Business is Business will land Young Thug at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. HITS Daily Double has lined up the album for 88,000 units moved in the first week. Hip-Hop will once again be held off by One Thing at a Time by Morgan WAllens.
Young Thug’s album is supported by Drake, Future, 21 Savage, and more, but those features, and the news surrounding his RICO trial, were not enough to push the album to the top spot. The 88,000 units are far below the initial projection of over 110,000.
The number did push Young Thug past Gunna’s first week of 83,000.
Many of the youngest fans of hip-hop might not remember, but there was a time when the new hot duo to look out for was Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug. Their run of mixtapes and frequent collaborations got a lot of hype around them as they developed their unique style. However, eventually something got in the way, and the two haven’t spoken to each other in years, it seems. Still, a recent audio leak that allegedly captured Quan’s remarks revitalized interest in their whole situation. Moreover, it’s because he appears to speak on Thug’s current RICO case in what seems to be some sort of interview setting, or at least a very formal and pointed question-and-answer conversation.
While the video is hard to understand, there are some things that really stand out in the recording. One of those is that Rich Homie Quan allegedly said something along the lines of: “Thug had something to do with it, we just can’t prove it.” In addition, Quan said that there was never any beef with Young Thug, suggesting that they just drifted apart. “That s**t was deeper than rap,” Quan apparently says at one point, calling the situation “real f***ed up.” Also, he seemingly says that he “loves” Thugger.
Of course, a lot of people started debating in the comments whether this is an instance of “snitching.” Even though Rich Homie Quan’s remarks were caught on camera, it’s unclear whether he really knew that someone was recording it. That being said, the context of his remarks also seems to be in an interview setting with an unspecified interviewer, and it’s hard to say whether someone would really be asking him these things in regular conversation. Either way, there’s clearly more nuance in Quan’s words than people believe at first glance.
Meanwhile, the YSL artist recently faced snitching accusations of his own. Furthermore, his legal team denied allegations that he provided information on a homicide. As he fights in the courtroom, perhaps other rap artists will come forward to speak on his situation in more detail. But if that’s the case, then more controversy and speculation will surely follow, so maybe the alternative to that, keeping quiet, is best. Regardless, check back in with HNHH for the latest news and updates on Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan.
Young Thug’s BUSINESS IS BUSINESS is one of the biggest rap albums of the year so far, with its No. 2 debut on the Billboard charts marking the Atlanta trap pioneer’s eighth top ten placement. More importantly, the album contains plenty of highlights, whether it be Thug’s solo tracks or some of his excellent collaborations. However, one big question that fans had about the album regards the recording and production process, since he’s in jail. Now, it looks like TMZ brought some answers thanks to a conversation they had with producer Southside. He worked on the album and offered some brief but interesting insights into the business of BUSINESS IS BUSINESS.
Furthermore, he said that they completed the album in “a week, two weeks.” In regards to this feat, he credited executive producerMetro Boomin for keeping up a fast-paced workflow across all collaborators. Considering that many album cuts are older tracks, the short time in the studio for this album makes much more sense. In addition, the producer revealed that some of Young Thug’s vocals were recorded and sent in on the phone, although he suggested that it was a very small amount.
Southside Speaks On Process For Young Thug’s New Album
Unfortunately, BUSINESS IS BUSINESS dropped just as Thugger faced more challenges and accusations in his RICO case as it started to pick up more steam. Most recently, his legal team denied claims that he provided information on a homicide. In addition, his lawyer motioned to remove certain charges from his indictment, as they are related to incidents that occurred over five years before Young Thug’s arrest. Still, there’s a lot of support behind him right now, even if his family also sees plenty of backs turned to him, as well. For example, his sister Dolly White recently expressed belief that everyone in Atlanta “hates” him.
Meanwhile, it seems like the rollout for this new album is far from over. Onlookers spotted Drakepotentially filming a music video for their collab “Oh U Went” in Memphis. Hopefully BUSINESS IS BUSINESS continues to see spins throughout the year. For more news and the latest updates on Young Thug and Southside, keep checking in with HNHH.
Lil Uzi Vert has been keeping us on our toes with teasers of his Pink Tape album for years now. On Friday (June 30), the highly anticipated effort finally hit DSPs, much to rap lovers’ relief. It came complete with 26 tracks and appearances from Don Toliver, Bring Me The Horizon, and Travis Scott. Perhaps one of the most well-received titles on LUV’s new release is “Endless Fashion” with Nicki Minaj. The Queen of Rap contributed a verse that she’s revealed was nothing short of “exhausting” to complete.
Little more than 24 hours after Pink Tape made its debut, it’s being reported that it could mark the first No. 1 hip-hop album of the year. Uzi’s last LP, Eternal Atake, arrived to great success in early 2020. It subsequently moved 288K album-equivalent units and earned 400M US streams in its first week. At the time, it was the fourth-largest streaming debut the music industry had seen, so it’s no wonder the Philadelphia native took their time with dropping the follow-up.
At the time of publication, Twitter is facing issues preventing us from receiving exact first week projections for Pink Tape. Regardless, knowing that the fashion icon could help hip-hop achieve such a major milestone is exciting.
