Atlanta rapper Young Thug has publicly denied recent rumors suggesting a delay for his album, 'BUSINESS,' was due to collaborators withdrawing. The artist addressed these claims directly during an interview, clarifying the situation surrounding his latest release and feature appearances.
Key Takeaways
- Young Thug denied 'BUSINESS' album delay was due to feature withdrawals.
- He stated all intended collaborators are on the album, except for Drake.
- Drake's absence was attributed to his touring schedule.
- Young Thug confirmed ongoing estrangement from Gunna.
- He expressed a changed perspective on future collaborations with Gunna.
Young Thug Dispels Album Delay Speculation
Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, recently spoke out regarding the release of his album, 'BUSINESS.' Rumors had circulated that the album's initial delay was connected to some of his collaborators pulling out. These claims suggested that the leaks of his controversial jail calls had caused friction among artists.
During an appearance on the 'Its Up There' podcast, Young Thug directly confronted these theories. He urged fans not to believe the speculation. His statement aimed to clarify the circumstances surrounding the album's production and the involvement of other artists.
"Don't believe the hype," Young Thug stated. "They say I pulled the album back because I ain't get the features. Who y'all thought wasn't gonna be on the album? They're on the album."
Drake's Absence Explained
While most planned features were included, Young Thug did acknowledge one notable absence. He confirmed that a collaboration with Drake was not possible for 'BUSINESS.' However, he attributed this to Drake's busy schedule, specifically his ongoing tour commitments.
Album Features
- Ken Carson
- Cardi B
- T.I.
- Lil Baby
- Sexyy Red
- YFN Lucci
- 21 Savage
- Travis Scott
- Quavo
- Lil Gotit
- 1300Saint
- Future
- Mariah the Scientist
Young Thug expressed that he and Drake plan to work together in the future. He assured fans that a collaboration is "in store for sure." This suggests that their professional relationship remains strong despite the current scheduling conflict.
Fan Reactions to Young Thug's Explanation
Despite Young Thug's direct statements, some fans continued to express skepticism on social media platforms. Theories about potential disagreements between him and his collaborators persisted. These discussions highlighted a disconnect between the artist's explanation and certain fan perceptions.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) noted a lack of social media promotion for 'BUSINESS' from featured artists. This user compared it to previous album releases, where collaborators were more active in promoting the music. "Even tho the features are on the album, my biggest concern is that nobody posted about the album. It seemed like everyone post the QR code for BIB, but no one reposted 'BUSINESS' when it dropped, even the featured artists. Maybe I’m looking at it to deep tho," the user wrote.
Another fan questioned the reason for Drake's absence, referencing Young Thug's frequent interactions with streamer Adin Ross. "Lmao can’t get a Drake feature but he talks to Adin Ross damn near everyday," another user commented. These reactions indicate that some fans seek deeper explanations or see inconsistencies in the provided details.
Background on Young Thug's Legal Situation
Young Thug is currently facing legal challenges in the YSL RICO case. This situation has drawn significant public attention and impacted various aspects of his career and relationships within the music industry. The legal proceedings have been ongoing, with public interest remaining high.
Young Thug Discusses Relationship with Gunna
One artist noticeably absent from the 'BUSINESS' tracklist is Gunna. Young Thug and Gunna have had a publicly acknowledged strained relationship since Gunna accepted a plea deal in the YSL RICO case. This situation has been a frequent topic of discussion among fans and in the media.
During the same 'Its Up There' interview, Young Thug elaborated on his current feelings regarding Gunna and the possibility of future collaborations. He indicated a significant shift in his perspective on their professional and personal relationship.
"I think I'm just in the unpacking phase," Thug said. "It ain't even about not f***ing with you because I want him to just understand why I feel like it shouldn't happen again because I'm not gonna be able to look at you the same no matter what. We can get a trillion dollars together, I'm still not gonna be able to look at you the way I looked at you before we went to jail. We love each other, we're just going our own ways. Sometimes you do that.”
Impact of Legal Proceedings on Collaborations
Young Thug's comments suggest that while he still holds affection for Gunna, the events surrounding the RICO case have permanently altered their dynamic. He indicated that the trust and perception he once had are no longer present. This makes future artistic collaborations unlikely, despite any potential financial incentives.
This statement highlights the profound impact that legal entanglements can have on personal and professional relationships within the music industry. The situation between Young Thug and Gunna serves as a prominent example of these challenges. It underscores how legal decisions can reshape long-standing artistic partnerships.
The rapper's candid remarks offer insight into his current state of mind. They also provide clarity on the future of his collaborations with certain artists, particularly in light of ongoing legal complexities. Young Thug's focus appears to be on moving forward with his music and career, while acknowledging the changed landscape of his personal connections.
Looking Ahead for Young Thug's Music
Despite the controversies and personal challenges, Young Thug continues to release new music. 'BUSINESS' features a diverse array of artists, showcasing his ability to collaborate with many prominent figures in the music industry. The album's release marks another chapter in his evolving career.
The artist's direct communication on the podcast aimed to control the narrative surrounding his album and personal life. His explanations about Drake's absence and his relationship with Gunna provide fans with a clearer understanding of his current situation. As Young Thug navigates his legal issues, his musical output remains a central focus for his audience.
The reception to 'BUSINESS' and Young Thug's public statements will likely continue to fuel discussions among his fanbase and within the hip-hop community. His willingness to address rumors directly indicates an effort to maintain transparency with his audience during a challenging period.