Misplaced Pages

Young Thug: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 08:03, 4 February 2019 view source116.45.140.21 (talk) Awards and nominations← Previous edit Latest revision as of 01:20, 9 January 2025 view source HeyElliott (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users119,064 edits Redundant, added info to refs, ceTag: 2017 wikitext editor 
(779 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|American rapper (born 1991)}}
{{Infobox person
{{Pp-blp|small=yes}}
| name = Young Thug
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2019}}
| image = Young Thug 2018.jpg
{{Infobox person
| image_size = 205
| caption = Young Thug in July 2018 | name = Young Thug
| birth_name = Jeffery Lamar Williams | image = Young Thug in 2021.png
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1991|8|16}} | caption = Young Thug in 2021
| alias = {{hlist|SEX|King Slime|Thugger|Spider|Truly Humble(d) Under God}}
| birth_place = ], ], U.S.
| birth_name = Jeffery Lamar Williams II<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fulton County Jail Records |url=http://justice.fultoncountyga.gov/PAJailManager/JailingDetail.aspx?JailingID=1444257 |access-date=September 17, 2022 |archive-date=January 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114090946/http://justice.fultoncountyga.gov/PAJailManager/default.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>
| children = 7
| alias = {{flatlist| | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1991|8|16}}
| birth_place = ], U.S.
* Jeffery<ref name="No, My Name is Jeffery">{{cite web|url=http://www.papermag.com/young-thug-has-a-new-name-1974395747.html|title=UPDATE: Young Thug Has a New Name--But Maybe Not for Long|date=16 August 2016|publisher=Papermag}}</ref>
| occupation = {{flatlist|
* SEX<ref name="SEX">{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/music/young-thug-name-change-sex-2245946|title=Young Thug announces ridiculous name change|date=20 February 2018|work=NME}}</ref>
*Thugger
}}
| residence = ], U.S.
| occupation = {{flatlist|
* Rapper * Rapper
* singer * singer
* songwriter * songwriter
* record producer
}} }}
| years_active = 2010–present<ref>{{cite web |title=TruRoyal feat. Young Thug - Im On / She Can Go x #NashMade |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFWEz16kVB8 |website=YouTube |accessdate=26 December 2018}}</ref> | years_active = 2010–present<ref>{{cite web |title=TruRoyal feat. Young Thug - Im On / She Can Go x #NashMade |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFWEz16kVB8 |website=YouTube | date=July 4, 2010 |access-date=December 26, 2018 |archive-date=December 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212035231/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFWEz16kVB8 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| net_worth = | works = ]
| awards = | partner = ] (2021–present)
| website = {{URL|youngstonerlife.com/}} | children = 6
| awards = ]
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| website = {{URL|www.youngstonerliferecords.com/young-thug.php}}
| embed = yes
| signature = Young Thug sig.png
| background = solo_singer
| genre = {{flatlist| | module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
* ]
| genre = {{flatlist|
* ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thevogue.com/artists/young-thug/ |title=Artists: Young Thug |work = ] |accessdate=February 2, 2024}}</ref>
* ] * ]
* ]<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=https://www.michigandaily.com/section/music/young-thug-saving-grace-mumble-rap |title=Young Thug is the saving grace of mumble rap |work=Michigan Daily |date=January 15, 2018 |access-date=August 9, 2020 |author=Watkins, Mike |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213012912/https://www.michigandaily.com/section/music/young-thug-saving-grace-mumble-rap |url-status=live}}</ref>
* ]
* ]<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Ortiz|first1=Edwin|last2=Frydenlund|first2=Zach|last3=Mench|first3=Chris|last4=Gale|first4=Alex|last5=Turner|first5=Gus|author6=Khal|last7=Tharpe|first7=Frazier|last8=Klinkenberg|first8=Brendan|last9=Diaz|first9=Angel|date=September 7, 2016|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2016/09/20-best-rappers-in-their-20s-2016|title=The 20 Best Rappers in Their 20s (Right Now)|magazine=]|accessdate=July 16, 2021|archive-date=July 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716161227/https://www.complex.com/music/2016/09/20-best-rappers-in-their-20s-2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ]<!--http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/01/young-thug-kanye-west-40-unreleased-songs/-->
* ]<ref>https://cardinaltimes.org/11726/reviews/review-mumble-rap-is-a-poor-label-for-new-hip-hop/</ref>
* ]<ref>http://www.kerrang.com/features/from-lil-peep-to-paramore-emo-and-rap-have-been-related-for-years/</ref>
}} }}
| label = {{flatlist| | label = {{flatlist|
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ] (current)
* ]
* ] (former)
}} }}
| current_member_of = {{flatlist|
| associated_acts = <!-- In ABC Order, only add artists with a SIGNIFICANT/MOST NOTABLE impact on Thug's career -->{{flatlist|
* ] * ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
}} }}
{{Infobox
| child=yes
| header = Logo
| headerstyle = background:#b0c4de
| data1 =
}} }}
}} }}
}}

'''Jeffery Lamar Williams II'''<ref name=BMIDATA>{{cite web|url=http://repertoire.bmi.com/writer.asp?blnWriter=True&blnPublisher=True&blnArtist=True&page=1&fromrow=1&torow=25&querytype=WriterID&keyid=550231296&keyname=WILLIAMS+JEFFERY+LAMAR&CAE=664487309&Affiliation=BMI|title=Songwriter/Composer: WILLIAMS JEFFERY LAMAR|last=Williams|first=Jeffery Lamar|publisher=] (BMI)|access-date=July 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204185253/http://repertoire.bmi.com/writer.asp?blnWriter=True&blnPublisher=True&blnArtist=True&page=1&fromrow=1&torow=25&querytype=WriterID&keyid=550231296&keyname=WILLIAMS+JEFFERY+LAMAR&CAE=664487309&Affiliation=BMI|archive-date=February 4, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> (born August 16, 1991), known professionally as '''Young Thug''',{{efn|(retroactively rendered as a ] for ''Truly Humble(d) Under God'')}} is an American rapper. Known for his eccentric vocal style and fashion,<ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web |last1=Jeffries |first1=David |title=Biography - Young Thug |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/mn0002068342 |publisher=] |access-date=August 11, 2019 |archive-date=August 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826111423/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/mn0002068342 |url-status=live}}</ref> he is considered an influential figure in modern ] and ], and a pioneer of the ] microgenre.<ref name="Weiss">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20191021-why-young-thug-is-the-21st-centurys-most-influential-rapper|title=Why Young Thug is the 21st Century's Most Influential Rapper|date=October 21, 2019|access-date=October 22, 2019|publisher=]|last=Weiss|first=Jeff|archive-date=October 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024074609/http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20191021-why-young-thug-is-the-21st-centurys-most-influential-rapper|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto"/> Williams embarked on a musical career in 2011, releasing a series of ]s beginning with ''I Came from Nothing''. In 2013, he signed with fellow Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane's ]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/5930256/young-thug-is-still-signed-to-1017-brick-squadatlantic-says|title=Young Thug|magazine=Billboard|date=March 7, 2014|access-date=March 9, 2015|archive-date=March 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310171752/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/5930256/young-thug-is-still-signed-to-1017-brick-squadatlantic-says|url-status=live}}</ref> and gained further attention and praise for his debut mixtape with the label, ''1017 Thug'', released in February of that year.<ref name="fad1">{{cite magazine|title=GEN F: Young Thug|url=http://www.thefader.com/2013/05/08/gen-f-young-thug/#/0|magazine=The Fader|access-date=January 12, 2014|archive-date=January 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140113215055/http://www.thefader.com/2013/05/08/gen-f-young-thug/#/0|url-status=live}}</ref>

Williams first received mainstream recognition in 2014 for his singles "]" and "Danny Glover", in addition to his guest appearances on numerous singles, including T.I.'s "]", Tyga's "]", and Rich Gang's "]". That same year, he released a mixtape with Rich Gang titled '']'', and signed a solo recording contract with ], an imprint of ]. In 2015, he amassed a number of mixtapes to critical acclaim, releasing '']'' and two installments of his '']'' series. Throughout 2016, Williams saw continued success with the release of his commercial mixtapes '']'', '']'', and '']''.<ref name="spin">{{cite web|last1=Unterberger|first1=Andrew|title=Stream and Download Young Thug's 'Slime Season 3′ Mixtape |url=http://assets.rollingstone.com/assets/2013/list/10-best-mixtapes-of-2013-20131209/items/young-thug-1017-thug-19691231/139672/_original/1035x1035-120313-1017-thug-1800-1386093794.jpg |website=] |access-date=March 28, 2016|archive-date=October 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024143311/http://assets.rollingstone.com/assets/2013/list/10-best-mixtapes-of-2013-20131209/items/young-thug-1017-thug-19691231/139672/_original/1035x1035-120313-1017-thug-1800-1386093794.jpg|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, Williams guest performed on the worldwide hit "]" by singer ], which became his first number-one single on the ]. The following year, he won the ] for his contributions to Childish Gambino's "]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2019/02/young-thug-wins-first-ever-grammy-feature-childish-gambino-this-is-america/|title=Young Thug Wins Grammy for Childish Gambino's "This Is America" - XXL|first=Marisa|last=Mendez|website=XXL Mag|date=February 11, 2019 |access-date=October 18, 2019|archive-date=April 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428072053/https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2019/02/young-thug-wins-first-ever-grammy-feature-childish-gambino-this-is-america/|url-status=live}}</ref>


Williams' debut studio album '']'' (2019) peaked atop the US ] and yielded the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 top-20 singles "]" (featuring ] and ]) and "]" (featuring ]). The following year, his single "]"—with ], from their collaborative mixtape '']'' (2020)—peaked at number three on the chart and became his first top-ten single as a lead artist. That same year, he peaked the chart once more for his guest appearance alongside ] on Travis Scott's single "]". In 2021, he did so for a third time with his guest appearance alongside ] on Drake's "]". His second studio album '']'' was released in October of that year<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hypebeast.com/2019/12/young-thug-new-album-february-release-date-reveal |title=Young Thug reveals new album is dropping in February |work=Hypebeast |date=December 18, 2019 |access-date=December 26, 2019 |author=Ingvaldsen, Torsten |archive-date=December 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218070848/https://hypebeast.com/2019/12/young-thug-new-album-february-release-date-reveal |url-status=live }}</ref> to continued success, followed by his third studio album, '']'', in 2023.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=October 24, 2021|title=Young Thug's 'Punk' Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9650236/young-thugs-punk-number-one-billboard-200-chart/|access-date=October 24, 2021|magazine=Billboard|language=|archive-date=November 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109090024/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9650236/young-thugs-punk-number-one-billboard-200-chart/|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to his solo career, he has released two compilation albums with his record label ]: '']'' (2018) and '']'' (2021) to resultant success; the latter debuted atop the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref name="Noisey">{{cite web |url=https://noisey.vice.com/en_us/article/listen-to-young-thugs-new-album-beautiful-thugger-girls |title=Listen To Young Thug's New Album, 'Beautiful Thugger Girls' |publisher=Noisey |date=June 16, 2017 |access-date=June 16, 2017 |archive-date=June 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603081045/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/8qpebv/listen-to-young-thugs-new-album-beautiful-thugger-girls |url-status=live }}</ref>
'''Jeffery Lamar Williams'''<ref name=BMIDATA>{{cite web|url=http://repertoire.bmi.com/writer.asp?blnWriter=True&blnPublisher=True&blnArtist=True&page=1&fromrow=1&torow=25&querytype=WriterID&keyid=550231296&keyname=WILLIAMS+JEFFERY+LAMAR&CAE=664487309&Affiliation=BMI|title=Songwriter/Composer: WILLIAMS JEFFERY LAMAR|last=Williams|first=Jeffery Lamar|publisher=] (BMI) |accessdate=July 24, 2015}}</ref> (born August 16, 1991), known professionally as '''Young Thug''',<ref name="SEX"/> is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Known for his eccentric vocal style and fashion, he first received attention for his collaborations with rappers ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.datpiff.com/mixtape/590955|title=I Came from Nothing 2 Mixtape by Young Thug Hosted by DJ Swamp Izzo|website=DatPiff}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/16667/im_on_my_shit_8.html|title=I'm On My Shit 8 (Hosted By Cash Out) - DJ Swamp Izzo|website=LiveMixtapes}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.datpiff.com/mixtape/590952|title=I Came From Nothing Mixtape by Young Thug Hosted by DJ Swamp Izzo|website=DatPiff}}</ref> Young Thug initially released a series of independent ]s beginning in 2011 with ''I Came from Nothing''. In early 2013, he signed with Gucci Mane's ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/5930256/young-thug-is-still-signed-to-1017-brick-squadatlantic-says|title=Young Thug|work=Billboard|accessdate=9 March 2015}}</ref> and later that year he released his label debut mixtape ''1017 Thug'' to critical praise.<ref name="fad1">{{cite web|title=GEN F: Young Thug |url=http://www.thefader.com/2013/05/08/gen-f-young-thug/#/0|publisher=The Fader|accessdate=12 January 2014}}</ref>


Williams was arrested in May 2022 alongside 27 members of ] and was charged with 63 counts of illegal substance trafficking or firearm possession and for violating the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rapper Young Thug hit with additional felony charges in RICO indictment |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/rapper-young-thug-hit-additional-felony-charges-rico/story?id=88288305 |access-date=2023-06-25 |website=ABC News |language=en |archive-date=June 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625024519/https://abcnews.go.com/US/rapper-young-thug-hit-additional-felony-charges-rico/story?id=88288305 |url-status=live }}</ref> He was held without bail in the ] on ] and his trial began in November 2023.<ref name="wsbtv.com">{{Cite web |date=2023-06-24 |title=Rapper Young Thug releases 'Business is Business' album while in Fulton jail awaiting RICO trial |url=https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/rapper-young-thug-releases-business-is-business-album-while-fulton-jail-awaiting-rico-trial/APDELQNBSFD63GCOP6CBYB774Q/ |access-date=2023-06-25 |website=WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta |language=en |archive-date=June 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625024519/https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/rapper-young-thug-releases-business-is-business-album-while-fulton-jail-awaiting-rico-trial/APDELQNBSFD63GCOP6CBYB774Q/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Williams was released in October 2024 after accepting a ] which saw him plead no contest to several charges;<ref>{{Cite news|last=Debusmann Jr|first=Bernd|date=October 31, 2024|title=Young Thug pleads guilty to criminal gang activity|language=en-GB|work=]|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c20n1nq0852o|access-date=October 31, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=October 31, 2024|title=Rapper Young Thug pleads guilty to gang, drug and gun charges|language=en-GB|work=]|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/31/young-thug-pleads-guilty-atlanta|access-date=October 31, 2024|issn=1756-3224}}</ref> it resulted in him being sentenced to time served and 15 years of probation.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Perry|first=Kevin E G|date=October 31, 2024|title=Rapper Young Thug to be freed after pleading guilty in gang trial that's lasted two years|language=en-GB|work=]|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/young-thug-trial-guilty-plea-ysl-gang-b2639285.html|access-date=October 31, 2024|issn=1741-9743}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Bailey|first=Holly|date=October 31, 2024|title=Rapper Young Thug pleads guilty in YSL case in Atlanta|language=en-US|newspaper=]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/10/31/young-thug-plea-guilty-ysl-trial-georgia/|access-date=October 31, 2024|issn=0190-8286|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Brumback|first=Kate|date=October 31, 2024|title=Young Thug pleads guilty to charges, is sentenced in long and winding racketeering case|language=en-US|work=]|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2024-10-31/young-thug-guilty-pleas-racketeering-trial-gang-drug-guns|access-date=October 31, 2024|issn=2165-1736}}</ref>
Young Thug received mainstream recognition in 2014 with the singles "]" and "Danny Glover" in addition to appearances on several singles, including ]'s "]" and ]'s "]." That year, he also signed to ]'s ] and collaborated on the mixtape '']''. In 2015, he released a number of mixtapes, including '']'' and two installments of his '']'' series. These were followed in 2016 by the commercial mixtapes '']'', '']'', and '']''.<ref name="spin">{{cite web|last1=Unterberger|first1=Andrew|title=Stream and Download Young Thug's ‘Slime Season 3′ Mixtape|url=http://assets.rollingstone.com/assets/2013/list/10-best-mixtapes-of-2013-20131209/items/young-thug-1017-thug-19691231/139672/_original/1035x1035-120313-1017-thug-1800-1386093794.jpg|website=]|accessdate=28 March 2016}}</ref> In 2017, he released the commercial mixtape '']''.<ref name="Noisey">{{cite web|url=https://noisey.vice.com/en_us/article/listen-to-young-thugs-new-album-beautiful-thugger-girls |title=Listen To Young Thug's New Album, 'Beautiful Thugger Girls' |publisher=''Noisey'' |date=June 16, 2017 |accessdate= June 16, 2017}}</ref>


==Early life== ==Early life==
Jeffery Lamar Williams was born in ], the tenth of eleven children. He is from ], a neighborhood in Atlanta (Zone 3),<ref name=ae>{{cite web|title=Archive Entertainment {{!}} Young Thug |url=http://www.archiventertainment.com/artist/young-thug/ |publisher=Archive Entertainment |accessdate=12 January 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130305064219/http://www.archiventertainment.com/artist/young-thug/ |archivedate=March 5, 2013 }}</ref> and grew up in the Jonesboro South ].<ref name="fad1" /> Other rappers from the neighborhood include ], ], ] and Williams's childhood friend ], from whom Williams lived four doors down.<ref name="seattle">{{cite web|title=5 things you should know about Young Thug|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/music/5-things-you-should-know-about-young-thug/|website=Seattle Times|accessdate=25 February 2017}}</ref><ref name="xxl">{{cite web|last1=Weinstein|first1=Max|title=Peewee Longway Is One of Hip-Hop's Secret Weapons Read More: Peewee Longway Is One of Hip-Hop's Secret Weapons – XXL | url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/01/peewee-longway-hip-hop-secret-weapon/?trackback=tsmclip||website=XXL Mag|accessdate=25 February 2017}}</ref> Jeffery Lamar Williams was born on August 16, 1991, in ], ], and is the tenth of 11 children. He is from ],<ref name=ae>{{cite web|title=Archive Entertainment {{!}} Young Thug |url=http://www.archiventertainment.com/artist/young-thug/ |publisher=Archive Entertainment |access-date=January 12, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130305064219/http://www.archiventertainment.com/artist/young-thug/ |archive-date=March 5, 2013 }}</ref> but grew up in the Jonesboro South ] near Cleveland Avenue.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.11alive.com/article/news/community/young-thug-the-full-story-jeffery-williams-part-1/85-d0c0c095-d1fd-4c89-b723-657d61a7ef2e | title=JEFFERY: The full Young Thug story, from Cleveland Avenue and beyond &#124; Part 1 | date=November 16, 2022 }}</ref><ref name="fad1" /> Other rappers from Jonesboro South include ], ] and Williams' childhood friend ], from whom Williams lived four doors down.<ref name="seattle">{{cite web|title=5 things you should know about Young Thug|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/music/5-things-you-should-know-about-young-thug/|website=Seattle Times|date=March 26, 2015|access-date=February 25, 2017|archive-date=February 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226132707/http://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/music/5-things-you-should-know-about-young-thug/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="xxl">{{cite web|last1=Weinstein|first1=Max|title=Peewee Longway Is One of Hip-Hop's Secret Weapons Read More: Peewee Longway Is One of Hip-Hop's Secret Weapons – XXL|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/01/peewee-longway-hip-hop-secret-weapon/?trackback=tsmclip|website=XXL Mag|date=January 17, 2017 |access-date=February 25, 2017|archive-date=February 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226134321/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/01/peewee-longway-hip-hop-secret-weapon/?trackback=tsmclip|url-status=live}}</ref>

Young Thug has told interviewers that he got expelled in the sixth grade for breaking a teacher's arm. He was sent to juvenile prison for four years.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vozick-Levinson |first1=Simon |title=Perma-Stoned Oddball Young Thug Is the Hottest Voice in Rap |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/perma-stoned-oddball-young-thug-is-the-hottest-voice-in-rap-66515/ |website=Rolling Stones |accessdate=28 August 2018 |date=December 4, 2014}}</ref>
Williams was expelled in the sixth grade for breaking a teacher's arm. He was sent to juvenile prison for four years.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Vozick-Levinson|first1=Simon|date=December 4, 2014|title=Perma-Stoned Oddball Young Thug Is the Hottest Voice in Rap|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/perma-stoned-oddball-young-thug-is-the-hottest-voice-in-rap-66515/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829072520/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/perma-stoned-oddball-young-thug-is-the-hottest-voice-in-rap-66515/|archive-date=August 29, 2018|access-date=August 28, 2018|magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref>


==Career== ==Career==
===2010–13: Early career and record deal=== ===2010–2013: Early career and record deal===
] (pictured), was the first to sign Young Thug]]
Young Thug began his musical career in 2010, debuting as a guest appearance on rapper TruRoyal's song "She Can Go".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFWEz16kVB8|title=TruRoyal feat. Young Thug - Im On / She Can Go x #NashMade|website=YouTube|accessdate=26 December 2018}}</ref> After releasing the first three installments of his ] series ''I Came from Nothing'' throughout 2011 and 2012, Young Thug caught the attention of fellow Atlanta-based rapper ], who went on to sign Young Thug to his label ], an ]/] imprint, in 2013. Thug subsequently released his first project on the label, his fourth mixtape, ''1017 Thug''. The mixtape was met with positive reviews from music critics, which noted it for its original style. ''1017 Thug'' was included in a number of year-end lists for 2013, such as the '']'' Albums of the Year: Honorable Mention<ref name=pf2>{{cite web|title=Albums of the Year: Honorable Mention|url=http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/9292-albums-of-the-year-honorable-mention/2/|publisher=Pitchfork Media|accessdate=12 January 2014}}</ref> and '']''{{'}}s The 50 Best Albums of 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=The 50 Best Albums of 2013|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/12/the-50-best-albums-of-2013/young-thug-1017-thug|publisher=Complex|accessdate=12 January 2014}}</ref> ] called it the best mixtape of 2013,<ref name="fact1">{{cite web|title=The 20 best mixtapes of 2013|url=http://www.factmag.com/2013/12/03/the-20-best-mixtapes-of-2013/21/|publisher=FACT Magazine|accessdate=12 January 2014}}</ref> '']'' placed it at number five on their 10 Best Mixtapes of 2013<ref>{{cite web|title=10 Best Mixtapes of 2013: Young Thug, '1017 Thug'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/10-best-mixtapes-of-2013-20131209/young-thug-1017-thug-19691231|publisher=Rolling Stone|accessdate=12 January 2014}}</ref> and '']'' placed it among The Five Best Mixtapes of 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=The five best mixtapes of 2013|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2013/dec/24/best-mixtapes-of-2013|publisher=The Guardian|accessdate=12 January 2014}}</ref> Young Thug's song "Picacho" was noted as one of the standout tracks from the mixtape; although it was not released as a single, the song was included on a number of 2013 year-end lists, such as ''Rolling Stone''{{'}}s 100 Best Songs of 2013,<ref>{{cite web|title=100 Best Songs of 2013: Young Thug, Picachu|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-best-songs-of-2013-20131204/young-thug-picachu-19691231|publisher=Rolling Stone|accessdate=12 January 2014}}</ref> ''Pitchfork'''s The Top 100 Tracks of 2013,<ref>{{cite web|title=The Top 100 Tracks of 2013|url=http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/9288-the-top-tracks-of-2013/2/|publisher=Pitchfork|accessdate=12 January 2014}}</ref> and '']''{{'}}s 50 Best Songs of 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Young Thug – "Picacho" - SPIN's 50 Best Songs of 2013|url=https://www.spin.com/2013/12/best-songs-2013/131202-young-thug/|publisher=Spin|accessdate=12 January 2014}}</ref>
Young Thug began his musical career in 2010, debuting with a guest appearance on rapper TruRoyal's song "She Can Go". After releasing the first three installments of his ] series ''I Came from Nothing'' throughout 2011 and 2012, Young Thug caught the attention of fellow Atlanta-based rapper ], who went on to sign Young Thug to his label ], an ]/] imprint, in 2013. Thug released his first project on the label, his fourth mixtape, ''1017 Thug''.{{Cn|date=December 2024}}


