Whether anyone likes it or not, Young Thug matters in today’s rap scene.
The 23-year-old rapper has gone from virtual unknown to appearances alongside T.I., touring with Cash Money’s Birdman, and even a feature in Rolling Stone.
Among other things discussed in the article, Thug, born Jeffrey Williams, tells Rolling Stone about his difficult up bringing as one of 11 siblings, spending time in a juvie detention facility, and why he got into music.
“Anyone can rap if you’ve got brains,” he says. “So I just went with it.”
Despite his nonchalant attitude about the degree of difficulty involved, fans have nonetheless responded to his mixtape singles “Stoner” and “Danny Glover.” According to Birdman, who invited him to collaborate on the Rich Gang single “Lifestyle,” Thug is a potential superstar in the making..
“He looks to me like an animal locked in a cage, ready to eat the world up,” said Birdman. “Without a doubt, he’s going to be a superstar. He’s special.”
Even with such a major cosign, naysayers still point out the “Old English” rapper’s very unique flow as being indecipherable at times and one of the main reasons they can’t get behind him. But Thug’s other major industry cheerleader, T.I., says that argument is nonsense.
“Let me ask you — did you understand everything ODB was saying?” Tip asked during a recent interview. “Did you understand everything Bone Thugs-N-Harmony was saying? Did your momma and daddy understand everything James Brown was saying? Your momma and daddy didn’t understand what James Brown was saying. They just liked it.”
As proven time and time again, almost anyone can have a couple of hot singles. The real test for Young Thug will be if he can maintain his buzz and prove to have longevity in the fickle rap market.
