Overview
- Young Thug said rap feels stalled and overly focused on conflict, pointing to a ripple effect from the Kendrick Lamar–Drake clash while urging the genre to “level up.”
- He argued that broader culture and technology, including AI, are advancing faster than hip-hop and said he would be happy if the genre shifted toward pop.
- The comments surfaced from a livestream linked to his Hometown Hero benefit show at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena on Dec. 16.
- Fans and outlets challenged his view by noting strong 2025 output and recognition, with albums from Kendrick Lamar, Clipse, and Tyler, the Creator nominated for Album of the Year at the 2026 Grammys.
- Context includes his October stream praising Drake’s cultural impact over Kendrick’s and recent anti-beef positions voiced by artists like 21 Savage.