The mixtape was met with positive reviews from music critics, which noted it for its original style. ''1017 Thug'' was included in a number of year-end lists for 2013, such as the '']'' Albums of the Year: Honorable Mention<ref name="pf2">{{cite web|title=Albums of the Year: Honorable Mention|date=December 17, 2013 |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/9292-albums-of-the-year-honorable-mention/2/|publisher=Pitchfork Media|access-date=January 12, 2014|archive-date=January 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112201959/http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/9292-albums-of-the-year-honorable-mention/2/|url-status=live}}</ref> and '']''{{'}}s The 50 Best Albums of 2013.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The 50 Best Albums of 2013|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/12/the-50-best-albums-of-2013/young-thug-1017-thug|magazine=Complex|access-date=January 12, 2014|archive-date=December 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224173607/http://www.complex.com/music/2013/12/the-50-best-albums-of-2013/young-thug-1017-thug|url-status=live}}</ref> ] called it the best mixtape of 2013,<ref name="fact1">{{cite web|title=The 20 best mixtapes of 2013|url=http://www.factmag.com/2013/12/03/the-20-best-mixtapes-of-2013/21/|work=FACT Magazine|date=December 3, 2013|access-date=January 12, 2014|archive-date=January 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112190806/http://www.factmag.com/2013/12/03/the-20-best-mixtapes-of-2013/21/|url-status=live}}</ref> '']'' placed it at number five on their 10 Best Mixtapes of 2013<ref>{{cite magazine|title=10 Best Mixtapes of 2013: Young Thug, '1017 Thug'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/10-best-mixtapes-of-2013-20131209/young-thug-1017-thug-19691231|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=January 12, 2014|archive-date=December 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213013443/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/10-best-mixtapes-of-2013-20131209/young-thug-1017-thug-19691231|url-status=live}}</ref> and '']'' placed it among The Five Best Mixtapes of 2013.<ref>{{cite news|title=The five best mixtapes of 2013|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2013/dec/24/best-mixtapes-of-2013|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=January 12, 2014|archive-date=March 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325123000/https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2013/dec/24/best-mixtapes-of-2013|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Pitchfork'' ranked ''1017 Thug'' as one of the best albums of the first half of the 2010s, at number 96.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 19, 2014 |title=The 100 Best Albums of the Decade So Far (2010-2014) - Pitchfork |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/9465-the-100-best-albums-of-the-decade-so-far-2010-2014/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622142030/https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/9465-the-100-best-albums-of-the-decade-so-far-2010-2014/ |archive-date=June 22, 2019 |access-date=April 21, 2020 |website=]}}</ref> The song "Picacho" was noted as one of the standout tracks from the mixtape,{{By whom|date=December 2024}} and was featured on ''Rolling Stone''{{'}}s 100 Best Songs of 2013,<ref>{{cite magazine|title=100 Best Songs of 2013: Young Thug, Picachu|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-best-songs-of-2013-20131204/young-thug-picachu-19691231|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=January 12, 2014|archive-date=December 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208045731/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-best-songs-of-2013-20131204/young-thug-picachu-19691231|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Pitchfork'''s The Top 100 Tracks of 2013,<ref>{{cite news |title=The Top 100 Tracks of 2013 |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/9288-the-top-tracks-of-2013/2/ |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112205601/http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/9288-the-top-tracks-of-2013/2/ |archive-date=January 12, 2014 |access-date=January 12, 2014 |website=Pitchfork}}</ref> and '']''{{'}}s 50 Best Songs of 2013.<ref>{{cite magazine |date= |title=Young Thug – "Picacho" - SPIN's 50 Best Songs of 2013 |url=https://www.spin.com/2013/12/best-songs-2013/131202-young-thug/ |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306145226/http://www.spin.com/2013/12/best-songs-2013/131202-young-thug/ |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |access-date=January 12, 2014 |magazine=Spin}}</ref>
In July 2013, ''Complex'' included him in their list of 25 New Rappers to Watch Out For.<ref>{{cite web|title=25 New Rappers to Watch Out For|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/07/25-new-rappers-to-watch-out-for/young-thug|publisher=Complex|accessdate=12 January 2014}}</ref> In October 2013, Young Thug released his commercial debut single "]".<ref>{{cite web|title=12 Songs From 2013 That Are Killing It In 2014|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/07/12-songs-from-2013-killing-2014/young-thug-stoner|publisher=Complex|accessdate=2 September 2014}}</ref> The song spawned a number of unofficial ]es by several rappers, including ], ], ], ] and ], among others.<ref name=complex1>{{cite web|title=Interview: Young Thug Talks About Working With Kanye West & How Future Wants To Give Him $1.5 Million For A Deal|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/01/young-thug-kanye-west-future-interview|publisher=Complex|accessdate=29 January 2014}}</ref> Thug expressed his disapproval for the remixes, commenting "If you feel like my song isn't tough enough to the point where you have to freestyle... Don't think I'm happy that you're doing it because of who you are. I'm ready for war."<ref>{{cite web|title=Young Thug Doesn't Like The Remixes To "Stoner"|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/01/young-thug-doesnt-like-the-remixes-to-stoner/|publisher=XXL|accessdate=12 January 2014}}</ref> His song "Danny Glover" also received a number of remixes by ] and ], among others.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rys|first=Dan|title=Nicki Minaj Hops On Young Thug's "Danny Glover" Remix|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/new-music/2014/01/nicki-minaj-young-thug-danny-glover-remix/|publisher=XXL|accessdate=29 January 2014|date=28 January 2014}}</ref> In October 2013, Young Thug also appeared on a few tracks on ''19 & Boomin'' by ], including "Some More", the first song he made with ], who became his go-to engineer for almost everything from then until "Slime Season 2".<ref>{{cite web|title=19 & Boomin|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/metro-boomin-19-and-boomin-mixtape.97739.html|website=HotNewHipHop}}</ref> In December 2013, Thug performed at ] Day Off show in Miami, among ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Danny Brown, Travis Scott And Young Thug Dominate Fool's Gold Day Off Miami|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/12/danny-brown-travis-scott-young-thug-dominate-fools-gold-day-miami/|publisher=XXL|accessdate=12 January 2014}}</ref>


In July 2013, ''Complex'' included him in their list of 25 New Rappers to Watch Out For.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=25 New Rappers to Watch Out For|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/07/25-new-rappers-to-watch-out-for/young-thug|magazine=Complex|access-date=January 12, 2014|archive-date=August 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801065920/http://www.complex.com/music/2013/07/25-new-rappers-to-watch-out-for/young-thug|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2013, Young Thug released his commercial debut single "]".<ref>{{cite magazine|title=12 Songs From 2013 That Are Killing It In 2014|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/07/12-songs-from-2013-killing-2014/young-thug-stoner|magazine=Complex|access-date=September 2, 2014|archive-date=October 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022103342/http://www.complex.com/music/2014/07/12-songs-from-2013-killing-2014/young-thug-stoner|url-status=live}}</ref> The song spawned a number of unofficial ]es by several rappers such as ], ], ], ] and ].<ref name=complex1>{{cite magazine|title=Interview: Young Thug Talks About Working With Kanye West & How Future Wants To Give Him $1.5 Million For A Deal|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/01/young-thug-kanye-west-future-interview|magazine=Complex|access-date=January 29, 2014|archive-date=January 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140131141011/http://www.complex.com/music/2014/01/young-thug-kanye-west-future-interview|url-status=live}}</ref> Young Thug expressed his disapproval for the remixes, commenting "If you feel like my song isn't tough enough to the point where you have to freestyle&nbsp;... Don't think I'm happy that you're doing it because of who you are. I'm ready for war."<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Young Thug Doesn't Like The Remixes To "Stoner"|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/01/young-thug-doesnt-like-the-remixes-to-stoner/|magazine=XXL|access-date=January 12, 2014|archive-date=January 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112005118/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/01/young-thug-doesnt-like-the-remixes-to-stoner/|url-status=live}}</ref>
] ranked ''1017 Thug'' as one of the best albums of the first half of the 2010s decade, at number 96.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/9465-the-100-best-albums-of-the-decade-so-far-2010-2014/|title=The 100 Best Albums of the Decade So Far (2010-2014) - Pitchfork|publisher=}}</ref>

His song "Danny Glover" received a number of remixes by ]{{Cn|date=December 2024}} and ],<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Rys|first=Dan|title=Nicki Minaj Hops On Young Thug's "Danny Glover" Remix|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/new-music/2014/01/nicki-minaj-young-thug-danny-glover-remix/|magazine=XXL|access-date=January 29, 2014|date=January 28, 2014|archive-date=January 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140131070344/http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/new-music/2014/01/nicki-minaj-young-thug-danny-glover-remix/|url-status=live}}</ref> among others.{{Cn|date=December 2024}} In October 2013, Young Thug appeared on several tracks on '']'' by ],<ref>{{cite web|title=19 & Boomin|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/metro-boomin-19-and-boomin-mixtape.97739.html|website=HotNewHipHop|date=October 7, 2013|access-date=July 19, 2016|archive-date=July 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731175901/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/metro-boomin-19-and-boomin-mixtape.97739.html|url-status=live}}</ref> including "Some More", the first song he made with ], who became his go-to engineer for almost everything from then until ''Slime Season 2''.{{Cn|date=December 2024}} In December 2013, Thug performed at ] Day Off show in Miami, among ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Danny Brown, Travis Scott And Young Thug Dominate Fool's Gold Day Off Miami|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/12/danny-brown-travis-scott-young-thug-dominate-fools-gold-day-miami/|magazine=XXL|access-date=January 12, 2014|archive-date=January 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107044917/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/12/danny-brown-travis-scott-young-thug-dominate-fools-gold-day-miami/|url-status=live}}</ref>


===2014: Rise to popularity and label issues=== ===2014: Rise to popularity and label issues===
On January 18, 2014, Young Thug revealed that he had been offered $8.5 million to sign to ]'s ] record label.<ref>{{cite web|author=C. Vernon Coleman II |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/01/young-thug-signing-futures-freebandz-imprint/ |title=Young Thug Signing To Future's Freebandz Imprint – XXL |publisher=Xxlmag.com |date=2014-01-18 |accessdate=2015-08-27}}</ref> In March 2014, Young Thug's affiliation with ] and its ] (CEO) ], resulted in much speculation in the media about him signing to the label. However, the label's publicist later stated this was untrue.<ref>{{cite web|title=Young Thug Is Still Signed to 1017 Brick Squad/Atlantic, Says Source|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/5930256/young-thug-is-still-signed-to-1017-brick-squadatlantic-says|publisher=Billboard|accessdate=27 March 2014}}</ref> On March 28, 2014, Ronald "Caveman" Rosario, director of Urban Music at 1017 Distribution, cleared the situation, stating that Young Thug signed a management deal with Birdman's ], not a record deal, and is still signed to 1017 Brick Squad.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gucci Mane Made $1.3 Million Dollars In 2013|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/03/gucci-mane-made-1-3-million-dollars-2013/|publisher=XXL|accessdate=28 March 2014}}</ref> In January 2014, Young Thug revealed that he had been offered $8.5 million to sign to rapper Future's ] record label.<ref>{{cite web |author=C. Vernon Coleman II |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/01/young-thug-signing-futures-freebandz-imprint/ |title=Young Thug Signing To Future's Freebandz Imprint – XXL |publisher=Xxlmag.com |date=January 18, 2014 |access-date=August 27, 2015 |archive-date=July 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721084552/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/01/young-thug-signing-futures-freebandz-imprint/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In March 2014, Young Thug's affiliation with ] and its CEO, ], led to speculation about him signing to the label, though the label's publicist later denied the rumors.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Young Thug Is Still Signed to 1017 Brick Squad/Atlantic, Says Source|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/5930256/young-thug-is-still-signed-to-1017-brick-squadatlantic-says|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 27, 2014|archive-date=March 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310171752/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/5930256/young-thug-is-still-signed-to-1017-brick-squadatlantic-says|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 28, 2014, Ronald "Caveman" Rosario, director of Urban Music at 1017 Distribution, addressed the situation, stating that Young Thug signed a management deal—not a record deal—with Birdman's ], and is still signed to 1017 Brick Squad.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Gucci Mane Made $1.3 Million Dollars In 2013|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/03/gucci-mane-made-1-3-million-dollars-2013/|magazine=XXL|access-date=March 28, 2014|archive-date=March 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330204405/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/03/gucci-mane-made-1-3-million-dollars-2013/|url-status=live}}</ref>


In 2014, Thug also recorded several songs with ], who praised him for his ability to make songs so fast. Thug announced that he had upcoming mixtapes with ], ] and Bloody Jay.<ref name="complex1" /> Young Thug would go on to be featured on the March 2014 cover of '']''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Introducing The FADER's 90th Issue: King Krule and Young Thug|url=http://www.thefader.com/2014/02/11/introducing-fader-f90-issue-king-krule-young-thug-cover/|publisher=The Fader|accessdate=22 April 2014}}</ref> On March 11, 2014, his debut single "Stoner", was serviced to ] radio in the United States by Asylum and Atlantic Records.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/top40-rhythmic/future-releases|title=Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6NoC0sKFs?url=http://www.allaccess.com/top40-rhythmic/future-releases|archivedate=March 3, 2014}}</ref> On March 24, 2014, Thug stated his debut album would be titled ''Carter 6'', referencing the highly acclaimed '']'' album series by American hip hop superstar ], who has been the biggest influence in Young Thug's music career.<ref name="album">{{cite web|title=Young Thug Says His Album Is Going To Be Called 'Carter VI'|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/03/young-thug-says-album-going-called-carter-vi/|publisher=XXL|accessdate=25 March 2014}}</ref> Two days later, it was revealed that Young Thug was working on a collaborative album with American record producer Metro Boomin, which is titled ''Metro Thuggin'' and set for release in spring 2014. The first song from the project, titled "The BLanguage", uses elements from Canadian rapper ]'s "]", was released the same day.<ref>{{cite web|title=Young Thug and Metro Boomin Remix Drake's "The Language" on "The Blanguage"|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/03/young-thug-metro-boomin-the-blanguage|publisher=Complex|accessdate=28 March 2014}}</ref> In April 2014, Young Thug released a new 808 Mafia-produced song titled "Eww", which was named one of the five best songs of the week by ''XXL''.<ref>{{cite web|title=XXL's Best Songs Of The Week|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/04/xxl-songs-of-the-week-1/6/|publisher=XXL|accessdate=26 April 2014}}</ref> A remix of the song was supposed to be on Thug's debut album with verses from Lil Wayne and Drake, but that never happened.<ref>{{cite web|author=Emmanuel C.M. |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/03/young-thug-new-music-coming-ymcmb/ |title=Young Thug Has New Music Coming Out With YMCMB – XXL |publisher=Xxlmag.com |date=2014-03-06 |accessdate=2015-08-27}}</ref> In 2014, Young Thug recorded several songs with ], who praised him for his ability to make songs quickly. Thug announced that he had upcoming mixtapes with ], ] and Bloody Jay.<ref name="complex1" /> Young Thug would go on to be featured on the March 2014 cover of '']''.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Introducing The FADER's 90th Issue: King Krule and Young Thug|url=http://www.thefader.com/2014/02/11/introducing-fader-f90-issue-king-krule-young-thug-cover/|magazine=The Fader|access-date=April 22, 2014|archive-date=April 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407060720/http://www.thefader.com/2014/02/11/introducing-fader-f90-issue-king-krule-young-thug-cover/|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 11, 2014, his debut single "Stoner" was serviced to ] radio in the United States by Asylum and Atlantic Records.<ref>{{cite web |title=Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases |url=http://www.allaccess.com/top40-rhythmic/future-releases |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628004841/http://www.allaccess.com/top40-rhythmic/future-releases |archive-date=June 28, 2014}}</ref> On March 24, 2014, Young Thug stated his debut album would be titled ''Carter VI'',<ref name="album" /> referencing the highly acclaimed '']'' album series by American hip hop superstar ],{{Cn|date=December 2024}} who has been the biggest influence in Young Thug's music career.<ref name="album">{{cite magazine|title=Young Thug Says His Album Is Going To Be Called 'Carter VI'|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/03/young-thug-says-album-going-called-carter-vi/|magazine=XXL|access-date=March 25, 2014|archive-date=March 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325052953/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/03/young-thug-says-album-going-called-carter-vi/|url-status=live}}</ref>


Two days later, it was revealed that Young Thug was working on a collaborative album with American record producer ], which was titled ''Metro Thuggin'' and set for release in spring 2014. The first song from the project, titled "The BLanguage", which uses elements from Canadian rapper Drake's "]", was released the same day.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Young Thug and Metro Boomin Remix Drake's "The Language" on "The Blanguage"|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/03/young-thug-metro-boomin-the-blanguage|magazine=Complex|access-date=March 28, 2014|archive-date=March 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329095239/http://www.complex.com/music/2014/03/young-thug-metro-boomin-the-blanguage|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2014, Young Thug released a new ]-produced song titled "Eww", which was named one of the five best songs of the week by ''XXL''.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=XXL's Best Songs Of The Week|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/04/xxl-songs-of-the-week-1/6/|magazine=XXL|access-date=April 26, 2014|archive-date=April 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426234135/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/04/xxl-songs-of-the-week-1/6/|url-status=live}}</ref> A remix of the song was supposed to be on Thug's debut album with verses from Lil Wayne and Drake, but did not come to fruition.<ref>{{cite web |author=Emmanuel C.M. |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/03/young-thug-new-music-coming-ymcmb/ |title=Young Thug Has New Music Coming Out With YMCMB – XXL |publisher=Xxlmag.com |date=March 6, 2014 |access-date=August 27, 2015 |archive-date=March 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302071833/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/03/young-thug-new-music-coming-ymcmb/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
On June 17, 2014, ] confirmed that Young Thug had been officially signed to his and ]'s label ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/06/young-thug-signed-lyor-cohens-300/|title=300 Entertainment Partners with Migos And Quality Control Music|work=XXL|accessdate=9 March 2015}}</ref> On July 1, 2014, Asylum Records and Atlantic Records officially released Young Thug's 2013 fan-favorite song "Danny Glover", re-titling it "2 Bitches". Also on July 1, ] released "Old English", the first single from their compilation album ''Mass Appeal Vol. 1'', which features Young Thug alongside fellow American rappers ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/old-english-single/id894737789|title=iTunes – Music – Old English – Single by Young Thug, A$AP Ferg & Freddie Gibbs|work=iTunes|accessdate=9 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/2-bitches-single/id891191992|title=iTunes – Music – Light Through the Water – Single by Wandering Wind|work=iTunes|accessdate=9 March 2015}}</ref> On October 16, 2014, the first single from Cash Money Records ''Rich Gang 2'' compilation, was released titled "Take Kare", featuring Young Thug and Lil Wayne.<ref name=RapDose>{{cite web|title=Young Thug & Lil Wayne – Take Kare|url=http://rapdose.com/2014/10/16/young-thug-lil-wayne-take-kare|publisher=Rap Dose|accessdate=16 October 2014}}</ref> The December 4, 2014 issue of Rolling Stone called Young Thug the "most exciting new voice of hip-hop" and "hip-hop's new crown prince."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/perma-stoned-oddball-young-thug-is-the-hottest-voice-in-rap-20141204|title=Perma-Stoned Oddball Young Thug Is the Hottest Voice in Rap|website=Rolling Stone|access-date=2016-03-15}}</ref> At the end of the year, music critic ] named ''Black Portland''—Young Thug's collaborative mixtape with Bloody Jay—the fourth best album of 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last=Christgau|first=Robert|authorlink=Robert Christgau|date=March 10, 2015|url=http://www.barnesandnoble.com/review/excuses-excuses-the-2014-deans-list|title=Excuses, Excuses: The 2014 Dean’s List|work=]|accessdate=April 13, 2015}}</ref>


On June 17, 2014, ] confirmed that Young Thug had been officially signed to his and ]'s label ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/06/young-thug-signed-lyor-cohens-300/|title=300 Entertainment Partners with Migos And Quality Control Music|work=XXL|date=June 17, 2014 |access-date=March 9, 2015|archive-date=March 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321054738/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/06/young-thug-signed-lyor-cohens-300/|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 1, 2014, Asylum Records and Atlantic Records officially released Young Thug's 2013 fan-favorite song "Danny Glover", re-titling it "2 Bitches". Also on July 1, ] released "Old English", the first single from their compilation album ''Mass Appeal Vol. 1'', which features Young Thug alongside fellow American rappers ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/old-english-single/id894737789|title=iTunes – Music – Old English – Single by Young Thug, A$AP Ferg & Freddie Gibbs|work=iTunes|date=July 2014|access-date=March 9, 2015|archive-date=March 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303064748/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/old-english-single/id894737789|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/2-bitches-single/id891191992|title=iTunes – Music – Light Through the Water – Single by Wandering Wind|work=iTunes|date=July 19, 2014|access-date=March 9, 2015|archive-date=March 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304052720/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/2-bitches-single/id891191992|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 16, 2014, "Take Kare" featuring Young Thug and Lil Wayne was released; it was the first single from Cash Money Records's ''Rich Gang 2'' compilation.<ref name=RapDose>{{cite web|title=Young Thug & Lil Wayne – Take Kare|url=http://rapdose.com/2014/10/16/young-thug-lil-wayne-take-kare|publisher=Rap Dose|access-date=October 16, 2014|archive-date=October 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020235959/http://rapdose.com/2014/10/16/young-thug-lil-wayne-take-kare|url-status=live}}</ref> The December 4, 2014, issue of '']'' called Young Thug the "most exciting new voice of hip-hop" and "hip-hop's new crown prince".<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/perma-stoned-oddball-young-thug-is-the-hottest-voice-in-rap-20141204|title=Perma-Stoned Oddball Young Thug Is the Hottest Voice in Rap|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 4, 2014|access-date=March 15, 2016|archive-date=March 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326031214/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/perma-stoned-oddball-young-thug-is-the-hottest-voice-in-rap-20141204|url-status=live}}</ref> At the end of the year, music critic ] named ''Black Portland''—Young Thug's collaborative mixtape with Bloody Jay—the fourth best album of 2014.<ref>{{cite news |last=Christgau |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Christgau |date=March 10, 2015 |title=Excuses, Excuses: The 2014 Dean's List |url=http://www.barnesandnoble.com/review/excuses-excuses-the-2014-deans-list |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312050020/http://www.barnesandnoble.com/review/excuses-excuses-the-2014-deans-list |archive-date=March 12, 2015 |access-date=April 13, 2015 |work=]}}</ref>
=== 2015–16: ''Barter 6'' and ''Slime Season'' series===

