YG

YG (short for Young Gangsta), born Keenon Dequan Ray Jackson on March 9, 1990, in Compton, California, is a rapper, songwriter, and actor who has become one of the defining voices of West Coast hip-hop. Growing up in Compton, he was exposed to both the struggles and the culture that shaped his music. At 16, he joined the Piru Bloods, a gang affiliation that would later influence much of his lyrical storytelling.

YG started his musical career with the 2008 mixtape 4Fingaz, but his breakthrough came in 2010 with “Toot It and Boot It,” featuring Ty Dolla Sign. The song’s success landed him a deal with Def Jam Recordings, setting the stage for his rise in the industry.

In 2013, he dropped “My Nigga” with Jeezy and Rich Homie Quan, a street anthem that became a mainstream hit, going platinum and peaking at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100. This led to the release of his debut album, My Krazy Life (2014), which was praised for its raw storytelling and West Coast bounce, debuting at #2 on the Billboard 200.

He followed up with Still Brazy (2016), an album that showed his growth as an artist, tackling political and social issues. Stay Dangerous (2018) kept his momentum going with hits like “Big Bank”, featuring 2 Chainz, Big Sean, and Nicki Minaj.

In 2019, he released 4Real 4Real, a project dedicated to his late friend Nipsey Hussle. His discography continued with My Life 4Hunnid (2020) and I Got Issues (2022), along with collaborations like Kommunity Service (2021) with Mozzy and Hit Me When U Leave the Klub (2023) with Tyga.

Beyond music, YG has ventured into acting and remains a key figure in hip-hop, known for his unapologetic style, Compton roots, and ability to blend West Coast tradition with modern rap.