plea agreements earlier this week.

The star rapper's deal – known as a non-negotiated plea deal – means prosecutors and Mr William's defense lawyers have been unable to reach an agreement.

Ultimately, his sentence will be decided by Supreme Court Justice Paige Whitaker.

In 2022, Georgia prosecutors used the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (Rico) Act, known to have been used in Mafia trials, against Mr. Williams and 27 associates believed to have been involved in YSL.

While jury selection for the trial began in January 2023, it took until November of that year for opening statements to begin.

By then only six co-defendants remained, including Mr. Williams.

In July this year The trial was suspended indefinitelyy after Mr Williams' lawyers asked a former judge to recuse himself amid allegations of misconduct.

The lawyers said Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville held an “improper” meeting on June 10 in which he met privately with prosecutors and a key witness.

They claimed Judge Glanville tried to pressure the witness to testify and lawyers urged him to withdraw, requests the judge rejected.

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

The trial also featured a number of unusual incidents, including the arrest of a Fulton County deputy for allegedly attempting to smuggle contraband to a defendant.

In another case, the court's Zoom account was hacked by someone screaming “Free Thug!”

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