]
===2015–2016: ''Barter 6'' and ''Slime Season'' series===
]
{{main|Barter 6|Slime Season|Slime Season 2|Slime Season 3}} {{main|Barter 6|Slime Season|Slime Season 2|Slime Season 3}}
In 2015, a series of data breaches leaked hundreds of unreleased tracks from Young Thug's archives to the Internet.<ref name="Slime Season">{{cite web |url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21099-slime-season/|title=Slime Season |date=September 24, 2015 |publisher=pitchfork.com |accessdate=October 14, 2015}}</ref> Young Thug's planned debut album was set for release in 2015, and was said to be named ''Carter 6'', in homage to Lil Wayne's upcoming album, ''Tha Carter V''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Young Thug Readies "Carter 6" Album|url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/03/17/young-thug-readies-carter-6-album/|publisher=BallerStatus.com|accessdate=17 March 2015}}</ref> Lil Wayne, however, wasn't happy about the tribute, telling the audience of a show in April 2015 to "stop listening" to Young Thug.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lil Wayne Blasts Young Thug For "Carter 6" Album Title|url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/04/10/lil-wayne-blasts-young-thug-for-carter-6-album-title/|publisher=BallerStatus.com|accessdate=10 April 2015}}</ref> After claiming he's been threatened with lawsuits, Young Thug announced that he was changing the title to '']'' and clarified that it would be a mixtape rather than his debut album.<ref>{{cite web|title=Young Thug Changes Title To "Carter 6" Mixtape|url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/04/13/young-thug-changes-title-to-carter-6-mixtape/|publisher=BallerStatus.com|accessdate=13 April 2015}}</ref> Young Thug announced April 18, 2015, that his official debut album will be titled ''Hy!£UN35'', which translates to "HiTunes".<ref>{{cite web|title=Young Thug Announces Debut Album "Hy!£UN35"|url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/04/19/young-thug-announces-debut-album-hyun35/|publisher=BallerStatus.com|accessdate=19 April 2015}}</ref> In May 2015, after much confusion as to who he was signed to and managed by, having been aligned with Gucci Mane's 1017 Records, Future's Freebandz, Lyor Cohen's 300 Entertainment and Birdman's Rich Gang, Young Thug revealed "I manage myself. I’m signed with Atlantic. I have a big, special deal with Atlantic, and it's only Atlantic. Birdman is my homie."<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/young-thug-says-his-next-mixtape-will-be-called-tha-carter-v-news.15606.html |title=Young Thug Says His Next Mixtape Will Be Called "Tha Carter V" |publisher=Hotnewhiphop.com |date= |accessdate=2015-08-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Diep |first=Eric |url=http://www.bet.com/news/music/2015/05/27/young-thug-wants-to-name-his-next-mixtape-tha-carter-v.html |title=Young Thug Wants to Name His Next Mixtape Tha Carter V &#124; News |publisher=BET |date= |accessdate=2015-08-27}}</ref> He also revealed he would be releasing another mixtape prior to the album, titled ''Tha Carter V''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) |url=http://allhiphop.com/2015/05/27/young-thug-birdman-rich-gang-management-carter-v-lil-wayne-video/ |title=Young Thug Says He's Not Signed To Birdman's Rich Gang, Plans To Drop "Carter V" Mixtape (VIDEO) |publisher=AllHipHop |date=2015-05-27 |accessdate=2015-08-27}}</ref> In 2015, a series of data breaches resulted in the release of hundreds of tracks from Young Thug's archives to the Internet.<ref name="Slime Season">{{cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21099-slime-season/ |title=Slime Season |date=September 24, 2015 |publisher=pitchfork.com |access-date=October 14, 2015 |archive-date=October 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015020957/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21099-slime-season/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Young Thug's planned debut album was set for release in 2015, and was said to be named ''Carter 6'', in homage to Lil Wayne's upcoming album, ''Tha Carter V''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Young Thug Readies "Carter 6" Album|date=March 17, 2015|url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/03/17/young-thug-readies-carter-6-album/|publisher=BallerStatus.com|access-date=March 17, 2015|archive-date=March 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320162808/http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/03/17/young-thug-readies-carter-6-album/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) |url=http://allhiphop.com/2015/05/27/young-thug-birdman-rich-gang-management-carter-v-lil-wayne-video/ |title=Young Thug Says He's Not Signed To Birdman's Rich Gang, Plans To Drop "Carter V" Mixtape (VIDEO) |website=AllHipHop |date=May 27, 2015 |access-date=August 27, 2015 |archive-date=August 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825130337/http://allhiphop.com/2015/05/27/young-thug-birdman-rich-gang-management-carter-v-lil-wayne-video/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Lil Wayne was not happy about the tribute, telling the audience of a show in April 2015 to "stop listening" to Young Thug.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 10, 2015 |title=Lil Wayne Blasts Young Thug For "Carter 6" Album Title |url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/04/10/lil-wayne-blasts-young-thug-for-carter-6-album-title/ |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413003315/http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/04/10/lil-wayne-blasts-young-thug-for-carter-6-album-title/ |archive-date=April 13, 2015 |access-date=April 10, 2015 |publisher=BallerStatus.com}}</ref>{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |fix-attempted=yes |url=}} After saying he had been threatened with lawsuits, Young Thug announced that he was changing the title to '']'' and clarified that it would be a mixtape rather than his debut album.<ref>{{cite web|title=Young Thug Changes Title To "Carter 6" Mixtape|url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/04/13/young-thug-changes-title-to-carter-6-mixtape/|publisher=BallerStatus.com|access-date=April 13, 2015|archive-date=April 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416060402/http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/04/13/young-thug-changes-title-to-carter-6-mixtape/|url-status=live}}</ref> Young Thug announced April 18, 2015, that his official debut album will be titled ''Hy!£UN35'', to be read as "HiTunes".<ref>{{cite web|title=Young Thug Announces Debut Album "Hy!£UN35"|date=April 19, 2015|url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/04/19/young-thug-announces-debut-album-hyun35/|publisher=BallerStatus.com|access-date=April 19, 2015|archive-date=April 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419220509/http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/04/19/young-thug-announces-debut-album-hyun35/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 2015, after much confusion as to who he was signed to and managed by, having been aligned with Gucci Mane's 1017 Records, Future's Freebandz, Lyor Cohen's 300 Entertainment and Birdman's Rich Gang, Young Thug revealed "I manage myself. I'm signed with Atlantic. I have a big, special deal with Atlantic, and it's only Atlantic. Birdman is my homie."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/young-thug-says-his-next-mixtape-will-be-called-tha-carter-v-news.15606.html |title=Young Thug Says His Next Mixtape Will Be Called "Tha Carter V" |date=May 27, 2015 |publisher=Hotnewhiphop.com |access-date=August 27, 2015 |archive-date=September 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910102819/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/young-thug-says-his-next-mixtape-will-be-called-tha-carter-v-news.15606.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Diep |first=Eric |url=https://www.bet.com/article/g2k5p6/young-thug-wants-to-name-his-next-mixtape-tha-carter-v |title=Young Thug Wants to Name His Next Mixtape Tha Carter V |publisher=BET |access-date=August 27, 2015 |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923230818/http://www.bet.com/news/music/2015/05/27/young-thug-wants-to-name-his-next-mixtape-tha-carter-v.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2015, Thug released the compilation mixtapes '']'' and ''],'' which were well-received.<ref name="Slime Season" /> Young Thug revealed in late June 2015 that he and Kanye West discussed the prospect of a joint album together. Thug said Kanye was impressed after previewing his unreleased music. "I was letting him hear all the music. Then he said I was like Bob Marley and he wanted to do an album with me. I was like, 'Let's roll!'" the rapper said.<ref>{{cite web|title=Young Thug Says Kanye Compared Him To Bob Marley|date=June 26, 2015|url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/06/26/young-thug-says-kanye-compared-him-to-bob-marley/|publisher=BallerStatus.com|access-date=June 26, 2015|archive-date=June 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627053842/http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/06/26/young-thug-says-kanye-compared-him-to-bob-marley/|url-status=live}}</ref> Young Thug appeared on West's 2016 album '']'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/63604-kanye-west-shares-full-the-life-of-pablo-credits/|title=Kanye West Shares Full ''The Life of Pablo'' Credits|website=]|last1=Minsker|first1=Evan|date=February 17, 2016|access-date=February 19, 2016|archive-date=February 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160218150459/http://pitchfork.com/news/63604-kanye-west-shares-full-the-life-of-pablo-credits/|url-status=live}}</ref> and West tweeted that he would release further collaborations with Young Thug on ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/63580-kanye-west-says-the-life-of-pablo-will-never-be-for-sale-promises-songs-with-kendrick-lamar-and-young-thug/|title=Kanye West Says ''The Life of Pablo'' Will Never Be for Sale, Promises Songs With Kendrick Lamar and Young Thug|last1=Minsker|first1=Evan|website=]|date=February 15, 2016|access-date=February 19, 2016|archive-date=February 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160218145644/http://pitchfork.com/news/63580-kanye-west-says-the-life-of-pablo-will-never-be-for-sale-promises-songs-with-kendrick-lamar-and-young-thug/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2015, 300 Entertainment released a promotional single, "Pacifier", in support of Young Thug's debut album ''Hy!£UN35''. The song features production from ], and was noted by critics for its experimentation with more extreme vocal ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Pacifier, HiTunes' first single|website=]|date=July 17, 2015|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/60423-young-thug-shares-pacifier/|access-date=July 25, 2015|archive-date=July 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150727073303/http://pitchfork.com/news/60423-young-thug-shares-pacifier/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=FACT Team |url=http://www.factmag.com/2015/07/17/hear-young-thug-scat-on-mike-will-produced-pacifier/ |title=Hear Young Thug scat on Mike WiLL-produced 'Pacifier' |date=July 17, 2015 |publisher=Factmag.com |access-date=August 27, 2015 |archive-date=September 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918072241/http://www.factmag.com/2015/07/17/hear-young-thug-scat-on-mike-will-produced-pacifier/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On February 4, 2016, Young Thug released a mixtape titled '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/62529-young-thug-drops-im-up/|title=Young Thug Drops ''I'm Up''|last1=Minsker|first1=Evan|last2=Strauss|first2=Matthew|date=February 4, 2016|access-date=February 12, 2016|website=]|archive-date=February 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215073114/http://pitchfork.com/news/62529-young-thug-drops-im-up/|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 26, 2016, he released the final installment of the ''Slime Season'' series with '']'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.datpiff.com/Young-Thug-Slime-Season-3-mixtape.757481.html|title=Young Thug – Slime Season 3|access-date=April 6, 2016|archive-date=April 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407170747/http://www.datpiff.com/Young-Thug-Slime-Season-3-mixtape.757481.html|url-status=live}}</ref> declaring the mixtape the end of a phase marked by leaked material. Young Thug toured the United States on his May 2016 HiTunes tour, which featured artists ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ivey|first1=Justin|title=Dae Dae Releases '4 Reasons' Mixtape – XXL|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/04/dae-dae-4-reasons-mixtape/|website=XXL Mag|date=April 28, 2016 |access-date=June 23, 2016|archive-date=May 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505154723/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/04/dae-dae-4-reasons-mixtape/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2016–2018: ''Jeffery'' and collaborations===
{{main|Jeffery (mixtape)|Beautiful Thugger Girls|Super Slimey|}}
Young Thug was featured in ]'s Fall 2016 fashion campaign, along with ] among others. On July 9, 2016, he announced his self-titled mixtape '']'' was coming out soon.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/young-thugs-jeffery-mixtape-is-on-the-way-news.22755.html? |title=Jeffery is on the way |last=Smith |first=Trevor |website=HNHH |date=July 9, 2016 |access-date=July 10, 2016 |archive-date=August 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816140231/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/young-thugs-jeffery-mixtape-is-on-the-way-news.22755.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On August 16, 2016, Thug announced he would change his name to "No, My Name Is Jeffery" for the week of ''Jeffery''<nowiki/>'s release.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/young-thug-only-changing-name-to-no-my-name-is-jeffery-for-one-week-news.23508.html? |title=Young Thug only changing his name to Jeffery for one week |website=HNHH |date=August 16, 2016 |access-date=August 16, 2016 |archive-date=August 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817135416/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/young-thug-only-changing-name-to-no-my-name-is-jeffery-for-one-week-news.23508.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The album artwork features Young Thug with his face obscured wearing a dress designed by Italian designer Alessandro Trincone, and was photographed by Garfield Lamond.<ref name="comp">{{cite web|last1=Wolf|first1=Cameron|title=This Is the Story Behind Young Thug's 'Jeffery' Dress|url=http://www.complex.com/style/2016/08/young-thug-jeffery-dress-story|website=]|access-date=August 27, 2016|archive-date=August 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160830223308/http://www.complex.com/style/2016/08/young-thug-jeffery-dress-story|url-status=live}}</ref> The artwork ] and prompted a wide range of responses on social media.<ref name="usatoday">{{cite web|last1=Jones|first1=Jaleesa M.|title=Twitter is having a ball with Young Thug's 'Jeffery' cover art|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/08/26/young-thug-mixtape-cover-art-goes-viral/89404902/|website=]|access-date=August 27, 2016|archive-date=August 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826172531/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/08/26/young-thug-mixtape-cover-art-goes-viral/89404902/|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2016, he announced he was starting his own record label imprint called ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/young-thug-announces-ysl-records-imprint-news.25532.html? |title=Young Thug announces leading YSL records |last=Smith |first=Trevor |date=November 16, 2016 |website=Hotnewhiphop |access-date=November 17, 2016 |archive-date=November 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118035844/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/young-thug-announces-ysl-records-imprint-news.25532.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In March 2017, Young Thug was featured on the songs "Sacrifices" and "Ice Melts" from ]'s commercial mixtape '']''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Yoo|first1=Noah|title=Stream Drake's New Album More Life, Featuring Kanye, Young Thug, Sampha, More {{!}} Pitchfork|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/72317-stream-drakes-new-album-more-life-featuring-kanye-young-thug-sampha-more/|website=pitchfork.com|date=March 18, 2017|access-date=April 3, 2017|language=en|archive-date=April 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403083649/http://pitchfork.com/news/72317-stream-drakes-new-album-more-life-featuring-kanye-young-thug-sampha-more/|url-status=live}}</ref> He was featured on ]' song "]" along with ] and ], released in March 2017.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Spanos|first1=Brittany|title=Hear Ariana Grande, Pharrell, Young Thug on Motown-Inspired Calvin Harris Song |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-ariana-grande-pharrell-on-motown-inspired-calvin-harris-song-w474391|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=March 31, 2017|access-date=April 3, 2017|archive-date=April 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402223011/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-ariana-grande-pharrell-on-motown-inspired-calvin-harris-song-w474391|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2017, Young Thug announced the commercial mixtape '']'', originally titled ''E.B.B.T.G''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Everything We Know About Young Thug's 'E.B.B.T.G.' So Far|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2017/06/young-thug-everything-we-know-about-easy-breezy-beautiful-thugger-girls|website=Complex|access-date=July 12, 2017|language=en|archive-date=July 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709133554/http://www.complex.com/music/2017/06/young-thug-everything-we-know-about-easy-breezy-beautiful-thugger-girls|url-status=live}}</ref> The project was executive-produced by Drake and was released on June 16, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=BEAUTIFUL THUGGER GIRLS by Young Thug on Apple Music|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/beautiful-thugger-girls/id1247607650|website=iTunes|date=June 16, 2017|access-date=July 12, 2017|archive-date=July 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711233942/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/beautiful-thugger-girls/id1247607650|url-status=live}}</ref> In August, Thug featured on ]'s single "]", which peaked at number one on the ], marking his first number-one hit.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Bell|first1=Sadie|title=Camila Cabello Releases New Songs 'Havana' Featuring Young Thug & 'OMG' Featuring Quavo|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7889755/camila-cabello-new-songs-havana-young-thug-omg-quavo|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 30, 2018|archive-date=June 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613165319/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7889755/camila-cabello-new-songs-havana-young-thug-omg-quavo|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2017, he released a joint EP with ] titled '']''.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Penrose|first1=Nerisha|title=Young Thug & DJ Carnage Unleash New Young Martha Track 'Liger'|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7973607/young-thug-dj-carnage-liger-new-song|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 26, 2017|archive-date=September 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924134134/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7973607/young-thug-dj-carnage-liger-new-song|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2017, Thug released a collaborative mixtape with Future titled '']''. It includes tracks recorded by each of the artists individually as well as both together, and features guest vocals from rapper ].

In 2018, Young Thug released the single "]", a collaboration by ], Falcons, and 24hrs via A-Trak's record label ].<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-young-thug-a-traks-rowdy-new-song-ride-for-me-w516471 |title=Hear Young Thug, A-Trak's Rowdy New Song 'Ride For Me' |last=Spanos |first=Brittany |magazine=] |date=February 7, 2018 |access-date=February 8, 2018 |archive-date=February 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207234733/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-young-thug-a-traks-rowdy-new-song-ride-for-me-w516471 |url-status=live }}</ref> He released the EP '']'' in April 2018.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Helman|first1=Peter|title=Listen to Young Thug's Surprise EP 'Hear No Evil' Featuring Nicki Minaj, Lil Uzi Vert & 21 Savage|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8310215/young-thug-surprise-ep-hear-no-evil-featuring-nicki-minaj-21-savage-lil-uzi-vert|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 30, 2018|archive-date=April 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413053140/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8310215/young-thug-surprise-ep-hear-no-evil-featuring-nicki-minaj-21-savage-lil-uzi-vert|url-status=live}}</ref> Young Thug co-wrote<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/track/0b9oOr2ZgvyQu88wzixux9?si=YaGQQmC5QIuO7FfzlNYpUA|title=This Is America|last=Gambino|first=Childish|website=Spotify|date=May 6, 2018|access-date=December 11, 2018|archive-date=March 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310035226/https://open.spotify.com/track/0b9oOr2ZgvyQu88wzixux9?si=YaGQQmC5QIuO7FfzlNYpUA&nd=1|url-status=live}}</ref> and provided background vocals<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2018/05/childish-gambino-this-is-america-ad-lib-list|title=Here Are the Rappers Who Contributed to Childish Gambino's "This Is America"|website=Complex|language=en|access-date=December 11, 2018|archive-date=December 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212024241/https://www.complex.com/music/2018/05/childish-gambino-this-is-america-ad-lib-list|url-status=live}}</ref> on Childish Gambino's "]", which debuted at number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart for May 19, 2018.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8455823/childish-gambino-this-is-america-no-1-hot-100|title=Childish Gambino's 'This Is America' Blasts in at No. 1 on ''Billboard'' Hot 100|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 11, 2018|archive-date=May 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515020510/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8455823/childish-gambino-this-is-america-no-1-hot-100|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2018, he released another compilation album, '']''.<ref name="Hypebeast">{{cite web|url=https://hypebeast.com/2018/8/young-thug-slime-language-stream|title=Stream Young Thug's Featured-Filled 'Slime Language' Compilation Project|work=Hypebeast|last=Li|first=Nicolaus|date=August 17, 2018|access-date=August 17, 2018|archive-date=August 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817075222/https://hypebeast.com/2018/8/young-thug-slime-language-stream|url-status=live}}</ref>


===2019–2020: ''So Much Fun'' and ''Slime & B''===
To circumvent their further spread of leaked tracks, Thug released the well-received compilation mixtapes '']'' and '']''.<ref name="Slime Season"/> Young Thug revealed in late June 2015 that he and Kanye West have discussed the prospect of a joint album together, both agreeing after a meeting in the spring. Details are still scarce, but Thug said Kanye was impressed after previewing his unreleased music. "I was letting him hear all the music. Then he said I was like Bob Marley and he wanted to do an album with me. I was like, 'Let's roll!'" the rapper said.<ref>{{cite web|title=Young Thug Says Kanye Compared Him To Bob Marley|url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/06/26/young-thug-says-kanye-compared-him-to-bob-marley/|publisher=BallerStatus.com|accessdate=26 June 2015}}</ref> Young Thug appeared on West's 2016 album '']'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/63604-kanye-west-shares-full-the-life-of-pablo-credits/|title=Kanye West Shares Full ''The Life of Pablo'' Credits|website=]|last1=Minsker|first1=Evan|date=17 February 2016|access-date=19 February 2016}}</ref> and West tweeted that he would release further collaborations with Young Thug on ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/63580-kanye-west-says-the-life-of-pablo-will-never-be-for-sale-promises-songs-with-kendrick-lamar-and-young-thug/|title=Kanye West Says ''The Life of Pablo'' Will Never Be for Sale, Promises Songs With Kendrick Lamar and Young Thug|last1=Minsker|first1=Evan|website=]|date=15 February 2016|access-date=19 February 2016}}</ref> In July 2015, ] released a promotional single, "Pacifier", in support of Young Thug's debut album HiTunes (stylized as Hy!£UN35). The song features production from ], and was noted by critics for its experimentation with more extreme vocal scatting.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pacifier, HiTunes' first single|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/60423-young-thug-shares-pacifier/|accessdate=25 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=FACT Team |url=http://www.factmag.com/2015/07/17/hear-young-thug-scat-on-mike-will-produced-pacifier/ |title=Hear Young Thug scat on Mike WiLL-produced 'Pacifier' |publisher=Factmag.com |date= |accessdate=2015-08-27}}</ref> On February 4, 2016, Young Thug released a mixtape titled '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/62529-young-thug-drops-im-up/|title=Young Thug Drops ''I'm Up''|last1=Minsker|first1=Evan|last2=Strauss|first2=Matthew|date=4 February 2016|access-date=12 February 2016|website=]}}</ref> On March 26, 2016, he released the final installment of the ''Slime Season'' series in '']'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.datpiff.com/Young-Thug-Slime-Season-3-mixtape.757481.html|title=Young Thug – Slime Season 3|publisher=}}</ref> declaring the mixtape the end of a phase marked by leaked material. Young Thug toured the United States on his May 2016 Hi-Tunes tour, which featured artists ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ivey|first1=Justin|title=Dae Dae Releases '4 Reasons' Mixtape – XXL|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/04/dae-dae-4-reasons-mixtape/|website=XXL Mag|accessdate=23 June 2016}}</ref>
{{main|So Much Fun|Slime & B|}}
On May 23, 2019, Young Thug released the single "]", featuring American rappers ] and ]. On the same day, also announced his forthcoming debut studio album, which was originally called ''Gold Mouf Dog''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/hiphop/young-thug-the-london-reactions-new-music/|title=Fans Are Really Freaking Out About The New Young Thug|website=]|last=Coley|first=Jordan|date=May 23, 2019|access-date=May 24, 2019|archive-date=May 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524024555/https://uproxx.com/hiphop/young-thug-the-london-reactions-new-music/|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 19, 2019, Young Thug announced that the album had been renamed to '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/young-thug-changes-upcoming-album-title-news.86084.html|title=Young Thug Changes Upcoming Album Title|website=HotNewHipHop|last=Zidel|first=Alex|date=July 19, 2019|access-date=August 11, 2019|archive-date=July 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719183222/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/young-thug-changes-upcoming-album-title-news.86084.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 10, 2019, Young Thug announced the album's release date and cover art. The track listing was revealed on August 15. The album was released on August 16, 2019, the rapper's 28th birthday. It features guest appearances from ], ], ], ], ], Lil Duke, ], ], ], ], ], ], J. Cole, and Travis Scott.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2019/08/young-thug-so-much-fun-release-date/|title=Young Thug to Release New Album So Much Fun Next Week|website=XXL|last=Coleman II|first=C. Vernon|date=August 10, 2019|access-date=August 11, 2019|archive-date=August 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811013250/https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2019/08/young-thug-so-much-fun-release-date/|url-status=live}}</ref> The album debuted at number one on the US ].


