Any true artist will challenge not only music, but also culture at large. There’s a proud lineage of musical mavericks who have successfully subverted the zeitgeist, ranging from Sir Elton John, David Bowie, and Prince to André 3000 and Erykah Badu. Since the release of his first mixtape I CAME FROM NOTHING in 2011, YOUNG THUG has proudly earned his own position representing a shift in music and fashion. His signature siren squeal often wails like a guitar, while his viral wardrobe choices re-define “runway ready.” Everything the RIAA multiplatinum certified 25-year-old rapper does makes headlines — most notably his innate, inimitable, and infinite talent.“I always thank God first,” he exclaims. “There was this element of everything being gigantic. This shit is overblown. I’m humbled.”Young Thug, aka Jeffrey Lamar Williams, has been evolving and ever rising on the musical landscape since his arrival on the music scene.

This past year alone saw Thug quietly dominate the cultural conversation. He landed three consecutive Top 30 debuts on the Billboard Top 200 in under a year, beginning with I’M UP, followed by SLIME SEASON 3, and culminating with JEFFERY, which clinched #8. Boasting the guitar-driven swag of “Wyclef Jean,” heavyweight hip-hop fireworks of “Floyd Mayweather” [feat. Travi$ Scott, Gucci Mane, & Quavo], and soaring synergy of the platinum single “Pick Up The Phone” [with Travi$ Scott & Quavo], the mixtape Executive Produced by Wheezy and TM88, landed on coveted year-end lists from Pitchfork, Complex, Rolling Stone, and more. Known for explosive performances, he sold out every night of the HIHORSE’D headline tour in 2016 with 21 Savage and Divine Council, and embarked on a European tour with Drake in early 2017.

Taking his success a step further, Young Thug launched his own YSL Records, introducing two new recording artists, Duke and Gunna. Additionally, everyone from Wyclef Jean and Chance The Rapper to mentor Gucci Mane and Kanye West has sought him out for collaborations, and he even joined West for a seismic Saturday Night Live performance. On the fashion front, recognizing his je ne sais quoi, Young Thug was chosen as a celebrity runway model for Philipp Plein’s 2017 fashion show during Fashion Week; was featured in Calvin Klein’s summer 16 “I ____ In #MyCalvins” campaign; and was brand spokesman for Puma’s Classic Suede, showcasing the company’s fall ’16 “Classics” collection. BET also chose Young Thug as one the curators of BET’s “How To Rock: Denim.”; and was featured for his fashion sense in GQ, Vogue, Flaunt, V Magazine, and more.Everything has been right so far. Young Thug quite literally came from nothing in the Jonesboro South projects of Atlanta, GA. Inspired by Lil Wayne, Birdman, and Gucci Mane, he picked up a mic and began releasing countless songs six years ago. An organic buzz grew with Gucci first signing him to 1017. As THUG’s presence became undeniable, he inked a deal with 300 Entertainment as the company’s flagship artist. In between stunning cameos on T.I.’s Gold “About the Money” and Rae Sremmurd’s “Throw Sum Mo,” “Stoner” became his first Gold solo hit followed by the platinum “Best Friend.” He anchored the platinum Rich Gang smash “Lifestyle” and the unanimously acclaimed mixtape RICH GANG: THA TOUR – PART 1. Elton John publicly endorsed him in Noisey, and he was covered Complex, The Fader, XXL, Dazed, and more.In 2017, he joined forced with Camila Cabello on “Havana”, which became a global sensation, earning #1s around the world including in the US and UK, where it held the top position for five weeks. In addition, the track has been certified Platinum or muli-Platinum in over a dozen territories and has racked up billions of streams.Everything results from his relentless work ethic driven by marathon studio sessions. “We have so much material,” he goes on. “I live in the studio. It’s real thoughts and moments. It’s some shit I really want to put out there.”Whatever THUG has planned for 2018, it will reflect every side of his dynamic spirit, and stands poised to be timeless. “It has to be right,” he exclaims. “It just has to.”YOUNG THUG has the power to instigate change. “That’s one thing I love about the gift God gave me,” Thug leaves off. “I can change things, and I hope to.”