It was thought that Young Thug might be the man for the job last month, however, he unfortunately fell short to Morgan Wallen after selling 88K. The country superstar has been topping the carts for several weeks now, but could very well be dethroned by Lil Uzi Vert in the coming days.
Young Thug’s BUSINESS IS BUSINESS Does Impressive Numbers
Check out last week’s full list of album sales on Reddit below. Are you surprised that Young Thug’s BUSINESS IS BUSINESS missed out on taking home rap’s first No. 1 album of 2023? Let us know in the comments, and read our review of the new YSL LP at the link above.
Birdman, also known as Baby, has been a driving force in the hip-hop industry for several decades. His unique style, characterized by the Southern hip-hop tradition, propels his music into its own category. Yet, several other rappers’ music echoes the style and spirit of Birdman, sharing his affinity for gritty lyrics and heady beats. These artists represent a remarkable fusion of talent, creativity, and individuality within the same genre.
Birdman’s most famous protégé, Lil Wayne, often mirrors his mentor’s style. As a crucial member of the Cash Money Records family, Lil Wayne developed under his leader’s tutelage. His lyrics often interweave personal experiences with the harsh realities of life, a characteristic signature of Birdman’s music.
Rick Ross, another giant in the Southern hip-hop scene, also shares similarities with Birdman. With his smooth flow and charismatic presence, Ross echoes the Louisiana icon’s artistry, though he injects his brand of Miami-infused flavor. His lyrics encompass themes of hustling and success, paralleling Birdman’s career trajectory.
Young Thug, a relatively newer name than others on this list, brings his own twist to the Southern hip-hop tradition. His genre-bending approach often mirrors Birdman’s innovative spirit. Not confined by traditional hip-hop boundaries, Young Thug’s music is a testament to the evolving landscape of the genre.
Juvenile: The Cash Money Veteran
A fellow Cash Money Records veteran, Juvenile, shares a similar background with Birdman. Their music, deeply rooted in the streets of New Orleans, often carries the same raw energy and authenticity. Juvenile’s music, like Birdman’s, is a reflection of the struggles and triumphs inherent in their shared experiences.
Future, an Atlanta-based rapper, also echoes Birdman’s style, although he infuses it with his unique, melodic spin. His music, characterized by his innovative use of auto-tune and emotive storytelling, resonates with Birdman’s ability to balance classic hip-hop elements and modern musical trends.
The artists mentioned above have carved their path in hip-hop, though their music often resonates with Birdman’s unique style. Their connection to Birdman isn’t solely in their similar styles but also in their shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of Southern hip-hop. This commitment has allowed them to create a distinctive musical identity and contributed to the genre’s evolution.
The influence of Birdman’s style on these artists is a testament to his legacy. His impact on Southern hip-hop is undeniable, and these artists’ music clearly indicates his pervasive influence. While each artist possesses their unique style, their music often resonates with the style and spirit of Birdman. They serve as a testament to the power and influence of Southern hip-hop and its ability to produce artists that push the genre’s boundaries while remaining true to its roots.
Young Thug has been a hot name in the rap game for pretty much a whole decade, although recent context is quite different. Between reception to his latest album BUSINESS IS BUSINESS and his ongoing RICO case connected to YSL, a lot of people are dishing out their hot takes on the rapper. Moreover, it seems like even his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia is turning on him- or at least, that’s what his sister Dolly White believes. Furthermore, she took to Twitter recently to express her assessment that everyone in the city “hates” him, which seems pretty obviously hyperbolic. After all, she threw in some crying-laughing and facepalm emojis, and there’s been no shortage of support for the trap innovator.
“I’m convinced every n***a in Atlanta HATE MY BROTHER,” White wrote on Twitter for unknown reasons. No matter what you thought of his new project, it’s hard to deny the monumental impact that Young Thug had on the Atlanta rap scene. Whether for his classic catalog (Barter 6, Slime Season 3, JEFFERY, and so on) or his eccentric vocalizations, lyrics, and style, he clearly made his dent in the game. That being said, the controversy around his legal case and his new album full of leaks and tracks in the vault is certainly divisive.
For example, many immediately compared BUSINESS IS BUSINESS to Gunna’s new album a Gift & a Curse, which came out just a week before. Of course, a lot of that conversation owed itself to their speculated beef, making it even more of an interesting debate. While some fans want to stay “loyal” to Thugger and not listen to the “snitch,” others doubt that narrative. Most importantly, fan consensus online seems to be that Thug’s protégé actually put out the better body of work in that week-long timespan.
Regardless, Dolly White has other things to worry about when it comes to her brother. Recently, she voiced frustration over Quando Rondogetting bond before him. “So quando got a bond on Rico charges but they won’t give Jeff one,” he tweeted. “Let alone found not one juror to start the process. The system failing us when they won’t Free Jeff already damn.” Sure, things may seem bleak, but whether for his music or in support of his freedom, a lot of people in Atlanta are still riding for Thugger. For more news and the latest updates on Young Thug, stay up to date on HNHH.