On October 20, 2019, Young Thug appeared on '']'' alongside rapper and fellow labelmate ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://headlineplanet.com/home/2019/10/20/first-look-kate-beckinsale-alec-baldwin-young-thug-gunna-appear-on-jimmy-fallons-tonight-show/|title=First Look: Kate Beckinsale, Alec Baldwin, Young Thug & Gunna Appear On Jimmy Fallon's "Tonight Show"|date=2019-10-20|website=Headline Planet|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-21|archive-date=October 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021013636/https://headlineplanet.com/home/2019/10/20/first-look-kate-beckinsale-alec-baldwin-young-thug-gunna-appear-on-jimmy-fallons-tonight-show/|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 31, 2019, "]", a song from ''So Much Fun'' which featured Gunna, received a remix with an additional feature from Travis Scott. The deluxe edition of the album was released on December 20, 2019, with extra guest appearances from Gunna and Travis Scott as well as the "Hot" remix.{{Cn|date=December 2024}}
In early 2016, Thug released a song with Mexican-American rapper, ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefader.com/2016/06/20/kap-g-and-young-thug-dont-need-em|title=Kap G and Young Thug Have No Time For Negativity On "Don’t Need Em"|publisher=}}</ref>
]'', his 2020 collaborative mixtape with ] (pictured), spawned the single "]", Thug's highest-charting single as a lead artist]]
On April 29, 2020, Young Thug and American singer ] announced their collaborative mixtape, '']''. It was released on May 5, 2020,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/chris-brown-and-young-thugs-joint-mixtape-release-date-is-here-news.109342.html|title=Chris Brown & Young Thug's Joint Mixtape Release Date Is Here|work=HotNewHipHop|date=April 29, 2020|access-date=April 29, 2020|archive-date=April 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428154055/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/chris-brown-and-young-thugs-joint-mixtape-release-date-is-here-news.109342.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and features guest appearances from ], ], Lil Duke, ], ], HoodyBaby, and ]. The mixtape's lead single, "]", peaked at number three on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, becoming Thug's highest-charting single as a lead artist. On September 25, Thug was featured alongside British rapper ] on Travis Scott's single "]", which debuted at number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, marking Thug's second number-one single. By the end of the year, he had fourteen chart entries on the Hot 100, due to several collaborations with other artists.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Young Thug Has Dominated the Hot 100 in 2020 Without Any Solo Projects|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9469930/young-thug-hot-100-dominant-2020/|access-date=2020-10-26|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=October 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024224636/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9469930/young-thug-hot-100-dominant-2020/|url-status=live}}</ref>


===2016–present: ''Jeffery'', collaborations, and other releases=== ===2021–present: ''Punk'' and ''Business Is Business''===
{{main|Punk (Young Thug album)|Business Is Business (Young Thug album)}}
{{main|Jeffery (mixtape)|Beautiful Thugger Girls|Super Slimey}}
Young Thug was featured in ]'s Fall 2016 fashion campaign, along with ] among others. On July 9, 2016, he announced his self-titled mixtape '']'' was coming out soon.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/young-thugs-jeffery-mixtape-is-on-the-way-news.22755.html? |title=Jeffery is on the way |last=Smith |first=Trevor |date=9 July 2016 |access-date=10 July 2016}}</ref> On August 16, 2016, Thug announced he would change his name to Jeffery for one week, the week during the release of the ''Jeffery'' mixtape.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/young-thug-only-changing-name-to-no-my-name-is-jeffery-for-one-week-news.23508.html? |title=Young Thug only changing his name to Jeffery for one week |access-date=August 16, 2016}}</ref> The album artwork features Young Thug dressed in an androgynous dress designed by Italian designer Alessandro Trincone, and was photographed by Garfield Lamond.<ref name="comp">{{cite web|last1=Wolf|first1=Cameron|title=This Is the Story Behind Young Thug's 'Jeffery' Dress|url=http://www.complex.com/style/2016/08/young-thug-jeffery-dress-story|website=]|accessdate=27 August 2016}}</ref> The artwork ] and prompted a wide range of responses on social media.<ref name="usatoday">{{cite web|last1=Jones|first1=Jaleesa M.|title=Twitter is having a ball with Young Thug's 'Jeffery' cover art|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/08/26/young-thug-mixtape-cover-art-goes-viral/89404902/|website=]|accessdate=27 August 2016}}</ref>


On April 16, 2021, YSL Records, along with Young Thug and Gunna, released their second compilation album '']''. The album debuted at number one on the ''Billboard'' 200 and included guest appearances from Travis Scott, ], ], ], YTB Trench, ], ], ], Nav, ], Future, ], BSlime, ], and ], with production mainly handled by ], ], and ]. It was supported by two singles, "Take It to Trial" and "That Go!".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/young-thug-releases-new-album-slime-language-2-with-drake-travis-scott-lil-uzi-vert-listen/|title=Young Thug Releases New Album Slime Language 2 With Drake, Travis Scott, Lil Uzi Vert: Listen|website=]|last=Bloom|first=Madison|date=April 16, 2021|accessdate=April 29, 2021|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423034847/https://pitchfork.com/news/young-thug-releases-new-album-slime-language-2-with-drake-travis-scott-lil-uzi-vert-listen/|url-status=live}}</ref> A deluxe edition was released on April 23, containing eight new songs and featuring artists such as ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Young Thug Drops 'Slime Language 2 (Deluxe)'|url=https://www.rap-up.com/2021/04/23/young-thug-ysl-slime-language-2-deluxe-stream/|access-date=2021-04-23|website=Rap-Up|archive-date=April 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426183558/https://www.rap-up.com/2021/04/23/young-thug-ysl-slime-language-2-deluxe-stream/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Stream the Deluxe Version of Young Thug and YSL's 'Slime Language 2'|url=https://www.complex.com/music/young-thug-ysl-slime-language-2-deluxe-stream|access-date=2021-04-23|website=Complex|archive-date=April 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424052544/https://www.complex.com/music/young-thug-ysl-slime-language-2-deluxe-stream|url-status=live}}</ref>
In November 2016, he announced he was starting his own record label imprint called YSL records.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/young-thug-announces-ysl-records-imprint-news.25532.html? |title=Young Thug announces leading YSL records |last=Smith |first=Trevor |date=16 November 2016 |website=] |access-date=17 November 2016}}</ref> Thug provided vocals on ] songs "Sacrifices" and "Ice Melts" on the album '']''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Yoo|first1=Noah|title=Stream Drake's New Album More Life, Featuring Kanye, Young Thug, Sampha, More {{!}} Pitchfork|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/72317-stream-drakes-new-album-more-life-featuring-kanye-young-thug-sampha-more/|website=pitchfork.com|accessdate=3 April 2017|language=en}}</ref> He was featured on ]' song "]" along with ] and ], released in March 2017.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Spanos|first1=Brittany|title=Hear Ariana Grande, Pharrell, Young Thug on Motown-Inspired Calvin Harris Song|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-ariana-grande-pharrell-on-motown-inspired-calvin-harris-song-w474391|website=Rolling Stone|accessdate=3 April 2017}}</ref> In May 2017, he featured in the ] song "]" which also features ] and ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-justin-bieber-rap-on-diplos-rubbery-new-song-bankroll-w481974|title=Hear Justin Bieber Rap on Diplo's Rubbery New Song 'Bankroll'|last=Spanos|first=Brittany|date=11 May 2017|work=Rolling Stone|access-date=2017-05-12|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thefader.com/2017/05/11/justin-bieber-diplo-bankroll-rich-the-kid-young-thug|title=Listen To Justin Bieber Rap On Diplo's "Bankroll" With Rich The Kid And Young Thug|last=Darville|first=Jordan|date=11 May 2017|website=The FADER|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2017-05-12}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Diplo – Bank Roll Feat. Justin Bieber, Young Thug & Rich The Kid {{!}} Stream |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/diplo-bank-roll-feat-justin-bieber-young-thug-and-rich-the-kid-new-song.1974060.html|accessdate=2017-05-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/dance/7792851/justin-bieber-bankroll-diplo-young-thug-rich-kid|title=Listen to Justin Bieber Rap on Diplo's 'Bankroll' Collab With Young Thug & Rich the Kid|last=Bein|first=Kat|date=11 May 2017|work=Billboard|access-date=2017-05-12|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=}}</ref>


In July 2021, Young Thug advertised his second studio album '']'' with a release date of October 15, 2021. The album was originally announced in August 2019 and was expected shortly after the release of ''So Much Fun''. "]" was released as the intended lead single from the album, on August 20, 2021, but was excluded from the final track listing. In September 2021, Thug reached number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 for the third time in his career with his feature alongside Future on "]", the lead single off ] album '']''. On October 15, Thug released his album '']''.{{Cn|date=December 2024}}
In April 2017, Young Thug announced the commercial mixtape '']'', originally titled ''E.B.B.T.G''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Everything We Know About Young Thug's 'E.B.B.T.G.' So Far|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2017/06/young-thug-everything-we-know-about-easy-breezy-beautiful-thugger-girls|website=Complex|accessdate=12 July 2017|language=en}}</ref> The project was executively-produced by ] and was released on June 16, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=BEAUTIFUL THUGGER GIRLS by Young Thug on Apple Music|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/beautiful-thugger-girls/id1247607650|website=iTunes|accessdate=12 July 2017}}</ref> In August, he featured on ] single "]".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bell|first1=Sadie|title=Camila Cabello Releases New Songs 'Havana' Featuring Young Thug & 'OMG' Featuring Quavo|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7889755/camila-cabello-new-songs-havana-young-thug-omg-quavo|website=Billboard|accessdate=30 April 2018}}</ref>


In November 2021, ] announced a new global publishing deal with Young Thug, in which the company would handle his publishing administration, global sync, and creative services.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Robinson|first=Kristin|title=Young Thug Signs With Kobalt Music for Publishing|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/publishing/9657585/young-thug-kobalt-music-publishing-administration/|date=November 10, 2021|access-date=November 10, 2021|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=November 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110143913/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/publishing/9657585/young-thug-kobalt-music-publishing-administration/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In September 2017, he released a joint EP with ] titled ''Young Martha''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Penrose|first1=Nerisha|title=Young Thug & DJ Carnage Unleash New Young Martha Track 'Liger'|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7973607/young-thug-dj-carnage-liger-new-song|website=Billboard|accessdate=26 September 2017}}</ref> In October 2017, Thug released a collaborative mixtape with Future titled '']''. It includes tracks recorded by each of the artists individually as well as both together, and features guest vocals from rapper ].


In June 2023, Young Thug's social media accounts posted a ] which led to a countdown which was set to conclude on June 23. Many of Thug's peers reposted the code, with ] confirming that he executive produced his upcoming album shortly after.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cho |first=Regina |date=2023-06-16 |title=Young Thug Posts Mysterious QR Code On Social Media |url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/young-thug-posts-qr-code-on-social-media-1234765624/ |access-date=2023-06-25 |website=VIBE.com |language=en-US |archive-date=June 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625024518/https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/young-thug-posts-qr-code-on-social-media-1234765624/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Mier |first=Tomás |date=2023-06-23 |title=Young Thug Will Drop Album 'Business Is Business' From Jail |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/young-thug-business-is-business-album-announcement-1234776661/ |access-date=2023-06-25 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-date=June 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625062628/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/young-thug-business-is-business-album-announcement-1234776661/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On June 23, Young Thug's third studio album, ] was released with features from Drake, Travis Scott, Future, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, and more, making for Thug's first project released since his May 2022 arrest.<ref name="wsbtv.com"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Srour |first=Yousef |date=2023-06-23 |title=Young Thug Drops Star-Studded 'Business Is Business' Surprise Project From Prison: Album Review |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/reviews/young-thug-business-is-business-album-review-1235653507/ |access-date=2023-06-25 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=June 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625024518/https://variety.com/2023/music/reviews/young-thug-business-is-business-album-review-1235653507/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2018, the single "]" was released as a collaboration by ], Falcons, Young Thug and 24hrs via A-Trak's record label ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-young-thug-a-traks-rowdy-new-song-ride-for-me-w516471 |title=Hear Young Thug, A-Trak's Rowdy New Song 'Ride For Me' |last=Spanos |first=Brittany |website=] |access-date=2018-02-08}}</ref> He released the EP '']'' in April 2018.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Helman|first1=Peter|title=Listen to Young Thug's Surprise EP 'Hear No Evil' Featuring Nicki Minaj, Lil Uzi Vert & 21 Savage|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8310215/young-thug-surprise-ep-hear-no-evil-featuring-nicki-minaj-21-savage-lil-uzi-vert|website=Billboard|accessdate=30 April 2018}}</ref> Young Thug co-wrote<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/track/0b9oOr2ZgvyQu88wzixux9?si=YaGQQmC5QIuO7FfzlNYpUA|title=This Is America|last=Gambino|first=Childish|date=|website=Spotify|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> and provided background vocals<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2018/05/childish-gambino-this-is-america-ad-lib-list|title=Here Are the Rappers Who Contributed to Childish Gambino's "This Is America"|website=Complex|language=en|access-date=2018-12-11}}</ref> on ]’s “],” which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart for May 19th, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8455823/childish-gambino-this-is-america-no-1-hot-100|title=Childish Gambino's 'This Is America' Blasts in at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100|website=Billboard|access-date=2018-12-11}}</ref> In August 2018, he released another compilation album, '']''.<ref name="Hypebeast">{{cite web|url=https://hypebeast.com/2018/8/young-thug-slime-language-stream|title=Stream Young Thug's Featured-Filled 'Slime Language' Compilation Project|work=]|last=Li|first=Nicolaus|date=August 17, 2018|accessdate=August 17, 2018}}</ref>


==Artistry== ==Artistry==
===Musical style and influence===
Young Thug has received both praise and criticism for his eccentric vocal style,<ref name="fact1" /> which has been described as departing from traditional rap lyricism and sometimes intelligible meaning.<ref name="wired">{{cite journal|last1=Locke|first1=Charley|title=Young Thug Isn't Rapping Gibberish, He's Evolving Language|url=https://www.wired.com/2015/10/young-thug-evolution-of-language/|journal=]|access-date=September 2, 2016|archive-date=September 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160903230342/http://www.wired.com/2015/10/young-thug-evolution-of-language/|url-status=live}}</ref> Jeff Weiss of '']'' called him the "most influential rapper of the 21st century."<ref name="Weiss"/> According to '']'', "in a typical Young Thug verse, he slurs, shouts, whines and sings, feverishly contorting his voice into a series of odd timbres like a beautifully played but broken wind instrument."<ref name="fad1" /> ''Pitchfork'' called his style "extraordinarily distinctive" and "a weird, experimental approach to rapping" while praising his "presence, persona, mystique, and, potentially, star power".<ref name=pf1>{{cite web|title=Young Thug I Came From Nothing 3|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/16953-i-came-from-nothing-3/|publisher=Pitchfork Media|access-date=January 12, 2014|archive-date=January 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112213431/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/16953-i-came-from-nothing-3/|url-status=live}}</ref>


'']'' wrote that "Thug uses this multiplicative vocal delivery to his advantage: where another rapper might lapse into repetition, he finds a new way to distress and warp his tone, to burrow resourcefully into rhythmic cracks and crevices."<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/review/6538528/album-review-young-thug-barter-6 |title=Album Review: Young Thug Exists In His Own Weird World On 'Barter 6' |magazine=Billboard |date=April 17, 2015 |access-date=June 21, 2015 |archive-date=June 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623074404/http://www.billboard.com/articles/review/6538528/album-review-young-thug-barter-6 |url-status=live }}</ref> '']'' noted his aptitude for creating catchy, melodic ].<ref name=complex2>{{cite magazine|title=The 10 Best Hook Artists in the Game Right Now|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/06/the-10-best-hook-artists-in-the-game-right-now/young-thug|magazine=Complex|access-date=September 1, 2014|archive-date=October 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013074338/http://www.complex.com/music/2014/06/the-10-best-hook-artists-in-the-game-right-now/young-thug|url-status=live}}</ref> ''XXL'' called him a "rap weirdo", stating that "Thug's charisma, unhinged flow and hooks make his music intriguing."<ref name=xxl1>{{cite magazine|title=Young Thug Releases New Mixtape "1017 Thug"|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/02/young-thug-releases-new-mixtape-1017-thug-download-now/|magazine=XXL|access-date=January 12, 2014|archive-date=January 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112173909/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/02/young-thug-releases-new-mixtape-1017-thug-download-now/|url-status=live}}</ref> Critic Sheldon Pearce wrote that "Thug understands the modern pop song construction better than anyone: anything and everything can be a hook."<ref name="p4k">{{cite web|last1=Pearce|first1=Sheldon|title=Young Thug JEFFERY Album Review|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/22329-jeffery/|work=]|access-date=September 1, 2016|archive-date=September 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902002957/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/22329-jeffery/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Musical style===
Young Thug has received both praise and criticism for his eccentric and unique vocal style,<ref name="fact1" /> which has been described as departing from traditional rap lyricism and sometimes intelligible meaning.<ref name="wired">{{cite web|last1=Locke|first1=Charley|title=Young Thug Isn’t Rapping Gibberish, He's Evolving Language|url=https://www.wired.com/2015/10/young-thug-evolution-of-language/|website=]|accessdate=2 September 2016}}</ref> According to '']'', "in a typical Young Thug verse, he slurs, shouts, whines and sings, feverishly contorting his voice into a series of odd timbres like a beautifully played but broken wind instrument."<ref name="fad1" /> ''Pitchfork'' called his style "extraordinarily distinctive" and "a weird, experimental approach to rapping" while praising his "presence, persona, mystique, and, potentially, star power."<ref name=pf1>{{cite web|title=Young Thug I Came From Nothing 3|url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/16953-i-came-from-nothing-3/|publisher=Pitchfork Media|accessdate=12 January 2014}}</ref> '']'' wrote that "Thug uses this multiplicative vocal delivery to his advantage: where another rapper might lapse into repetition, he finds a new way to distress and warp his tone, to burrow resourcefully into rhythmic cracks and crevices."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/review/6538528/album-review-young-thug-barter-6 |title=Album Review: Young Thug Exists In His Own Weird World On 'Barter 6' |publisher=Billboard |date=2015-04-17 |accessdate=2015-06-21}}</ref> '']'' noted his aptitude for creating catchy, melodic ].<ref name=complex2>{{cite web|title=The 10 Best Hook Artists in the Game Right Now|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/06/the-10-best-hook-artists-in-the-game-right-now/young-thug|publisher=Complex|accessdate=1 September 2014}}</ref> ''XXL'' called him a "rap weirdo", stating that "Thug's charisma, unhinged flow and hooks make his music intriguing."<ref name=xxl1>{{cite web|title=Young Thug Releases New Mixtape "1017 Thug"|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/02/young-thug-releases-new-mixtape-1017-thug-download-now/|publisher=XXL|accessdate=12 January 2014}}</ref> Critic Sheldon Pearce wrote that "Thug understands the modern pop song construction better than anyone: anything and everything can be a hook."<ref name="p4k">{{cite web|last1=Pearce|first1=Sheldon|title=Young Thug JEFFERY Album Review|url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/22329-jeffery/|work=]|accessdate=September 1, 2016}}</ref>


