Young Thug, born Jeffery Lamar Williams on August 16, 1991, in Atlanta, Georgia, is a prominent American rapper known for his unique vocal style and eccentric fashion sense. He is widely recognized as an influential figure in modern hip hop and trap music, and a pioneer of the mumble rap microgenre. Young Thug began his musical career in 2011, releasing a series of mixtapes that eventually led to his signing with Gucci Mane’s 1017 Records in 2013. His mixtape 1017 Thug gained critical acclaim, helping him rise to prominence.
Young Thug’s breakthrough came in 2014 with the singles “Stoner” and “Danny Glover,” as well as his guest appearances on tracks like T.I.’s “About the Money” and Tyga’s “Hookah.” He continued to build his career with a number of successful mixtapes, including Barter 6 and the Slime Season series. His collaboration with Camila Cabello on “Havana” in 2017 marked his first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100.
In 2019, Young Thug released his debut studio album So Much Fun, which topped the Billboard 200 and included hits like “The London” and “Hot.” His second studio album Punk was released in 2021, and his third, Business Is Business, followed in 2023, both of which were successful. Additionally, he released two compilation albums with his label YSL Records: Slime Language (2018) and Slime Language 2 (2021), the latter of which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
Young Thug’s musical style is characterized by his distinctive voice, which he uses in a variety of ways, from slurring to shouting, creating a unique and experimental approach to rap. His influence extends beyond music into fashion, where he is known for his bold and unconventional choices, often wearing women’s clothing and challenging gender norms.
However, since May 2022, Young Thug has faced significant legal challenges. He has been held in Fulton County Jail on charges related to violating the Georgia RICO Act, as well as multiple counts of illegal substance trafficking and firearm possession. His legal troubles have overshadowed his career, though he continues to be a significant figure in the music industry.