Nicki Minaj and the late Chicago-born rapper Juice WRLD will contribute verses on Young Thug‘s highly-anticipated prison album, Business is Business. The collaboration came together thanks to well-known music producer Metro Boomin. Nicki Minaj and Juice WRLD will be featured on on Young Thug‘s highly-anticipated prison album, Business is Business. The album will be produced […]
Swaggy Jazzy, the girlfriend of the notorious Casanova, has taken to Instagram to dispute reports of the rapper being attacked in prison and has expressed confidence in their situation. This comes after the Brooklyn rapper’s recent sentencing to over 15 years in prison for his involvement in a shooting and his leadership role in the […]
Of the two, Metro’s Version is — unsurprisingly — superior, despite having all the same tracks and only two new songs. Its success highlights the importance of sequencing on a project, an art that goes overlooked by fans all too often. Business Is Business presents a unique opportunity to explore how sequencing changes the tenor and direction of an album because while “deluxe editions” of albums have proliferated in the streaming era, rarely have they experimented with song order the way Metro does here.
For instance, on Metro’s Version, the late-album standout “Jonesboro” is repurposed as the intro; while it gets lost in the shuffle amid the original 15 tracks, popping up around the time that most albums tend to start dragging, on the deluxe edition, it sets the mood for the whole project. Although the vibey, melodic track “Parade On Cleveland” with Drake is probably one that fans were itching to get to upon the album’s release, “Jonesboro” more accurately predicts the… well… businesslike tone of the project.
Business Is Business is a much more somber effort than Thug’s prior releases So Much Fun and Punk, owing at least partially to his present circumstances as a guest of the Fulton County Jail. It also makes sinister tracks like the 21 Savage-featuring “Want Me Dead” and “Hoodie” featuring BSlime and Lil Gotit a bit uncomfortable to listen to, considering it was Thug’s lyrics about sliding on enemies that initially tied him to the Fulton County D.A’s racketeering case against gang/label YSL.
Likewise, the celebratory overtones of “Oh You Went” with Drake and “Hellcat Kenny” with Lil Uzi Vert are undermined by the looming threat of a prison sentence reaching football numbers hanging over Thugger’s head. And, of course, there’s another elephant in the room. Although incarceration isn’t the same as death, the album’s compilation of old verses and guest appearances makes it feel almost cobbled together the way some notable posthumous releases have been and raises the question of how much of this was what Thug actually wanted versus how much of it was just feasible over the past few months.
Similar projects recorded or released by incarcerated rappers like Drakeo The Ruler and 03 Greedo attempted to answer these questions with incomplete results, and Business Is Business rarely does better at doing so. Thug’s vocal and lyrical dynamism helps, as does his well-established chemistry with Metro as a producer and the team of beatmakers employed on the project. But you can’t help but wonder as you listen whether he’d have made changes to the beat selection or to his partners’ verses if he had true access to the process of putting things together.
The lack of Gunna and Lil Keed’s voices on the album only twists the knife. While Gunna was able to process his feelings about the past year on his own new album, he was only free to record it by potentially betraying his longtime mentor, benefactor, and friend. Meanwhile, even if Thug truly believed that Gunna isn’t a “snitch,” they’re barred from associating by the courts anyway, breaking up what has been a lucrative and creatively fruitful musical partnership, if not a criminal one.
Metro does a superb job of tying the disparate elements of the album together enough to sound like a cohesive project on the original but truly works wonders on the resequenced version bearing his name. If his efforts weren’t undermined by the above concerns, Business Is Business might have been a triumph in the same order as his and Thug’s last handful of releases. As it stands, the project is a testament to the value of sequencing and an emblem of what the music world might lose if Young Thug loses his case.
Business Is Business is out now on Young Stoner Life Record / 300 Entertainment.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Back in 2021, Young Thug had a concert at the New York Fairgrounds that was canceled after allegedly not being promoted fairly, according to HipHopDX. This resulted in a lawsuit from the promoters, who claimed it failed because of “racial animus,” against the State of New York, per The New York Law Journal.
“Defendants’ failure to fulfill their contractual obligations was allegedly grounded on racial animus toward plaintiffs, to the race of Young Thug, to the concert, and to the perceived race of the anticipated concertgoers,” the publication stated.
Since then, US District Judge Brenda Sannes allowed the State of New York to dismiss the lawsuit — claiming the state is not a person, but a corporation. This doesn’t mean it isn’t continuing, though, as HipHopDX got court documents that show the plaintiffs “filed for leave to re-file the lawsuit on additional tortious grounds.”
The publication also points out that while Young Thug isn’t directly implicated in this lawsuit, he is facing another one after failing to perform at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena last June because he was incarcerated. The concert’s promoter claimed that the $150,000 advance was never returned.
“Due to his arrest and the nature of the felony criminal charges against Williams, it was immediately apparent in May 2022 that he would not be able to perform as required in the agreement,” this lawsuit’s filing said. “To date, A-1 Concert has not received any reimbursement of the $150,000 owed to it.”
Young Thug is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
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