Young Thug has been noted for his fast working method,<ref name="stereogum">{{cite web|last1=Breihan|first1=Tom|title=Young Thug's Label Head Does Not Understand Young Thug|url=http://www.stereogum.com/1871432/young-thugs-label-head-does-not-understand-young-thug/video/|website=]|accessdate=21 August 2016}}</ref> with several collaborators observing his tendency to ] tracks live in the studio or quickly develop lyrics on the spot.<ref name="pitchforkchaos">{{cite web|last1=Greene|first1=Jayson|title=Chaos Theory: The Glorious Unpredictability of Young Thug|url=http://pitchfork.com/features/overtones/9727-chaos-theory-the-glorious-unpredictability-of-young-thug/|website=]|accessdate=21 August 2016}}</ref> He doesn't write down lyrics on paper, but has been known to plan lyrics by drawing shapes and signs.<ref name="pitchforkchaos"/> '']'' stated that "his work is constantly rooted in ], an inherently thrilling concept that's embedded itself in black music."<ref name=cons>{{cite web |url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2015/09/album-review-young-thug-slime-season/ |title=Young Thug – Slime Season |date=September 21, 2015 |publisher=consequenceofsound.net |accessdate=October 14, 2015}}</ref> Discussing his work, Williams has claimed the ability to write a hit song in 10 minutes<ref name="wired"/> and said "I’m in the studio so much, I’ll just try stuff. I just think and try, think and try. I don’t really know how to sing, but I’ve been trying for years."<ref name="fad1" /> Young Thug has cited American rapper ], as his biggest idol and influence.<ref name=complex4>{{cite web|title=Lil Wayne's Influence On Young Thug|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/05/lil-waynes-influence-on-young-thug|publisher=Complex|accessdate=10 September 2014}}</ref> In an interview with '']'' magazine he says, "I want to get in the studio with Wayne more than anybody in the world."<ref name=complex4 /> He has also cited mentor ]<ref name="xxl2">{{cite web|last1=Schwadron|first1=Eli|title=10 Younger Rappers Influenced by Gucci Mane|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/05/rappers-influenced-by-gucci-mane/|website=]|accessdate=26 October 2016}}</ref> and ] as influences.<ref name=complex42>{{cite web|title=Interview: Young Thug Talks About Working With Kanye West & How Future Wants To Give Him $1.5 Million For A Deal|url=http://ca.complex.com/music/2014/01/young-thug-kanye-west-future-interview|publisher=Complex|accessdate=10 September 2014}}</ref> Young Thug has been noted for his fast working method,<ref name="stereogum">{{cite web|last1=Breihan|first1=Tom|title=Young Thug's Label Head Does Not Understand Young Thug|url=https://www.stereogum.com/1871432/young-thugs-label-head-does-not-understand-young-thug/video/|website=]|date=April 14, 2016|access-date=August 21, 2016|archive-date=August 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820021431/http://www.stereogum.com/1871432/young-thugs-label-head-does-not-understand-young-thug/video/|url-status=live}}</ref> with several collaborators observing his tendency to ] tracks live in the studio or quickly develop lyrics on the spot.<ref name="pitchforkchaos">{{cite web|last1=Greene|first1=Jayson|title=Chaos Theory: The Glorious Unpredictability of Young Thug|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/overtones/9727-chaos-theory-the-glorious-unpredictability-of-young-thug/|website=]|date=September 28, 2015 |access-date=August 21, 2016|archive-date=August 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826015113/http://pitchfork.com/features/overtones/9727-chaos-theory-the-glorious-unpredictability-of-young-thug/|url-status=live}}</ref> He doesn't write down lyrics on paper, but has been known to plan lyrics by drawing shapes and signs.<ref name="pitchforkchaos"/> '']'' stated that "his work is constantly rooted in ], an inherently thrilling concept that's embedded itself in black music."<ref name=cons>{{cite web |url=http://consequence.net/2015/09/album-review-young-thug-slime-season/ |title=Young Thug – Slime Season |date=September 21, 2015 |publisher=consequence.net |access-date=October 14, 2015 |archive-date=October 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015021216/http://consequence.net/2015/09/album-review-young-thug-slime-season/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Discussing his work, Williams has claimed the ability to write a hit song in ten minutes<ref name="wired"/> and said "I'm in the studio so much, I'll just try stuff. I just think and try, think and try. I don't really know how to sing, but I've been trying for years."<ref name="fad1" /> Young Thug has cited American rapper ] as his biggest idol and influence.<ref name=complex4>{{cite magazine|title=Lil Wayne's Influence On Young Thug|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/05/lil-waynes-influence-on-young-thug|magazine=Complex|access-date=September 10, 2014|archive-date=October 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022103244/http://www.complex.com/music/2014/05/lil-waynes-influence-on-young-thug|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview with '']'' magazine he said, "I want to get in the studio with Wayne more than anybody in the world."<ref name=complex4 /> He has cited mentor ]<ref name="xxl2">{{cite web|last1=Schwadron|first1=Eli|title=10 Younger Rappers Influenced by Gucci Mane|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/05/rappers-influenced-by-gucci-mane/|website=]|date=May 27, 2016 |access-date=October 26, 2016|archive-date=October 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026172317/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/05/rappers-influenced-by-gucci-mane/|url-status=live}}</ref> and ] as influences.<ref name=complex42>{{cite magazine|title=Interview: Young Thug Talks About Working With Kanye West & How Future Wants To Give Him $1.5 Million For A Deal|url=http://ca.complex.com/music/2014/01/young-thug-kanye-west-future-interview|magazine=Complex|access-date=September 10, 2014|archive-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310170345/http://ca.complex.com/music/2014/01/young-thug-kanye-west-future-interview|url-status=live}}</ref>


===Image and fashion=== ===Image and fashion===
'']'' called Young Thug "one of the most unpredictable, charismatic, and outlandish personalities in Hip-Hop today."<ref name="vibe">{{cite web|last1=Braboy|first1=Mark|title=Young Thug Reveals That He's "Not Into Sex Like That"|url=http://www.vibe.com/2016/08/young-thug-doesnt-like-sex-girlfriend-interview/|website=]|accessdate=2 September 2016}}</ref> ] called him a "fashion icon."<ref name="mtvbio">{{cite web |last1=David & Andy Kellman|first1=Jeffries|title=About Young Thug|url=http://www.mtv.com/artists/young-thug/biography/|website=]|accessdate=6 September 2016}}</ref> His wardrobe has been described as eccentric and consists predominantly of women's clothing, which he has preferred to wear since age 12.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gq.com/story/young-thug-hyun35-album-interview|title=Get Psyched for the Return of Young Thug and His Dresses|first=Mark Anthony|last=Green|date=28 September 2015|work=GQ}}</ref> '']'' wrote that "with a fashion sense as unconventional as his rapping, Young Thug can regularly be seen on his ] account rocking painted fingernails, skintight jeans or a kids-size dress as a shirt, which, along with his habit of regularly referring to close male friends as 'hubbie' or 'lover' has led to rumors about his sexual orientation."<ref name=seattle/> '']'' called Young Thug "one of the most unpredictable, charismatic, and outlandish personalities in hip hop today."<ref name="vibe">{{cite web|last1=Braboy|first1=Mark|title=Young Thug Reveals That He's "Not Into Sex Like That"|url=http://www.vibe.com/2016/08/young-thug-doesnt-like-sex-girlfriend-interview/|website=]|date=August 29, 2016|access-date=September 2, 2016|archive-date=September 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901134718/http://www.vibe.com/2016/08/young-thug-doesnt-like-sex-girlfriend-interview/|url-status=live}}</ref> ] called him a "fashion icon".<ref name="mtvbio">{{cite web|last1=David & Andy Kellman|first1=Jeffries|title=About Young Thug|url=http://www.mtv.com/artists/young-thug/biography/|website=]|access-date=September 6, 2016|archive-date=September 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914045459/http://www.mtv.com/artists/young-thug/biography/|url-status=dead}}</ref> His wardrobe has been described as eccentric and consists predominantly of women's clothing, which he has preferred to wear since age 12.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gq.com/story/young-thug-hyun35-album-interview|title=Get Psyched for the Return of Young Thug and His Dresses|first=Mark Anthony|last=Green|date=September 28, 2015|work=GQ|access-date=September 19, 2017|archive-date=November 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108035730/https://www.gq.com/story/young-thug-hyun35-album-interview|url-status=live}}</ref> '']'' wrote that "with a fashion sense as unconventional as his rapping, Young Thug can regularly be seen on his ] account rocking painted fingernails, skintight jeans or a kids-size dress as a shirt, which, along with his habit of regularly referring to close male friends as 'hubbie' or 'lover' has led to rumors about his sexual orientation."<ref name=seattle/>


In an advertisement for Calvin Klein, Thug proclaimed that he doesn't believe in ], stating that "In my world, you can be a gangsta with a dress or you can be a gangsta with baggy pants."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2901714/young-thug-calvin-klein-gender/|title=Young Thug Breaks Down His Androgynous Style: ‘There's No Such Thing As Gender’|publisher=}}</ref> '']'' described him as "defying gender stereotypes and agitating the way hip-hop defines black ], through his eccentric sense of style."<ref name="fusion">{{cite web|last1=Hairston |first1=Tahirah |title=Why rapper Young Thug wears women's clothing|url=http://fusion.net/story/204840/why-rapper-young-thug-wears-womens-clothing/ |website=]|accessdate=21 August 2016}}</ref> He has been compared to ], ], and ].<ref name="Washpo">{{cite web|last1=Richards|first1=Chris|title=A Loss for Words: Listening to the Post-Verba Genius of Young Thug |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/style/2015/09/17/a-loss-for-words-listening-to-the-post-verbal-brilliance-of-young-thug/|website=]|accessdate=21 August 2016}}</ref> The media has called him ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/oct/08/young-thug-hits-bring-money-lil-wayne|title=Young Thug: 'I like everything people say about me – you gay, you a punk, you can't rap, you're the hardest'|first=Sam|last=Wolfson|date=8 October 2015|publisher=|via=The Guardian}}</ref> '']'' called him "at once a hero and an outsider and a leader of the ] fashion movement of rap hippies."<ref name="Gq">{{cite web|last1=Friedman|first1=David |title=Young Thug Is an ATLien (and the Best Rapper Alive)|url=https://www.gq.com/story/young-thug-best-rapper-alive-interview|website=] |accessdate=21 August 2016}}</ref> In an advertisement for ], Thug proclaimed "In my world, you can be a gangsta with a dress or you can be a gangsta with baggy pants."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2901714/young-thug-calvin-klein-gender/|title=Young Thug Breaks Down His Androgynous Style: 'There's No Such Thing As Gender'|website=]|access-date=July 10, 2016|archive-date=July 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160710033831/http://www.mtv.com/news/2901714/young-thug-calvin-klein-gender/|url-status=dead}}</ref> '']'' described him as "defying gender stereotypes and agitating the way hip-hop defines black ], through his eccentric sense of style."<ref name="fusion">{{cite web |last1=Hairston |first1=Tahirah |title=Why rapper Young Thug wears women's clothing |url=http://fusion.net/story/204840/why-rapper-young-thug-wears-womens-clothing/ |website=] |access-date=August 21, 2016 |archive-date=August 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827222237/http://fusion.net/story/204840/why-rapper-young-thug-wears-womens-clothing/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> He has been compared to ], ], and ].<ref name="Washpo">{{cite news|last1=Richards|first1=Chris|title=A Loss for Words: Listening to the Post-Verba Genius of Young Thug|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/style/2015/09/17/a-loss-for-words-listening-to-the-post-verbal-brilliance-of-young-thug/|newspaper=]|access-date=August 21, 2016|archive-date=August 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812130249/http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/style/2015/09/17/a-loss-for-words-listening-to-the-post-verbal-brilliance-of-young-thug/|url-status=live}}</ref> The media has called him ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/oct/08/young-thug-hits-bring-money-lil-wayne|title=Young Thug: 'I like everything people say about me – you gay, you a punk, you can't rap, you're the hardest'|first=Sam|last=Wolfson|date=October 8, 2015|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=July 10, 2016|archive-date=July 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719201748/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/oct/08/young-thug-hits-bring-money-lil-wayne|url-status=live}}</ref> '']'' called him "at once a hero and an outsider and a leader of the ] fashion movement of rap hippies."<ref name="Gq">{{cite web|last1=Friedman|first1=David|title=Young Thug Is an ATLien (and the Best Rapper Alive)|url=https://www.gq.com/story/young-thug-best-rapper-alive-interview|website=]|date=February 16, 2016|access-date=August 21, 2016|archive-date=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919043110/http://www.gq.com/story/young-thug-best-rapper-alive-interview|url-status=live}}</ref>


In February 2018, Young Thug rebranded himself as "'''SEX'''".<ref name="SEX">{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/young-thug-name-change-sex-2245946|title=Young Thug announces ridiculous name change|date=February 20, 2018|work=NME|access-date=April 21, 2020|archive-date=June 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617192015/https://www.nme.com/news/music/young-thug-name-change-sex-2245946|url-status=live}}</ref>
In February 2018, Young Thug rebranded himself "SEX".<ref name="SEX" />


== Personal life == ==Personal life==
Young Thug has six children by four women (three sons and three daughters). His first was born when Thug was either 17<ref name="GQ">{{cite web|url=https://www.gq.com/story/young-thug-best-rapper-alive-interview|title=What Planet Is Young Thug From?|first=Devin Friedman,Ben|last=Watts|date=16 February 2016}}</ref> or 14.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2015/09/18/young-thug-talks-kanye-west-donald-trump-prison/|title=Young Thug Talks Kanye West, Donald Trump, & Prison|website=Rap-Up|access-date=2017-08-21}}</ref> In April 2015, he became engaged to Jerrika Karlae, who runs a swimsuit line and whose mother manages ].<ref name="xxl 3">{{cite web|last1=J|first1=Miranda |title=Young Thug Is Head Over Heels For Jerrika Karlae Read More: Young Thug Is Head Over Heels For Jerrika Karlae |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/03/young-thug-is-head-over-heels-for-jerrika-karlae/|website=]|accessdate=2 September 2016}}</ref> Thug bought his first home in September 2016 after the release of his mixtape Jeffery.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thefader.com/2016/09/16/young-thug-just-bought-his-first-house|title=Young Thug Just Bought His First House|website=The FADER|access-date=2017-08-19}}</ref> The home, based in Buckhead, Atlanta, is more than 11,000 square-feet, has six bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a full bar, a theater room and a four-car garage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ajc.com/news/local/lawsuit-young-thug-owes-million-his-atlanta-home/stfUwh2D19AUii1Ph3q6tO/|title=Lawsuit: Young Thug owes $2.2 million on his Atlanta home|last=Northam|first=Mitchell|website=ajc|access-date=2017-08-19}}</ref> Young Thug has six children by four women: three sons and three daughters. He became a father at the age of 17.<ref name="GQ">{{cite web|url=https://www.gq.com/story/young-thug-best-rapper-alive-interview|title=What Planet Is Young Thug From?|first=Devin Friedman, Ben|last=Watts|date=February 16, 2016|access-date=September 19, 2017|archive-date=October 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013142130/https://www.gq.com/story/young-thug-best-rapper-alive-interview|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2015, he became engaged to Jerrika Karlae, who runs a swimsuit line and whose mother managed the late ].<ref name="xxl 3">{{cite web|last1=J|first1=Miranda|title=Young Thug Is Head Over Heels For Jerrika Karlae Read More: Young Thug Is Head Over Heels For Jerrika Karlae|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/03/young-thug-is-head-over-heels-for-jerrika-karlae/|website=]|date=March 11, 2016 |access-date=September 2, 2016|archive-date=September 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913113755/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/03/young-thug-is-head-over-heels-for-jerrika-karlae/|url-status=live}}</ref> Thug bought his first home in September 2016 after the release of his mixtape ''Jeffery''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thefader.com/2016/09/16/young-thug-just-bought-his-first-house|title=Young Thug Just Bought His First House|website=The FADER|date=September 17, 2016 |access-date=August 19, 2017|archive-date=August 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819063506/http://www.thefader.com/2016/09/16/young-thug-just-bought-his-first-house|url-status=live}}</ref> The home, in Buckhead, Atlanta, is more than 11,000 square-feet and has six bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a full bar, a theater room, and a four-car garage.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ajc.com/news/local/lawsuit-young-thug-owes-million-his-atlanta-home/stfUwh2D19AUii1Ph3q6tO/|title=Lawsuit: Young Thug owes $2.2 million on his Atlanta home|last=Northam|first=Mitchell|newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|access-date=August 19, 2017|archive-date=August 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819061339/http://www.ajc.com/news/local/lawsuit-young-thug-owes-million-his-atlanta-home/stfUwh2D19AUii1Ph3q6tO/|url-status=live}}</ref>


During his childhood, one of Thug's older brothers was shot and killed in front of his family's home.<ref name="Ihaza">{{Cite magazine|last=Ihaza|first=Jeff|date=2021-07-28|title=The Abundant Heart and Revolutionary Vision of Young Thug|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/young-thug-punk-ysl-1202951/|access-date=2021-07-28|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|archive-date=July 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728230224/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/young-thug-punk-ysl-1202951/|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Legal issues ===
Since his career began, Young Thug has had many run-ins with the law. In April 2015 after a ] tour bus was fired at by members of the ] street-gang, Thug was one of the individuals involved in a lawsuit after the bus driver of the tour bus decided to sue ], ], ] and Young Thug.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ajc.com/news/local/driver-lil-wayne-bus-shooting-sues-music-label-young-thug-birdman/9Uks97hAllprpXIofC031M/|title=Driver in Lil Wayne bus shooting sues music label, Young Thug, Birdman|last=Brasch|first=Ben|website=ajc|access-date=2017-08-19}}</ref> A lawsuit was filed against Thug in January 2017 after Thug didn't show up at a concert in ] after a $55,000 contract was signed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ajc.com/news/local/atlanta-rapper-young-thug-sued-for-360k-after-concert-show/wPB8lOPyYs5fqS3FaYr9DM/|title=Atlanta rapper Young Thug sued for $360K after concert no-show|last=Brasch|first=Ben|website=ajc|access-date=2017-08-19}}</ref> This wasn't the first time a lawsuit has been filed against Thug for not appearing at a concert, as a Texas production company filed a lawsuit against Thug in April 2016 after he failed to perform at a concert.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://buzz.blog.ajc.com/2017/01/13/young-thug-faces-lawsuit-after-alleged-concert-no-show/|title=Young Thug faces lawsuit after alleged concert no-show {{!}} Atlanta Buzz with Jennifer Brett|last=Brett|first=Jennifer|access-date=2017-08-19}}</ref> Thug was cleared of battery in April 2017 after reportedly slapping a woman outside a nightclub in the previous month.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thefader.com/2017/04/11/young-thug-cleared-battery-charges|title=Young Thug Has Reportedly Been Cleared Of Battery Charges|website=The FADER|access-date=2017-08-19}}</ref> The woman was arguing with Thug's fiancée, Jerrika Karlae, when Thug supposedly stepped in and attacked the woman. The charges were dropped due to a lack of evidence.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tmz.com/2017/04/10/young-thug-cleared-alleged-nightclub-slap/|title=Young Thug Cleared in Alleged Slapping Incident Outside Atlanta Nightclub|website=TMZ|access-date=2017-08-19}}</ref> Young Thug's gun and drug charges were dropped in April 2017 following a raid of his then-home in Sandy Springs, Georgia which resulted in Thug being charged with felony cocaine possession, felony marijuana possession and 3 counts of felony gun possession.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tmz.com/2017/04/03/young-thug-drug-gun-charges-dropped/|title=Young Thug Skates on Felony Drug Charge, Saved by Technicality|website=TMZ|access-date=2017-08-19}}</ref> Thug's lawyers argued that police conducted the search without a warrant which led to the D.A dropping all charges except felony marijuana possession.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/04/young-thugs-drug-charges-dropped/|title=Young Thug's Gun and Drug Charges Dropped – XXL|website=XXL Mag|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-19}}</ref> It was reported in April 2017 that Thug was being sued by Heritage Select Homes for owing almost $2.2 million in house payments.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/young-thug-owes-22-million-in-house-payments-news.31255.html|title=Young Thug Owes $2.2 Million In House Payments|work=HotNewHipHop|access-date=2017-08-19}}</ref>


In April 2020, during a concert livestream, Thug revealed a recent ] of his, stating: {{blockquote|I kinda just stayed in the bed and I was like, 'Yo, call the ambulance. I can't move my body, then later, when the ambulance came, I couldn't get out of bed. They had to get me out of the bed, basically. I felt like my whole body was numb and I couldn't move. I went to the hospital and I had found out that I had liver and kidney failure. And I kinda had sorta passed away, like I kinda died.<ref name="Ihaza"/><ref>{{Cite web|last=Murphy|first=Chris|date=2020-04-30|title=Young Thug Reveals That He Almost Died of Kidney and Liver Failure|url=https://www.vulture.com/2020/04/young-thug-reveals-he-suffered-from-kidney-and-liver-failure.html|access-date=2021-07-28|website=Vulture|language=en-us|archive-date=July 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728230224/https://www.vulture.com/2020/04/young-thug-reveals-he-suffered-from-kidney-and-liver-failure.html|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
On September 24, 2017, Thug was arrested in Brookhaven, Georgia on multiple drug possession charges and possession of a firearm.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://ktla.com/2017/10/07/rapper-young-thug-arrested-on-drug-firearm-charges-in-georgia-after-police-pull-him-over-for-having-tinted-windows/|title=Rapper Young Thug Arrested on Drug, Firearm Charges in Georgia After Police Pull Him Over for Having Tinted Windows|date=2017-10-08|work=KTLA|access-date=2017-10-09|language=en-US}}</ref> Thug was released on bond on 27 September 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/rapper-young-thug-arrested-on-drug-gun-charges-in-georgia/2017/09/28/2b82e0fe-a46c-11e7-b573-8ec86cdfe1ed_story.html|title=Rapper Young Thug arrested on drug, gun charges in Georgia|agency=Associated Press|date=2017-09-28|work=Washington Post|access-date=2017-10-09|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286}}</ref> On September 7, 2018, Thug was charged with possession and intent to distribute meth, hydrocodone and marijuana. He's also charged with possession of amphetamine, Alprazolam, codeine (2 counts) and a firearm.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tmz.com/2018/09/06/young-thug-charged-drug-gun-possession-felony/|title=Young Thug Charged With 8 Felonies For Drug And Gun Possession|work=TMZ|access-date=2018-09-07}}</ref>


In December 2020, Young Thug broke up with his fiancée Jerrika Karlae.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/karlae-young-thug-relationship-marriage|title=Karlae Gets Candid About Her Relationship With Young Thug|last=Espinoza|first=Joshua|work=]|date=August 20, 2021|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=April 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415130636/https://www.complex.com/music/karlae-young-thug-relationship-marriage|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, Thug began to date Atlanta singer ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/413900-mariah-the-scientist-shows-off-young-thugs-romantic-gesture-from-jail-news|title=Mariah The Scientist Shows Off Young Thug's Romantic Gesture From Jail|last=Marie|first=Erika|work=]|date=August 1, 2022|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=April 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415130128/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/413900-mariah-the-scientist-shows-off-young-thugs-romantic-gesture-from-jail-news|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/645002-mariah-the-scientist-tweets-about-her-longing-for-young-thug|title=Mariah The Scientist Tweets About Her Longing For Young Thug|last=Meyer|first=Evelyn|work=]|date=March 12, 2023|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=April 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415130127/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/645002-mariah-the-scientist-tweets-about-her-longing-for-young-thug|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Philanthropy ===
In December 2016, Thug joined the #fightpovertyagain campaign.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Renshaw|first1=David|title=Young Thug On The Fight Against Poverty: "I Always Want To Stay Involved."|url=http://www.thefader.com/2016/12/13/young-thug-poverty-interview|website=The FADER|accessdate=25 July 2017}}</ref> On June 29, 2017, Thug donated all proceeds of a sold-out concert to ], stating on ] that "I was a teenage parent. Planned+unplanned parenthood is beautiful."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sodomsky|first1=Sam|title=Young Thug Donates New York Concert Proceeds to Planned Parenthood {{!}} Pitchfork|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/young-thug-donates-new-york-concert-proceeds-to-planned-parenthood/|website=pitchfork.com|accessdate=25 July 2017|language=en}}</ref>


==Discography== ===Philanthropy===
In December 2016, Thug joined the #fightpovertyagain campaign.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Renshaw |first1=David |title=Young Thug On The Fight Against Poverty: "I Always Want To Stay Involved." |url=http://www.thefader.com/2016/12/13/young-thug-poverty-interview |date=December 13, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108034857/http://www.thefader.com/2016/12/13/young-thug-poverty-interview |archive-date=November 8, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |website=The FADER}}</ref> On June 29, 2017, Thug donated all proceeds of a sold-out concert to ], stating on ] that "I was a teenage parent. Planned+unplanned parenthood is beautiful".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sodomsky |first1=Sam |date=June 30, 2017 |title=Young Thug Donates New York Concert Proceeds to Planned Parenthood |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/young-thug-donates-new-york-concert-proceeds-to-planned-parenthood/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708215238/http://pitchfork.com/news/young-thug-donates-new-york-concert-proceeds-to-planned-parenthood/ |archive-date=July 8, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |website=Pitchfork |language=en}}</ref>
{{main|Young Thug discography}}


==Legal issues==
'''Commercial mixtapes'''
{{see also|YSL RICO trial}}
* '']'' (2015)
In April 2015, after a ] tour bus was fired at by members of the ] street-gang, Young Thug was among those sued by the bus driver alongside ], ], and ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ajc.com/news/local/driver-lil-wayne-bus-shooting-sues-music-label-young-thug-birdman/9Uks97hAllprpXIofC031M/ |url-access=subscription |date=Dec 9, 2016 |title=Driver in Lil Wayne bus shooting sues music label, Young Thug, Birdman|last=Brasch|first=Ben|newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|access-date=August 19, 2017|archive-date=August 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819065625/http://www.ajc.com/news/local/driver-lil-wayne-bus-shooting-sues-music-label-young-thug-birdman/9Uks97hAllprpXIofC031M/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '']'' (2016)
* '']'' (2016)
* '']'' (2016)
* '']'' (2017)
* '']'' {{small|(with ])}} (2017)


A lawsuit was filed against Thug in January 2017 after he failed to show up at a concert in ] after he signed a $55,000 contract.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ajc.com/news/local/atlanta-rapper-young-thug-sued-for-360k-after-concert-show/wPB8lOPyYs5fqS3FaYr9DM/ |date=Feb 7, 2017 |title=Atlanta rapper Young Thug sued for $360K after concert no-show|last=Brasch|first=Ben|newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|access-date=August 19, 2017|archive-date=August 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819064030/http://www.ajc.com/news/local/atlanta-rapper-young-thug-sued-for-360k-after-concert-show/wPB8lOPyYs5fqS3FaYr9DM/|url-status=dead }}</ref> This was not the first time a lawsuit was filed against him for not appearing at a concert, as a Texas production company had done the same in April 2016 after he failed to perform at a concert.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://buzz.blog.ajc.com/2017/01/13/young-thug-faces-lawsuit-after-alleged-concert-no-show/|title=Young Thug faces lawsuit after alleged concert no-show |website=Atlanta Buzz |publisher=AJC |date= May 4, 2017 |last=Brett|first=Jennifer|access-date=August 19, 2017|archive-date=August 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819060938/http://buzz.blog.ajc.com/2017/01/13/young-thug-faces-lawsuit-after-alleged-concert-no-show/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Tours==


Thug was cleared of battery in April 2017 after reportedly slapping a woman outside a nightclub the previous month.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thefader.com/2017/04/11/young-thug-cleared-battery-charges |date=April 11, 2017 |first1=Olivia |last1=Craighead |title=Young Thug Has Reportedly Been Cleared Of Battery Charges|website=The FADER|access-date=August 19, 2017|archive-date=August 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819102250/http://www.thefader.com/2017/04/11/young-thug-cleared-battery-charges|url-status=live}}</ref> The woman was arguing with Thug's fiancée, Jerrika Karlae, when Thug allegedly stepped in and struck the woman. The charges were dropped due to a lack of evidence.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2017/04/10/young-thug-cleared-alleged-nightclub-slap/|title=Young Thug Cleared in Alleged Slapping Incident Outside Atlanta Nightclub|website=TMZ|date=April 11, 2017 |access-date=August 19, 2017|archive-date=August 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814084744/http://www.tmz.com/2017/04/10/young-thug-cleared-alleged-nightclub-slap/|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Empty section|date=November 2018}}

Young Thug's gun and drug charges were dropped in April 2017 following a raid of his home in ], which resulted in him being charged with felony cocaine possession, felony marijuana possession, and three counts of felony gun possession.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2017/04/03/young-thug-drug-gun-charges-dropped/|title=Young Thug Skates on Felony Drug Charge, Saved by Technicality|website=TMZ|date=April 3, 2017 |access-date=August 19, 2017|archive-date=August 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815042542/http://www.tmz.com/2017/04/03/young-thug-drug-gun-charges-dropped/|url-status=live}}</ref> Thug's lawyers argued that police conducted the search without a warrant which led to the ] dropping all charges except felony marijuana possession.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/04/young-thugs-drug-charges-dropped/|title=Young Thug's Gun and Drug Charges Dropped – XXL|website=XXL Mag|date=April 4, 2017 |language=en-US|access-date=August 19, 2017|archive-date=August 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811193755/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/04/young-thugs-drug-charges-dropped/|url-status=live}}</ref> It was reported in April 2017 that Thug was being sued by Heritage Select Homes for owing almost $2.2 million in house payments.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/young-thug-owes-22-million-in-house-payments-news.31255.html|title=Young Thug Owes $2.2 Million In House Payments|work=HotNewHipHop|access-date=August 19, 2017|archive-date=August 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819063808/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/young-thug-owes-22-million-in-house-payments-news.31255.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On September 24, 2017, Thug was arrested in ], on multiple drug possession charges and possession of a firearm.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://ktla.com/2017/10/07/rapper-young-thug-arrested-on-drug-firearm-charges-in-georgia-after-police-pull-him-over-for-having-tinted-windows/|title=Rapper Young Thug Arrested on Drug, Firearm Charges in Georgia After Police Pull Him Over for Having Tinted Windows|date=October 8, 2017|work=KTLA|access-date=October 9, 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=October 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010005844/http://ktla.com/2017/10/07/rapper-young-thug-arrested-on-drug-firearm-charges-in-georgia-after-police-pull-him-over-for-having-tinted-windows/|url-status=live}}</ref> He was released on bond three days later.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/rapper-young-thug-arrested-on-drug-gun-charges-in-georgia/2017/09/28/2b82e0fe-a46c-11e7-b573-8ec86cdfe1ed_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010054419/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/rapper-young-thug-arrested-on-drug-gun-charges-in-georgia/2017/09/28/2b82e0fe-a46c-11e7-b573-8ec86cdfe1ed_story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 10, 2017|title=Rapper Young Thug arrested on drug, gun charges in Georgia|agency=Associated Press|date=September 28, 2017|newspaper=]|access-date=October 9, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286}}</ref> On September 7, 2018, he was charged with possession and intent to distribute meth, ], and marijuana. He was also charged with possession of ], ], ] (2 counts), and a firearm;<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tmz.com/2018/09/06/young-thug-charged-drug-gun-possession-felony/|title=Young Thug Charged With 8 Felonies For Drug And Gun Possession|work=TMZ|access-date=September 7, 2018|archive-date=September 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907005017/http://www.tmz.com/2018/09/06/young-thug-charged-drug-gun-possession-felony/|url-status=live}}</ref> this indictment was related to his 2017 arrest.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ajc.com/news/crime--law/atlanta-rapper-young-thug-indicted-multiple-drug-charges/qElUUfusovXhibcYG3zWBI/|title=Atlanta rapper Young Thug indicted on multiple drug charges|first=Chelsea|last=Prince|publisher=Atlanta Journal-Constitution|date=September 7, 2018|accessdate=December 6, 2023}}</ref>

On May 9, 2022, Thug was arrested in Atlanta on gang-related charges.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hollis |first1=Henri |title=BREAKING: Young Thug arrested in Atlanta, charged with 2 gang counts |url=https://www.ajc.com/news/crime/breaking-young-thug-arrested-in-atlanta-charged-with-2-gang-counts/BIYGW7E37NDABA5N74QYLF3BYA/ |newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |access-date=10 May 2022 |language=English |archive-date=October 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021090839/https://www.ajc.com/news/crime/breaking-young-thug-arrested-in-atlanta-charged-with-2-gang-counts/BIYGW7E37NDABA5N74QYLF3BYA/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Thug and ] were among the 28 people associated with ] who were charged in a 56-count ] indictment filed by ] District Attorney ].<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511002340/https://www.complex.com/music/young-thug-gunna-charged-56-count-indictment-racketeering-rico-thug-arrested |date=May 11, 2022 }} ''Complex'', BYABEL SHIFFERAW, May 09, 2022</ref> Following a search of his home, he was charged with seven additional felonies related to possession of illegal substances and illegal firearms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Billboard |first=Bill Donahue |date=2022-05-11 |title=Young Thug Charged With Seven More Felonies Days After RICO Indictment |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/young-thug-charged-seven-more-felonies-after-rico-indictment-1235144948/ |access-date=2022-05-11 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US |archive-date=October 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020093525/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/young-thug-charged-seven-more-felonies-after-rico-indictment-1235144948/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He was held at the ].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mason |first1=Hayley |title=Atlanta rapper Young Thug appears in court, dozens face gang-related charges |url=https://www.cbs46.com/2022/05/10/atlanta-rapper-young-thug-appears-court-dozens-face-gang-related-charges/ |access-date=14 May 2022 |agency=CBS 46 |publisher=CBS |date=14 May 2022 |archive-date=May 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512010127/https://www.cbs46.com/2022/05/10/atlanta-rapper-young-thug-appears-court-dozens-face-gang-related-charges/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He was denied bond several times and remained in the ] Jail until his release on October 31st, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=SoMajor |first=Kim |date=2022-08-19 |title=Young Thug Denied Bond Again Will Remain in Jail Until 2023 - The Source |url=https://thesource.com/2022/08/19/young-thug-denied-bond-again-will-remain-in-jail-until-2023/,%20https://thesource.com/2022/08/19/young-thug-denied-bond-again-will-remain-in-jail-until-2023/ |access-date=2024-01-10 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=US rapper Young Thug released from jail in plea deal twist |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20n1nq0852o |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref>

His ] began on November 27, 2023,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/opening-statements-set-begin-young-thugs-racketeering-trial/story?id=105165574|title=As Young Thug trial begins, prosecutors allege rapper is 'proclaimed leader' of criminal street gang|first=Deena|last=Zaru|publisher=ABC News|date=November 27, 2023|accessdate=December 6, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.vulture.com/article/ysl-young-thug-gunna-arrest-charges-explained.html|title=Everything We Know About YSL's RICO Case|first=Zoe|last=Grey|publisher=Vulture|date=November 29, 2023|accessdate=December 6, 2023}}</ref> Five of his co-defendants stood trial with him.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/young-thug-ysl-rico-trial-atlanta-01d33fe0e43c2d2b6fbb6ed5184401bc|first=Kate|last=Brumback|title=Rapper Young Thug's trial on racketeering conspiracy and gang charges begins in Atlanta |work=Associated Press News|date=November 27, 2023|accessdate=December 6, 2023}}</ref> On December 12, 2023, it was agreed that the continuation of the trial would be delayed until January 2024 after his co-defendant Shannon Stillwell was stabbed multiple times during a fight that occurred in the Fulton County Jail.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/young-thug-trial-stillwell-jail-stabbing-b4a1447928ae3a75b1c7be678022c7ea|title=Young Thug trial on pause until January after co-defendant is stabbed in jail|publisher=Associated Press|date=December 12, 2023|accessdate=December 12, 2023}}</ref> The trial resumed on January 2, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-03 |title=Young Thug trial resumes after YSL codefendant stabbed in jail: Live |url=https://news.yahoo.com/young-thug-trial-resumes-ysl-152059227.html |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-US}}</ref> On October 31, 2024, Williams was released from jail after he accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to 40 years: 5 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and a backload of 20 years in prison if probation is violated.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Coscarelli |first=Joe |date=October 31, 2024|title=Young Thug Pleads Guilty in YSL Case Nearly a Year Into Trial|language=en-US |work=]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/31/arts/music/young-thug-guilty-plea-ysl-young-slime-life-trial.html|access-date=October 31, 2024|issn=0362-4331 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Tharpe|first=Frazier|date=October 31, 2024|title=Young Thug Is Going Home|url=https://www.gq.com/story/young-thug-free-plea-deal-time-served-ysl-rico-trial|access-date=October 31, 2024|magazine=]|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Pequeño IV|first=Antonio|date=October 31, 2024|title=Young Thug Will Be Released From Jail After Accepting Plea Deal In Racketeering Case|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2024/10/31/young-thug-will-be-released-from-jail-after-accepting-plea-deal-in-racketeering-case/|access-date=October 31, 2024|magazine=]|language=en-US}}</ref> Williams' 5 years in prison has been commuted to time served.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Horowitz|first=Steven J.|date=October 31, 2024|title=Young Thug to Be Released From Prison After Accepting Plea Deal in Georgia RICO Case|url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/young-thug-accepts-plea-deal-georgia-rico-case-1236196769/|access-date=October 31, 2024|magazine=]|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Dillon|first=Nancy|date=October 31, 2024|title=Young Thug Takes Plea Deal in YSL Trial, Due to Be Released From Jail|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/young-thug-plea-ysl-rico-trial-1235148330/|access-date=October 31, 2024|magazine=]|language=en-US|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Donahue|first=Bill|date=October 31, 2024|title=Young Thug Gets No Prison Time After Pleading Guilty In YSL RICO Case|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/young-thug-pleads-guilty-ysl-rico-case/|access-date=October 31, 2024|magazine=]|language=en-US}}</ref> Williams' release and probation stipulations include him being banned from the ] area for 10 years, not making gang-related music, and four annual anti-gang presentations/concerts for Atlanta, alongside having no contact with known gang members or co-defendants (other than Gunna and his biological brother, both of whom were among his co-defendants).<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Pilley|first=Max|date=November 1, 2024|title=Young Thug accepts plea deal on gang charges, released from jail|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/young-thug-accepts-plea-deal-on-gang-charges-released-from-jail-3808572|access-date=November 1, 2024|magazine=]|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Segarra|first=Edward|date=November 1, 2024|title=Young Thug to be released after pleading guilty in RICO trial, will serve probation|url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2024/10/31/young-thug-trial-guilty-plea/75970700007/|access-date=November 1, 2024|newspaper=]|issn=0734-7456|language=en-US}}</ref>

==Discography==
{{main|Young Thug discography}}
'''Studio albums'''
*'']'' (2019)
*'']'' (2021)
*'']'' (2023)


==Awards and nominations== ==Awards and nominations==
Line 157: Line 183:
|rowspan="3"|] |rowspan="3"|]
|Who Blew Up |Who Blew Up
|rowspan="2"|Young Thug |rowspan="2"|Himself
|{{nom}} |{{nom}}
|- |-
Line 170: Line 196:
|] |]
|] |]
|"]"<br> <small>(with ] and ])</small> |"]" <small>(with ] and ])</small>
|{{nom}} |{{nom}}
|- |-
Line 176: Line 202:
|] |]
|] |]
|rowspan="5"|"Wyclef Jean" |rowspan="5"|"]"
|{{won}} |{{won}}
|- |-
Line 192: Line 218:
|{{nom}} |{{nom}}
|- |-
|"Homie"
|Best Production Design in a Video |Best Production Design in a Video
|"Homie"
|{{nom}} |{{nom}}
|- |-
|rowspan="7"|2018 | rowspan="8" |2018
|rowspan="4"|] |rowspan="4"|]
|] |]
|rowspan="7"|"]" <small>(with ])</small> | rowspan="8" |"]" <small>(with ])</small>
|{{won}} |{{won}}
|- |-
Line 205: Line 231:
|{{nom}} |{{nom}}
|- |-
|] |]
|{{nom}} |{{nom}}
|- |-
|] |]
|{{nom}} |{{nom}}
|- |-
Line 221: Line 247:
|{{won}} |{{won}}
|- |-
|]
|1 Billion Total Audience Spins on iHeartRadio Stations
|{{Won}}
|-
| rowspan="3"| 2019
| ]
| ]
| "]" <small>(with ])</small>
|{{won}}<ref>{{cite web |title=61st Annual GRAMMY Awards |url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/awards/61st-annual-grammy-awards#category-140 |website=GRAMMY.com |access-date=February 11, 2019 |language=en |date=December 6, 2018 |archive-date=December 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207153109/https://www.grammy.com/grammys/awards/61st-annual-grammy-awards#category-140 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2"| ]
| rowspan="2"| Song of the Summer
| "]" <small>(with ])</small>
|{{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | "]" <small>(with ] and ])</small>
|{{nom}}
|-
|2020
|]
|]
|{{nom}}
|-
|2021
|]
|R&B Song of the Year
|"]" <small>(with ])</small>
|{{Won}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |2022
| rowspan="2" |]
| rowspan="2" |Album Of The Year
|'']'' <small>(as a featured artist)</small>
|{{Nom}}
|-
|'']'' <small>(as a featured artist)</small>
|{{Nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |2023
| rowspan="2" |]
|]
|rowspan="2"|"]" <small>(with ] and ])</small>
|{{Nom}}
|-
|]
|{{Nom}}
|} |}


==References== ==References==
{{reflist|30em}} {{reflist}}
{{notelist}}


==External links== ==External links==
* {{Allmusic|class=artist|id=mn0002068342|label=Young Thug}} * {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=mn0002068342|label=Young Thug}}
* {{Discogs artist | artist=3243777-Young-Thug-2| name=Young Thug}} * {{Discogs artist | artist=3243777-Young-Thug-2| name=Young Thug}}
* {{MusicBrainz artist | id=800760de-bdf8-43a2-8fe0-44a2401a5515 | name=Young Thug}} * {{MusicBrainz artist | id=800760de-bdf8-43a2-8fe0-44a2401a5515 | name=Young Thug}}
* {{Official website| http://youngthugtours.com/}} * {{Official website|https://www.youngstonerliferecords.com/young-thug.php}}


{{Young Thug|state=uncollapsed}} {{Young Thug|state=uncollapsed}}
{{Navboxes
|title = Awards for Young Thug
|list =
{{American Music Award for Collaboration of the Year}}
{{Grammy Award for Song of the Year}}
{{IFPI Global Year-End}}
{{MTV Video Music Award for Best Hip-Hop Video}}
{{MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year}}
{{Melon Music Award for Pop}}
}}
{{Cash Money Records}} {{Cash Money Records}}

{{portal bar|United States|Biography|Music}}


{{authority control}} {{authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Young Thug}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Young Thug}}
] ]
]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
]
]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 01:20, 9 January 2025

American rapper (born 1991)

Young Thug
Young Thug in 2021
BornJeffery Lamar Williams II
(1991-08-16) August 16, 1991 (age 33)
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Other names
  • SEX
  • King Slime
  • Thugger
  • Spider
  • Truly Humble(d) Under God
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
Years active2010–present
WorksDiscography
PartnerMariah the Scientist (2021–present)
Children6
AwardsFull list
Musical career
Genres
Labels
Member of
Musical artist
Websitewww.youngstonerliferecords.com/young-thug.php
Signature

Jeffery Lamar Williams II (born August 16, 1991), known professionally as Young Thug, is an American rapper. Known for his eccentric vocal style and fashion, he is considered an influential figure in modern hip hop and trap music, and a pioneer of the mumble rap microgenre. Williams embarked on a musical career in 2011, releasing a series of mixtapes beginning with I Came from Nothing. In 2013, he signed with fellow Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane's 1017 Records and gained further attention and praise for his debut mixtape with the label, 1017 Thug, released in February of that year.

Williams first received mainstream recognition in 2014 for his singles "Stoner" and "Danny Glover", in addition to his guest appearances on numerous singles, including T.I.'s "About the Money", Tyga's "Hookah", and Rich Gang's "Lifestyle". That same year, he released a mixtape with Rich Gang titled Rich Gang: Tha Tour Pt. 1, and signed a solo recording contract with 300 Entertainment, an imprint of Atlantic Records. In 2015, he amassed a number of mixtapes to critical acclaim, releasing Barter 6 and two installments of his Slime Season series. Throughout 2016, Williams saw continued success with the release of his commercial mixtapes I'm Up, Slime Season 3, and Jeffery. In 2017, Williams guest performed on the worldwide hit "Havana" by singer Camila Cabello, which became his first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100. The following year, he won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year for his contributions to Childish Gambino's "This Is America".

Williams' debut studio album So Much Fun (2019) peaked atop the US Billboard 200 and yielded the Billboard Hot 100 top-20 singles "The London" (featuring J. Cole and Travis Scott) and "Hot" (featuring Gunna). The following year, his single "Go Crazy"—with Chris Brown, from their collaborative mixtape Slime & B (2020)—peaked at number three on the chart and became his first top-ten single as a lead artist. That same year, he peaked the chart once more for his guest appearance alongside M.I.A. on Travis Scott's single "Franchise". In 2021, he did so for a third time with his guest appearance alongside Future on Drake's "Way 2 Sexy". His second studio album Punk was released in October of that year to continued success, followed by his third studio album, Business Is Business, in 2023. In addition to his solo career, he has released two compilation albums with his record label YSL Records: Slime Language (2018) and Slime Language 2 (2021) to resultant success; the latter debuted atop the Billboard 200.

Williams was arrested in May 2022 alongside 27 members of YSL and was charged with 63 counts of illegal substance trafficking or firearm possession and for violating the Georgia RICO Act. He was held without bail in the Fulton County Jail on remand and his trial began in November 2023. Williams was released in October 2024 after accepting a deal which saw him plead no contest to several charges; it resulted in him being sentenced to time served and 15 years of probation.

Early life

Jeffery Lamar Williams was born on August 16, 1991, in Atlanta, Georgia, and is the tenth of 11 children. He is from Sylvan Hills, but grew up in the Jonesboro South projects near Cleveland Avenue. Other rappers from Jonesboro South include Waka Flocka Flame, Ludacris and Williams' childhood friend Peewee Longway, from whom Williams lived four doors down.

Williams was expelled in the sixth grade for breaking a teacher's arm. He was sent to juvenile prison for four years.

Career

2010–2013: Early career and record deal

Gucci Mane (pictured), was the first to sign Young Thug

Young Thug began his musical career in 2010, debuting with a guest appearance on rapper TruRoyal's song "She Can Go". After releasing the first three installments of his mixtape series I Came from Nothing throughout 2011 and 2012, Young Thug caught the attention of fellow Atlanta-based rapper Gucci Mane, who went on to sign Young Thug to his label 1017 Brick Squad Records, an Asylum/Atlantic imprint, in 2013. Thug released his first project on the label, his fourth mixtape, 1017 Thug.

The mixtape was met with positive reviews from music critics, which noted it for its original style. 1017 Thug was included in a number of year-end lists for 2013, such as the Pitchfork Albums of the Year: Honorable Mention and Complex's The 50 Best Albums of 2013. FACT called it the best mixtape of 2013, Rolling Stone placed it at number five on their 10 Best Mixtapes of 2013 and The Guardian placed it among The Five Best Mixtapes of 2013. Pitchfork ranked 1017 Thug as one of the best albums of the first half of the 2010s, at number 96. The song "Picacho" was noted as one of the standout tracks from the mixtape, and was featured on Rolling Stone's 100 Best Songs of 2013, Pitchfork's The Top 100 Tracks of 2013, and Spin's 50 Best Songs of 2013.

In July 2013, Complex included him in their list of 25 New Rappers to Watch Out For. In October 2013, Young Thug released his commercial debut single "Stoner". The song spawned a number of unofficial remixes by several rappers such as Wale, Jim Jones, Jadakiss, Iamsu! and Trick-Trick. Young Thug expressed his disapproval for the remixes, commenting "If you feel like my song isn't tough enough to the point where you have to freestyle ... Don't think I'm happy that you're doing it because of who you are. I'm ready for war."

His song "Danny Glover" received a number of remixes by Waka Flocka Flame and Nicki Minaj, among others. In October 2013, Young Thug appeared on several tracks on 19 & Boomin by Metro Boomin, including "Some More", the first song he made with Alex Tumay, who became his go-to engineer for almost everything from then until Slime Season 2. In December 2013, Thug performed at Fool's Gold Day Off show in Miami, among Danny Brown, Trick Daddy and Travis Scott.

2014: Rise to popularity and label issues

In January 2014, Young Thug revealed that he had been offered $8.5 million to sign to rapper Future's Freebandz record label. In March 2014, Young Thug's affiliation with Cash Money Records and its CEO, Birdman, led to speculation about him signing to the label, though the label's publicist later denied the rumors. On March 28, 2014, Ronald "Caveman" Rosario, director of Urban Music at 1017 Distribution, addressed the situation, stating that Young Thug signed a management deal—not a record deal—with Birdman's Rich Gang, and is still signed to 1017 Brick Squad.

In 2014, Young Thug recorded several songs with Kanye West, who praised him for his ability to make songs quickly. Thug announced that he had upcoming mixtapes with Rich Homie Quan, Chief Keef and Bloody Jay. Young Thug would go on to be featured on the March 2014 cover of The Fader. On March 11, 2014, his debut single "Stoner" was serviced to rhythmic contemporary radio in the United States by Asylum and Atlantic Records. On March 24, 2014, Young Thug stated his debut album would be titled Carter VI, referencing the highly acclaimed Tha Carter album series by American hip hop superstar Lil Wayne, who has been the biggest influence in Young Thug's music career.

Two days later, it was revealed that Young Thug was working on a collaborative album with American record producer Metro Boomin, which was titled Metro Thuggin and set for release in spring 2014. The first song from the project, titled "The BLanguage", which uses elements from Canadian rapper Drake's "The Language", was released the same day. In April 2014, Young Thug released a new 808 Mafia-produced song titled "Eww", which was named one of the five best songs of the week by XXL. A remix of the song was supposed to be on Thug's debut album with verses from Lil Wayne and Drake, but did not come to fruition.

On June 17, 2014, Kevin Liles confirmed that Young Thug had been officially signed to his and Lyor Cohen's label 300 Entertainment. On July 1, 2014, Asylum Records and Atlantic Records officially released Young Thug's 2013 fan-favorite song "Danny Glover", re-titling it "2 Bitches". Also on July 1, Mass Appeal Records released "Old English", the first single from their compilation album Mass Appeal Vol. 1, which features Young Thug alongside fellow American rappers ASAP Ferg and Freddie Gibbs. On October 16, 2014, "Take Kare" featuring Young Thug and Lil Wayne was released; it was the first single from Cash Money Records's Rich Gang 2 compilation. The December 4, 2014, issue of Rolling Stone called Young Thug the "most exciting new voice of hip-hop" and "hip-hop's new crown prince". At the end of the year, music critic Robert Christgau named Black Portland—Young Thug's collaborative mixtape with Bloody Jay—the fourth best album of 2014.

2015–2016: Barter 6 and Slime Season series

Young Thug performing in 2016
Main articles: Barter 6, Slime Season, Slime Season 2, and Slime Season 3

In 2015, a series of data breaches resulted in the release of hundreds of tracks from Young Thug's archives to the Internet. Young Thug's planned debut album was set for release in 2015, and was said to be named Carter 6, in homage to Lil Wayne's upcoming album, Tha Carter V. Lil Wayne was not happy about the tribute, telling the audience of a show in April 2015 to "stop listening" to Young Thug. After saying he had been threatened with lawsuits, Young Thug announced that he was changing the title to Barter 6 and clarified that it would be a mixtape rather than his debut album. Young Thug announced April 18, 2015, that his official debut album will be titled Hy!£UN35, to be read as "HiTunes".

In May 2015, after much confusion as to who he was signed to and managed by, having been aligned with Gucci Mane's 1017 Records, Future's Freebandz, Lyor Cohen's 300 Entertainment and Birdman's Rich Gang, Young Thug revealed "I manage myself. I'm signed with Atlantic. I have a big, special deal with Atlantic, and it's only Atlantic. Birdman is my homie."

In 2015, Thug released the compilation mixtapes Slime Season and Slime Season 2, which were well-received. Young Thug revealed in late June 2015 that he and Kanye West discussed the prospect of a joint album together. Thug said Kanye was impressed after previewing his unreleased music. "I was letting him hear all the music. Then he said I was like Bob Marley and he wanted to do an album with me. I was like, 'Let's roll!'" the rapper said. Young Thug appeared on West's 2016 album The Life of Pablo, and West tweeted that he would release further collaborations with Young Thug on Tidal.

In July 2015, 300 Entertainment released a promotional single, "Pacifier", in support of Young Thug's debut album Hy!£UN35. The song features production from Mike Will Made-It, and was noted by critics for its experimentation with more extreme vocal scatting. On February 4, 2016, Young Thug released a mixtape titled I'm Up. On March 26, 2016, he released the final installment of the Slime Season series with Slime Season 3, declaring the mixtape the end of a phase marked by leaked material. Young Thug toured the United States on his May 2016 HiTunes tour, which featured artists Dae Dae, TM88, and Rich The Kid.

2016–2018: Jeffery and collaborations

Main articles: Jeffery (mixtape), Beautiful Thugger Girls, and Super Slimey

Young Thug was featured in Calvin Klein's Fall 2016 fashion campaign, along with Frank Ocean among others. On July 9, 2016, he announced his self-titled mixtape Jeffery was coming out soon. On August 16, 2016, Thug announced he would change his name to "No, My Name Is Jeffery" for the week of Jeffery's release. The album artwork features Young Thug with his face obscured wearing a dress designed by Italian designer Alessandro Trincone, and was photographed by Garfield Lamond. The artwork went viral and prompted a wide range of responses on social media. In November 2016, he announced he was starting his own record label imprint called YSL Records.

In March 2017, Young Thug was featured on the songs "Sacrifices" and "Ice Melts" from Drake's commercial mixtape More Life. He was featured on Calvin Harris' song "Heatstroke" along with Ariana Grande and Pharrell Williams, released in March 2017. In April 2017, Young Thug announced the commercial mixtape Beautiful Thugger Girls, originally titled E.B.B.T.G. The project was executive-produced by Drake and was released on June 16, 2017. In August, Thug featured on Camila Cabello's single "Havana", which peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marking his first number-one hit. In September 2017, he released a joint EP with DJ Carnage titled Young Martha. In October 2017, Thug released a collaborative mixtape with Future titled Super Slimey. It includes tracks recorded by each of the artists individually as well as both together, and features guest vocals from rapper Offset.

In 2018, Young Thug released the single "Ride for Me", a collaboration by A-Trak, Falcons, and 24hrs via A-Trak's record label Fool's Gold. He released the EP Hear No Evil in April 2018. Young Thug co-wrote and provided background vocals on Childish Gambino's "This Is America", which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for May 19, 2018. In August 2018, he released another compilation album, Slime Language.

2019–2020: So Much Fun and Slime & B

Main articles: So Much Fun and Slime & B

On May 23, 2019, Young Thug released the single "The London", featuring American rappers J. Cole and Travis Scott. On the same day, also announced his forthcoming debut studio album, which was originally called Gold Mouf Dog. On July 19, 2019, Young Thug announced that the album had been renamed to So Much Fun. On August 10, 2019, Young Thug announced the album's release date and cover art. The track listing was revealed on August 15. The album was released on August 16, 2019, the rapper's 28th birthday. It features guest appearances from Future, Machine Gun Kelly, Gunna, Lil Baby, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Duke, 21 Savage, Doe Boy, Lil Keed, Quavo, Juice Wrld, Nav, J. Cole, and Travis Scott. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200.

On October 20, 2019, Young Thug appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon alongside rapper and fellow labelmate Gunna. On October 31, 2019, "Hot", a song from So Much Fun which featured Gunna, received a remix with an additional feature from Travis Scott. The deluxe edition of the album was released on December 20, 2019, with extra guest appearances from Gunna and Travis Scott as well as the "Hot" remix.

Slime & B, his 2020 collaborative mixtape with Chris Brown (pictured), spawned the single "Go Crazy", Thug's highest-charting single as a lead artist

On April 29, 2020, Young Thug and American singer Chris Brown announced their collaborative mixtape, Slime & B. It was released on May 5, 2020, and features guest appearances from Major Nine, Gunna, Lil Duke, Too Short, E-40, HoodyBaby, and Future. The mixtape's lead single, "Go Crazy", peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Thug's highest-charting single as a lead artist. On September 25, Thug was featured alongside British rapper M.I.A. on Travis Scott's single "Franchise", which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Thug's second number-one single. By the end of the year, he had fourteen chart entries on the Hot 100, due to several collaborations with other artists.

2021–present: Punk and Business Is Business

Main articles: Punk (Young Thug album) and Business Is Business (Young Thug album)

On April 16, 2021, YSL Records, along with Young Thug and Gunna, released their second compilation album Slime Language 2. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and included guest appearances from Travis Scott, Drake, Rowdy Rebel, Lil Baby, YTB Trench, Lil Uzi Vert, Coi Leray, Big Sean, Nav, Skepta, Future, YNW Melly, BSlime, Sheck Wes, and Kid Cudi, with production mainly handled by Southside, Wheezy, and Turbo. It was supported by two singles, "Take It to Trial" and "That Go!". A deluxe edition was released on April 23, containing eight new songs and featuring artists such as DaBaby and Don Toliver.

In July 2021, Young Thug advertised his second studio album Punk with a release date of October 15, 2021. The album was originally announced in August 2019 and was expected shortly after the release of So Much Fun. "Tick Tock" was released as the intended lead single from the album, on August 20, 2021, but was excluded from the final track listing. In September 2021, Thug reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for the third time in his career with his feature alongside Future on "Way 2 Sexy", the lead single off Drake's album Certified Lover Boy. On October 15, Thug released his album Punk.

In November 2021, Kobalt Music Group announced a new global publishing deal with Young Thug, in which the company would handle his publishing administration, global sync, and creative services.

In June 2023, Young Thug's social media accounts posted a QR code which led to a countdown which was set to conclude on June 23. Many of Thug's peers reposted the code, with Metro Boomin confirming that he executive produced his upcoming album shortly after. On June 23, Young Thug's third studio album, Business is Business was released with features from Drake, Travis Scott, Future, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, and more, making for Thug's first project released since his May 2022 arrest.

Artistry

Musical style and influence

Young Thug has received both praise and criticism for his eccentric vocal style, which has been described as departing from traditional rap lyricism and sometimes intelligible meaning. Jeff Weiss of BBC called him the "most influential rapper of the 21st century." According to The Fader, "in a typical Young Thug verse, he slurs, shouts, whines and sings, feverishly contorting his voice into a series of odd timbres like a beautifully played but broken wind instrument." Pitchfork called his style "extraordinarily distinctive" and "a weird, experimental approach to rapping" while praising his "presence, persona, mystique, and, potentially, star power".

Billboard wrote that "Thug uses this multiplicative vocal delivery to his advantage: where another rapper might lapse into repetition, he finds a new way to distress and warp his tone, to burrow resourcefully into rhythmic cracks and crevices." Complex noted his aptitude for creating catchy, melodic hooks. XXL called him a "rap weirdo", stating that "Thug's charisma, unhinged flow and hooks make his music intriguing." Critic Sheldon Pearce wrote that "Thug understands the modern pop song construction better than anyone: anything and everything can be a hook."

Young Thug has been noted for his fast working method, with several collaborators observing his tendency to freestyle tracks live in the studio or quickly develop lyrics on the spot. He doesn't write down lyrics on paper, but has been known to plan lyrics by drawing shapes and signs. Consequence of Sound stated that "his work is constantly rooted in improvisation, an inherently thrilling concept that's embedded itself in black music." Discussing his work, Williams has claimed the ability to write a hit song in ten minutes and said "I'm in the studio so much, I'll just try stuff. I just think and try, think and try. I don't really know how to sing, but I've been trying for years." Young Thug has cited American rapper Lil Wayne as his biggest idol and influence. In an interview with Complex magazine he said, "I want to get in the studio with Wayne more than anybody in the world." He has cited mentor Gucci Mane and Kanye West as influences.

Image and fashion

Vibe Magazine called Young Thug "one of the most unpredictable, charismatic, and outlandish personalities in hip hop today." Rovi called him a "fashion icon". His wardrobe has been described as eccentric and consists predominantly of women's clothing, which he has preferred to wear since age 12. The Seattle Times wrote that "with a fashion sense as unconventional as his rapping, Young Thug can regularly be seen on his Instagram account rocking painted fingernails, skintight jeans or a kids-size dress as a shirt, which, along with his habit of regularly referring to close male friends as 'hubbie' or 'lover' has led to rumors about his sexual orientation."

In an advertisement for Calvin Klein, Thug proclaimed "In my world, you can be a gangsta with a dress or you can be a gangsta with baggy pants." Fusion described him as "defying gender stereotypes and agitating the way hip-hop defines black masculinity, through his eccentric sense of style." He has been compared to David Bowie, Prince, and Little Richard. The media has called him gender fluid and androgynous. GQ called him "at once a hero and an outsider and a leader of the psychedelic fashion movement of rap hippies."

In February 2018, Young Thug rebranded himself as "SEX".

Personal life

Young Thug has six children by four women: three sons and three daughters. He became a father at the age of 17. In April 2015, he became engaged to Jerrika Karlae, who runs a swimsuit line and whose mother managed the late Young Dolph. Thug bought his first home in September 2016 after the release of his mixtape Jeffery. The home, in Buckhead, Atlanta, is more than 11,000 square-feet and has six bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a full bar, a theater room, and a four-car garage.

During his childhood, one of Thug's older brothers was shot and killed in front of his family's home.

In April 2020, during a concert livestream, Thug revealed a recent near-death experience of his, stating:

I kinda just stayed in the bed and I was like, 'Yo, call the ambulance. I can't move my body, then later, when the ambulance came, I couldn't get out of bed. They had to get me out of the bed, basically. I felt like my whole body was numb and I couldn't move. I went to the hospital and I had found out that I had liver and kidney failure. And I kinda had sorta passed away, like I kinda died.

In December 2020, Young Thug broke up with his fiancée Jerrika Karlae. In 2021, Thug began to date Atlanta singer Mariah the Scientist.

Philanthropy

In December 2016, Thug joined the #fightpovertyagain campaign. On June 29, 2017, Thug donated all proceeds of a sold-out concert to Planned Parenthood, stating on Twitter that "I was a teenage parent. Planned+unplanned parenthood is beautiful".

Legal issues

See also: YSL RICO trial

In April 2015, after a Lil Wayne tour bus was fired at by members of the Bloods street-gang, Young Thug was among those sued by the bus driver alongside Cash Money Records, Young Money Records, and Birdman.

A lawsuit was filed against Thug in January 2017 after he failed to show up at a concert in Sahlen's Stadium after he signed a $55,000 contract. This was not the first time a lawsuit was filed against him for not appearing at a concert, as a Texas production company had done the same in April 2016 after he failed to perform at a concert.

Thug was cleared of battery in April 2017 after reportedly slapping a woman outside a nightclub the previous month. The woman was arguing with Thug's fiancée, Jerrika Karlae, when Thug allegedly stepped in and struck the woman. The charges were dropped due to a lack of evidence.

Young Thug's gun and drug charges were dropped in April 2017 following a raid of his home in Sandy Springs, Georgia, which resulted in him being charged with felony cocaine possession, felony marijuana possession, and three counts of felony gun possession. Thug's lawyers argued that police conducted the search without a warrant which led to the district attorney dropping all charges except felony marijuana possession. It was reported in April 2017 that Thug was being sued by Heritage Select Homes for owing almost $2.2 million in house payments.

On September 24, 2017, Thug was arrested in Brookhaven, Georgia, on multiple drug possession charges and possession of a firearm. He was released on bond three days later. On September 7, 2018, he was charged with possession and intent to distribute meth, hydrocodone, and marijuana. He was also charged with possession of amphetamine, alprazolam, codeine (2 counts), and a firearm; this indictment was related to his 2017 arrest.

On May 9, 2022, Thug was arrested in Atlanta on gang-related charges. Thug and Gunna were among the 28 people associated with YSL who were charged in a 56-count Georgia RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act indictment filed by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Following a search of his home, he was charged with seven additional felonies related to possession of illegal substances and illegal firearms. He was held at the Fulton County Superior Court. He was denied bond several times and remained in the Cobb County Jail until his release on October 31st, 2024.

His state RICO criminal trial began on November 27, 2023, Five of his co-defendants stood trial with him. On December 12, 2023, it was agreed that the continuation of the trial would be delayed until January 2024 after his co-defendant Shannon Stillwell was stabbed multiple times during a fight that occurred in the Fulton County Jail. The trial resumed on January 2, 2024. On October 31, 2024, Williams was released from jail after he accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to 40 years: 5 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and a backload of 20 years in prison if probation is violated. Williams' 5 years in prison has been commuted to time served. Williams' release and probation stipulations include him being banned from the Metro Atlanta area for 10 years, not making gang-related music, and four annual anti-gang presentations/concerts for Atlanta, alongside having no contact with known gang members or co-defendants (other than Gunna and his biological brother, both of whom were among his co-defendants).

Discography

Main article: Young Thug discography

Studio albums

Awards and nominations

Year Awards Category Nominated work Result
2014 BET Hip Hop Awards Who Blew Up Himself Nominated
Made-You-Look Award (Best Hip-Hop Style) Nominated
Best Club Banger "Stoner" Nominated
2015 BET Awards Coca-Cola Viewers' Choice Award "Throw Sum Mo" (with Rae Sremmurd and Nicki Minaj) Nominated
2017 MTV Video Music Award Best Editing "Wyclef Jean" Won
UK Music Video Awards Video of the Year Won
Best Urban Video Won
Best Editing in a Video Won
Vevo Must See Award Nominated
Best Production Design in a Video "Homie" Nominated
2018 MTV Video Music Award Video of the Year "Havana" (with Camila Cabello) Won
Song of the Year Nominated
Best Pop Video Nominated
Best Choreography Nominated
American Music Awards Collaboration of the Year Won
Video of the Year Won
Favorite Pop/Rock Song Won
iHeartRadio Titanium Award 1 Billion Total Audience Spins on iHeartRadio Stations Won
2019 Grammy Awards Song of the Year "This Is America" (with Childish Gambino) Won
MTV Video Music Awards Song of the Summer "Goodbyes" (with Post Malone) Nominated
"The London" (with J.Cole and Travis Scott) Nominated
2020 Grammy Awards Best Rap/Sung Performance Nominated
2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards R&B Song of the Year "Go Crazy" (with Chris Brown) Won
2022 Grammy Awards Album Of The Year Planet Her (as a featured artist) Nominated
Donda (as a featured artist) Nominated
2023 Grammy Awards Best Rap Performance "Pushin P" (with Gunna and Future) Nominated
Best Rap Song Nominated

References

  1. "Fulton County Jail Records". Archived from the original on January 14, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2022.
  2. "TruRoyal feat. Young Thug - Im On / She Can Go x #NashMade". YouTube. July 4, 2010. Archived from the original on December 12, 2020. Retrieved December 26, 2018.
  3. "Artists: Young Thug". Vogue. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  4. ^ Watkins, Mike (January 15, 2018). "Young Thug is the saving grace of mumble rap". Michigan Daily. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  5. Ortiz, Edwin; Frydenlund, Zach; Mench, Chris; Gale, Alex; Turner, Gus; Khal; Tharpe, Frazier; Klinkenberg, Brendan; Diaz, Angel (September 7, 2016). "The 20 Best Rappers in Their 20s (Right Now)". Complex. Archived from the original on July 16, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  6. Williams, Jeffery Lamar. "Songwriter/Composer: WILLIAMS JEFFERY LAMAR". Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI). Archived from the original on February 4, 2016. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  7. Jeffries, David. "Biography - Young Thug". AllMusic. Archived from the original on August 26, 2019. Retrieved August 11, 2019.
  8. ^ Weiss, Jeff (October 21, 2019). "Why Young Thug is the 21st Century's Most Influential Rapper". BBC. Archived from the original on October 24, 2019. Retrieved October 22, 2019.
  9. "Young Thug". Billboard. March 7, 2014. Archived from the original on March 10, 2014. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  10. ^ "GEN F: Young Thug". The Fader. Archived from the original on January 13, 2014. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
  11. Unterberger, Andrew. "Stream and Download Young Thug's 'Slime Season 3′ Mixtape". Spin Magazine. Archived from the original on October 24, 2014. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  12. Mendez, Marisa (February 11, 2019). "Young Thug Wins Grammy for Childish Gambino's "This Is America" - XXL". XXL Mag. Archived from the original on April 28, 2019. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
  13. Ingvaldsen, Torsten (December 18, 2019). "Young Thug reveals new album is dropping in February". Hypebeast. Archived from the original on December 18, 2019. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
  14. Caulfield, Keith (October 24, 2021). "Young Thug's 'Punk' Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 9, 2021. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
  15. "Listen To Young Thug's New Album, 'Beautiful Thugger Girls'". Noisey. June 16, 2017. Archived from the original on June 3, 2020. Retrieved June 16, 2017.
  16. "Rapper Young Thug hit with additional felony charges in RICO indictment". ABC News. Archived from the original on June 25, 2023. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  17. ^ "Rapper Young Thug releases 'Business is Business' album while in Fulton jail awaiting RICO trial". WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta. June 24, 2023. Archived from the original on June 25, 2023. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  18. Debusmann Jr, Bernd (October 31, 2024). "Young Thug pleads guilty to criminal gang activity". BBC News. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  19. "Rapper Young Thug pleads guilty to gang, drug and gun charges". The Guardian. October 31, 2024. ISSN 1756-3224. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  20. Perry, Kevin E G (October 31, 2024). "Rapper Young Thug to be freed after pleading guilty in gang trial that's lasted two years". The Independent. ISSN 1741-9743. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  21. Bailey, Holly (October 31, 2024). "Rapper Young Thug pleads guilty in YSL case in Atlanta". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  22. Brumback, Kate (October 31, 2024). "Young Thug pleads guilty to charges, is sentenced in long and winding racketeering case". Los Angeles Times. ISSN 2165-1736. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  23. "Archive Entertainment | Young Thug". Archive Entertainment. Archived from the original on March 5, 2013. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
  24. "JEFFERY: The full Young Thug story, from Cleveland Avenue and beyond | Part 1". November 16, 2022.
  25. ^ "5 things you should know about Young Thug". Seattle Times. March 26, 2015. Archived from the original on February 26, 2017. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  26. Weinstein, Max (January 17, 2017). "Peewee Longway Is One of Hip-Hop's Secret Weapons Read More: Peewee Longway Is One of Hip-Hop's Secret Weapons – XXL". XXL Mag. Archived from the original on February 26, 2017. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  27. Vozick-Levinson, Simon (December 4, 2014). "Perma-Stoned Oddball Young Thug Is the Hottest Voice in Rap". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on August 29, 2018. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  28. "Albums of the Year: Honorable Mention". Pitchfork Media. December 17, 2013. Archived from the original on January 12, 2014. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
  29. "The 50 Best Albums of 2013". Complex. Archived from the original on December 24, 2013. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
  30. ^ "The 20 best mixtapes of 2013". FACT Magazine. December 3, 2013. Archived from the original on January 12, 2014. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
  31. "10 Best Mixtapes of 2013: Young Thug, '1017 Thug'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on December 13, 2013. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
  32. "The five best mixtapes of 2013". The Guardian. Archived from the original on March 25, 2017. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
  33. "The 100 Best Albums of the Decade So Far (2010-2014) - Pitchfork". Pitchfork. August 19, 2014. Archived from the original on June 22, 2019. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  34. "100 Best Songs of 2013: Young Thug, Picachu". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on December 8, 2013. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
  35. "The Top 100 Tracks of 2013". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on January 12, 2014. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
  36. "Young Thug – "Picacho" - SPIN's 50 Best Songs of 2013". Spin. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
  37. "25 New Rappers to Watch Out For". Complex. Archived from the original on August 1, 2013. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
  38. "12 Songs From 2013 That Are Killing It In 2014". Complex. Archived from the original on October 22, 2014. Retrieved September 2, 2014.
  39. ^ "Interview: Young Thug Talks About Working With Kanye West & How Future Wants To Give Him $1.5 Million For A Deal". Complex. Archived from the original on January 31, 2014. Retrieved January 29, 2014.
  40. "Young Thug Doesn't Like The Remixes To "Stoner"". XXL. Archived from the original on January 12, 2014. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
  41. Rys, Dan (January 28, 2014). "Nicki Minaj Hops On Young Thug's "Danny Glover" Remix". XXL. Archived from the original on January 31, 2014. Retrieved January 29, 2014.
  42. "19 & Boomin". HotNewHipHop. October 7, 2013. Archived from the original on July 31, 2016. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
  43. "Danny Brown, Travis Scott And Young Thug Dominate Fool's Gold Day Off Miami". XXL. Archived from the original on January 7, 2014. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
  44. C. Vernon Coleman II (January 18, 2014). "Young Thug Signing To Future's Freebandz Imprint – XXL". Xxlmag.com. Archived from the original on July 21, 2015. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
  45. "Young Thug Is Still Signed to 1017 Brick Squad/Atlantic, Says Source". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 10, 2014. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  46. "Gucci Mane Made $1.3 Million Dollars In 2013". XXL. Archived from the original on March 30, 2014. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
  47. "Introducing The FADER's 90th Issue: King Krule and Young Thug". The Fader. Archived from the original on April 7, 2014. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
  48. "Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases". Archived from the original on June 28, 2014.
  49. ^ "Young Thug Says His Album Is Going To Be Called 'Carter VI'". XXL. Archived from the original on March 25, 2014. Retrieved March 25, 2014.
  50. "Young Thug and Metro Boomin Remix Drake's "The Language" on "The Blanguage"". Complex. Archived from the original on March 29, 2014. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
  51. "XXL's Best Songs Of The Week". XXL. Archived from the original on April 26, 2014. Retrieved April 26, 2014.
  52. Emmanuel C.M. (March 6, 2014). "Young Thug Has New Music Coming Out With YMCMB – XXL". Xxlmag.com. Archived from the original on March 2, 2016. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
  53. "300 Entertainment Partners with Migos And Quality Control Music". XXL. June 17, 2014. Archived from the original on March 21, 2015. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  54. "iTunes – Music – Old English – Single by Young Thug, A$AP Ferg & Freddie Gibbs". iTunes. July 2014. Archived from the original on March 3, 2015. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  55. "iTunes – Music – Light Through the Water – Single by Wandering Wind". iTunes. July 19, 2014. Archived from the original on March 4, 2015. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  56. "Young Thug & Lil Wayne – Take Kare". Rap Dose. Archived from the original on October 20, 2014. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
  57. "Perma-Stoned Oddball Young Thug Is the Hottest Voice in Rap". Rolling Stone. December 4, 2014. Archived from the original on March 26, 2016. Retrieved March 15, 2016.
  58. Christgau, Robert (March 10, 2015). "Excuses, Excuses: The 2014 Dean's List". The Barnes & Noble Review. Archived from the original on March 12, 2015. Retrieved April 13, 2015.
  59. ^ "Slime Season". pitchfork.com. September 24, 2015. Archived from the original on October 15, 2015. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  60. "Young Thug Readies "Carter 6" Album". BallerStatus.com. March 17, 2015. Archived from the original on March 20, 2015. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
  61. Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) (May 27, 2015). "Young Thug Says He's Not Signed To Birdman's Rich Gang, Plans To Drop "Carter V" Mixtape (VIDEO)". AllHipHop. Archived from the original on August 25, 2015. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
  62. "Lil Wayne Blasts Young Thug For "Carter 6" Album Title". BallerStatus.com. April 10, 2015. Archived from the original on April 13, 2015. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  63. "Young Thug Changes Title To "Carter 6" Mixtape". BallerStatus.com. Archived from the original on April 16, 2015. Retrieved April 13, 2015.
  64. "Young Thug Announces Debut Album "Hy!£UN35"". BallerStatus.com. April 19, 2015. Archived from the original on April 19, 2015. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
  65. "Young Thug Says His Next Mixtape Will Be Called "Tha Carter V"". Hotnewhiphop.com. May 27, 2015. Archived from the original on September 10, 2015. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
  66. Diep, Eric. "Young Thug Wants to Name His Next Mixtape Tha Carter V". BET. Archived from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
  67. "Young Thug Says Kanye Compared Him To Bob Marley". BallerStatus.com. June 26, 2015. Archived from the original on June 27, 2015. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  68. Minsker, Evan (February 17, 2016). "Kanye West Shares Full The Life of Pablo Credits". Pitchfork Media. Archived from the original on February 18, 2016. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  69. Minsker, Evan (February 15, 2016). "Kanye West Says The Life of Pablo Will Never Be for Sale, Promises Songs With Kendrick Lamar and Young Thug". Pitchfork Media. Archived from the original on February 18, 2016. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  70. "Pacifier, HiTunes' first single". Pitchfork. July 17, 2015. Archived from the original on July 27, 2015. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  71. FACT Team (July 17, 2015). "Hear Young Thug scat on Mike WiLL-produced 'Pacifier'". Factmag.com. Archived from the original on September 18, 2015. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
  72. Minsker, Evan; Strauss, Matthew (February 4, 2016). "Young Thug Drops I'm Up". Pitchfork Media. Archived from the original on February 15, 2016. Retrieved February 12, 2016.
  73. "Young Thug – Slime Season 3". Archived from the original on April 7, 2016. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
  74. Ivey, Justin (April 28, 2016). "Dae Dae Releases '4 Reasons' Mixtape – XXL". XXL Mag. Archived from the original on May 5, 2016. Retrieved June 23, 2016.
  75. Smith, Trevor (July 9, 2016). "Jeffery is on the way". HNHH. Archived from the original on August 16, 2016. Retrieved July 10, 2016.
  76. "Young Thug only changing his name to Jeffery for one week". HNHH. August 16, 2016. Archived from the original on August 17, 2016. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
  77. Wolf, Cameron. "This Is the Story Behind Young Thug's 'Jeffery' Dress". Complex Magazine. Archived from the original on August 30, 2016. Retrieved August 27, 2016.
  78. Jones, Jaleesa M. "Twitter is having a ball with Young Thug's 'Jeffery' cover art". USA Today. Archived from the original on August 26, 2016. Retrieved August 27, 2016.
  79. Smith, Trevor (November 16, 2016). "Young Thug announces leading YSL records". Hotnewhiphop. Archived from the original on November 18, 2016. Retrieved November 17, 2016.
  80. Yoo, Noah (March 18, 2017). "Stream Drake's New Album More Life, Featuring Kanye, Young Thug, Sampha, More | Pitchfork". pitchfork.com. Archived from the original on April 3, 2017. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  81. Spanos, Brittany (March 31, 2017). "Hear Ariana Grande, Pharrell, Young Thug on Motown-Inspired Calvin Harris Song". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on April 2, 2017. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  82. "Everything We Know About Young Thug's 'E.B.B.T.G.' So Far". Complex. Archived from the original on July 9, 2017. Retrieved July 12, 2017.
  83. "BEAUTIFUL THUGGER GIRLS by Young Thug on Apple Music". iTunes. June 16, 2017. Archived from the original on July 11, 2017. Retrieved July 12, 2017.
  84. Bell, Sadie. "Camila Cabello Releases New Songs 'Havana' Featuring Young Thug & 'OMG' Featuring Quavo". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 13, 2018. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
  85. Penrose, Nerisha. "Young Thug & DJ Carnage Unleash New Young Martha Track 'Liger'". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 24, 2017. Retrieved September 26, 2017.
  86. Spanos, Brittany (February 7, 2018). "Hear Young Thug, A-Trak's Rowdy New Song 'Ride For Me'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on February 7, 2018. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  87. Helman, Peter. "Listen to Young Thug's Surprise EP 'Hear No Evil' Featuring Nicki Minaj, Lil Uzi Vert & 21 Savage". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 13, 2018. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
  88. Gambino, Childish (May 6, 2018). "This Is America". Spotify. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  89. "Here Are the Rappers Who Contributed to Childish Gambino's "This Is America"". Complex. Archived from the original on December 12, 2018. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  90. "Childish Gambino's 'This Is America' Blasts in at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 15, 2018. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  91. Li, Nicolaus (August 17, 2018). "Stream Young Thug's Featured-Filled 'Slime Language' Compilation Project". Hypebeast. Archived from the original on August 17, 2018. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  92. Coley, Jordan (May 23, 2019). "Fans Are Really Freaking Out About The New Young Thug". Uproxx. Archived from the original on May 24, 2019. Retrieved May 24, 2019.
  93. Zidel, Alex (July 19, 2019). "Young Thug Changes Upcoming Album Title". HotNewHipHop. Archived from the original on July 19, 2019. Retrieved August 11, 2019.
  94. Coleman II, C. Vernon (August 10, 2019). "Young Thug to Release New Album So Much Fun Next Week". XXL. Archived from the original on August 11, 2019. Retrieved August 11, 2019.
  95. "First Look: Kate Beckinsale, Alec Baldwin, Young Thug & Gunna Appear On Jimmy Fallon's "Tonight Show"". Headline Planet. October 20, 2019. Archived from the original on October 21, 2019. Retrieved October 21, 2019.
  96. "Chris Brown & Young Thug's Joint Mixtape Release Date Is Here". HotNewHipHop. April 29, 2020. Archived from the original on April 28, 2020. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  97. "Young Thug Has Dominated the Hot 100 in 2020 Without Any Solo Projects". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 24, 2020. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
  98. Bloom, Madison (April 16, 2021). "Young Thug Releases New Album Slime Language 2 With Drake, Travis Scott, Lil Uzi Vert: Listen". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
  99. "Young Thug Drops 'Slime Language 2 (Deluxe)'". Rap-Up. Archived from the original on April 26, 2021. Retrieved April 23, 2021.
  100. "Stream the Deluxe Version of Young Thug and YSL's 'Slime Language 2'". Complex. Archived from the original on April 24, 2021. Retrieved April 23, 2021.
  101. Robinson, Kristin (November 10, 2021). "Young Thug Signs With Kobalt Music for Publishing". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 10, 2021. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
  102. Cho, Regina (June 16, 2023). "Young Thug Posts Mysterious QR Code On Social Media". VIBE.com. Archived from the original on June 25, 2023. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  103. Mier, Tomás (June 23, 2023). "Young Thug Will Drop Album 'Business Is Business' From Jail". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on June 25, 2023. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  104. Srour, Yousef (June 23, 2023). "Young Thug Drops Star-Studded 'Business Is Business' Surprise Project From Prison: Album Review". Variety. Archived from the original on June 25, 2023. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  105. ^ Locke, Charley. "Young Thug Isn't Rapping Gibberish, He's Evolving Language". Wired Magazine. Archived from the original on September 3, 2016. Retrieved September 2, 2016.
  106. "Young Thug I Came From Nothing 3". Pitchfork Media. Archived from the original on January 12, 2014. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
  107. "Album Review: Young Thug Exists In His Own Weird World On 'Barter 6'". Billboard. April 17, 2015. Archived from the original on June 23, 2015. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  108. "The 10 Best Hook Artists in the Game Right Now". Complex. Archived from the original on October 13, 2014. Retrieved September 1, 2014.
  109. "Young Thug Releases New Mixtape "1017 Thug"". XXL. Archived from the original on January 12, 2014. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
  110. Pearce, Sheldon. "Young Thug JEFFERY Album Review". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on September 2, 2016. Retrieved September 1, 2016.
  111. Breihan, Tom (April 14, 2016). "Young Thug's Label Head Does Not Understand Young Thug". Stereogum. Archived from the original on August 20, 2016. Retrieved August 21, 2016.
  112. ^ Greene, Jayson (September 28, 2015). "Chaos Theory: The Glorious Unpredictability of Young Thug". Pitchfork Media. Archived from the original on August 26, 2016. Retrieved August 21, 2016.
  113. "Young Thug – Slime Season". consequence.net. September 21, 2015. Archived from the original on October 15, 2015. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  114. ^ "Lil Wayne's Influence On Young Thug". Complex. Archived from the original on October 22, 2014. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
  115. Schwadron, Eli (May 27, 2016). "10 Younger Rappers Influenced by Gucci Mane". XXL Magazine. Archived from the original on October 26, 2016. Retrieved October 26, 2016.
  116. "Interview: Young Thug Talks About Working With Kanye West & How Future Wants To Give Him $1.5 Million For A Deal". Complex. Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
  117. Braboy, Mark (August 29, 2016). "Young Thug Reveals That He's "Not Into Sex Like That"". Vibe Magazine. Archived from the original on September 1, 2016. Retrieved September 2, 2016.
  118. David & Andy Kellman, Jeffries. "About Young Thug". MTV. Archived from the original on September 14, 2016. Retrieved September 6, 2016.
  119. Green, Mark Anthony (September 28, 2015). "Get Psyched for the Return of Young Thug and His Dresses". GQ. Archived from the original on November 8, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  120. "Young Thug Breaks Down His Androgynous Style: 'There's No Such Thing As Gender'". MTV. Archived from the original on July 10, 2016. Retrieved July 10, 2016.
  121. Hairston, Tahirah. "Why rapper Young Thug wears women's clothing". Fusion TV. Archived from the original on August 27, 2016. Retrieved August 21, 2016.
  122. Richards, Chris. "A Loss for Words: Listening to the Post-Verba Genius of Young Thug". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on August 12, 2016. Retrieved August 21, 2016.
  123. Wolfson, Sam (October 8, 2015). "Young Thug: 'I like everything people say about me – you gay, you a punk, you can't rap, you're the hardest'". The Guardian. Archived from the original on July 19, 2016. Retrieved July 10, 2016.
  124. Friedman, David (February 16, 2016). "Young Thug Is an ATLien (and the Best Rapper Alive)". GQ. Archived from the original on September 19, 2016. Retrieved August 21, 2016.
  125. "Young Thug announces ridiculous name change". NME. February 20, 2018. Archived from the original on June 17, 2020. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  126. Watts, Devin Friedman, Ben (February 16, 2016). "What Planet Is Young Thug From?". Archived from the original on October 13, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  127. J, Miranda (March 11, 2016). "Young Thug Is Head Over Heels For Jerrika Karlae Read More: Young Thug Is Head Over Heels For Jerrika Karlae". XXL Magazine. Archived from the original on September 13, 2016. Retrieved September 2, 2016.
  128. "Young Thug Just Bought His First House". The FADER. September 17, 2016. Archived from the original on August 19, 2017. Retrieved August 19, 2017.
  129. Northam, Mitchell. "Lawsuit: Young Thug owes $2.2 million on his Atlanta home". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on August 19, 2017. Retrieved August 19, 2017.
  130. ^ Ihaza, Jeff (July 28, 2021). "The Abundant Heart and Revolutionary Vision of Young Thug". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on July 28, 2021. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  131. Murphy, Chris (April 30, 2020). "Young Thug Reveals That He Almost Died of Kidney and Liver Failure". Vulture. Archived from the original on July 28, 2021. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  132. Espinoza, Joshua (August 20, 2021). "Karlae Gets Candid About Her Relationship With Young Thug". Complex. Archived from the original on April 15, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  133. Marie, Erika (August 1, 2022). "Mariah The Scientist Shows Off Young Thug's Romantic Gesture From Jail". HotNewHipHop. Archived from the original on April 15, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  134. Meyer, Evelyn (March 12, 2023). "Mariah The Scientist Tweets About Her Longing For Young Thug". HotNewHipHop. Archived from the original on April 15, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  135. Renshaw, David (December 13, 2016). "Young Thug On The Fight Against Poverty: "I Always Want To Stay Involved."". The FADER. Archived from the original on November 8, 2017. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
  136. Sodomsky, Sam (June 30, 2017). "Young Thug Donates New York Concert Proceeds to Planned Parenthood". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on July 8, 2017. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
  137. Brasch, Ben (December 9, 2016). "Driver in Lil Wayne bus shooting sues music label, Young Thug, Birdman". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on August 19, 2017. Retrieved August 19, 2017.
  138. Brasch, Ben (February 7, 2017). "Atlanta rapper Young Thug sued for $360K after concert no-show". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on August 19, 2017. Retrieved August 19, 2017.
  139. Brett, Jennifer (May 4, 2017). "Young Thug faces lawsuit after alleged concert no-show". Atlanta Buzz. AJC. Archived from the original on August 19, 2017. Retrieved August 19, 2017.
  140. Craighead, Olivia (April 11, 2017). "Young Thug Has Reportedly Been Cleared Of Battery Charges". The FADER. Archived from the original on August 19, 2017. Retrieved August 19, 2017.
  141. "Young Thug Cleared in Alleged Slapping Incident Outside Atlanta Nightclub". TMZ. April 11, 2017. Archived from the original on August 14, 2017. Retrieved August 19, 2017.
  142. "Young Thug Skates on Felony Drug Charge, Saved by Technicality". TMZ. April 3, 2017. Archived from the original on August 15, 2017. Retrieved August 19, 2017.
  143. "Young Thug's Gun and Drug Charges Dropped – XXL". XXL Mag. April 4, 2017. Archived from the original on August 11, 2017. Retrieved August 19, 2017.
  144. "Young Thug Owes $2.2 Million In House Payments". HotNewHipHop. Archived from the original on August 19, 2017. Retrieved August 19, 2017.
  145. "Rapper Young Thug Arrested on Drug, Firearm Charges in Georgia After Police Pull Him Over for Having Tinted Windows". KTLA. October 8, 2017. Archived from the original on October 10, 2017. Retrieved October 9, 2017.
  146. "Rapper Young Thug arrested on drug, gun charges in Georgia". The Washington Post. Associated Press. September 28, 2017. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on October 10, 2017. Retrieved October 9, 2017.
  147. "Young Thug Charged With 8 Felonies For Drug And Gun Possession". TMZ. Archived from the original on September 7, 2018. Retrieved September 7, 2018.
  148. Prince, Chelsea (September 7, 2018). "Atlanta rapper Young Thug indicted on multiple drug charges". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  149. Hollis, Henri. "BREAKING: Young Thug arrested in Atlanta, charged with 2 gang counts". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on October 21, 2022. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  150. Young Thug and Gunna Listed in 56-Count Indictment Involving 28 YSL Members Facing RICO Charges, Thug Arrested Archived May 11, 2022, at the Wayback Machine Complex, BYABEL SHIFFERAW, May 09, 2022
  151. Billboard, Bill Donahue (May 11, 2022). "Young Thug Charged With Seven More Felonies Days After RICO Indictment". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on October 20, 2022. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  152. Mason, Hayley (May 14, 2022). "Atlanta rapper Young Thug appears in court, dozens face gang-related charges". CBS. CBS 46. Archived from the original on May 12, 2022. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
  153. SoMajor, Kim (August 19, 2022). "Young Thug Denied Bond Again Will Remain in Jail Until 2023 - The Source". Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  154. "US rapper Young Thug released from jail in plea deal twist". www.bbc.com. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
  155. Zaru, Deena (November 27, 2023). "As Young Thug trial begins, prosecutors allege rapper is 'proclaimed leader' of criminal street gang". ABC News. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  156. Grey, Zoe (November 29, 2023). "Everything We Know About YSL's RICO Case". Vulture. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  157. Brumback, Kate (November 27, 2023). "Rapper Young Thug's trial on racketeering conspiracy and gang charges begins in Atlanta". Associated Press News. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  158. "Young Thug trial on pause until January after co-defendant is stabbed in jail". Associated Press. December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  159. "Young Thug trial resumes after YSL codefendant stabbed in jail: Live". Yahoo News. January 3, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  160. Coscarelli, Joe (October 31, 2024). "Young Thug Pleads Guilty in YSL Case Nearly a Year Into Trial". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  161. Tharpe, Frazier (October 31, 2024). "Young Thug Is Going Home". GQ. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  162. Pequeño IV, Antonio (October 31, 2024). "Young Thug Will Be Released From Jail After Accepting Plea Deal In Racketeering Case". Forbes. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  163. Horowitz, Steven J. (October 31, 2024). "Young Thug to Be Released From Prison After Accepting Plea Deal in Georgia RICO Case". Variety. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  164. Dillon, Nancy (October 31, 2024). "Young Thug Takes Plea Deal in YSL Trial, Due to Be Released From Jail". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  165. Donahue, Bill (October 31, 2024). "Young Thug Gets No Prison Time After Pleading Guilty In YSL RICO Case". Billboard. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  166. Pilley, Max (November 1, 2024). "Young Thug accepts plea deal on gang charges, released from jail". NME. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  167. Segarra, Edward (November 1, 2024). "Young Thug to be released after pleading guilty in RICO trial, will serve probation". USA Today. ISSN 0734-7456. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  168. "61st Annual GRAMMY Awards". GRAMMY.com. December 6, 2018. Archived from the original on December 7, 2018. Retrieved February 11, 2019.
  1. (retroactively rendered as a backronym for Truly Humble(d) Under God)

External links

Young Thug
Discography
Studio albums
Compilations
EPs
Mixtapes
Singles
Featured singles
Other songs
Related articles
Awards for Young Thug
American Music Award for Collaboration of the Year
Grammy Award for Song of the Year
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
IFPI Global Year-End Charts
Artist of the Year
Album of the Year
Single of the Year
MTV Video Music Award for Best Hip-Hop Video
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
Melon Music Award for Best Pop Song
Cash Money Records
Discography
Founders
Compilations
Singles
Subsidiaries
Portals: Categories: