Young Thug is prone to reminding us how rich he is. On "Just How It Is", the opener of his latest album, he frames his fortune as inevitable: 

"I came from rags to riches, I'm the shit
I can no longer disguise it, bitch, 'cause I'm rich
I got cars galore, lil' bitch, 'cause I'm rich
I escaped every one of the licks 'cause I was supposed to be rich"

As if he doesn't highlight the disparity between his own wealth and that of the average person enough in his music, he does so on social media as well. He took to Instagram to detail the heft of his Superbowl LIV bet and the magnitude of his winnings. On his story, Thugger said that he bet $250,000 on Sunday night's game, which obviously must've been placed on the Kansas City Chiefs given his celebration. "I betted a quarter. I betted 250 racks. I won 620." he boasted to his phone's front camera. After showing his good friend Gunna sitting beside him, he flipped the camera to the Chief's celebration on the TV. "We don't lose," he proclaimed. "All we do is win."

Young Thug has a way with words in the studio but when it comes to getting his message across to the public in real life, he’s often misunderstood. The Atlanta rapper has been criticized in the past for saying things he may not necessarily mean and this can be jotted down as yet another instance of that happening. We’re sure Thugger meant absolutely no harm to Kobe Bryant, his family, or his fans by posting this joke on social media but it’s seriously not going over well and people are outraged in his comments.

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Sharing what was meant to be a tribute to the basketball legend and a joke to elicit “just a little smile for you all,” Young Thug posted a meme that shows Jesus Christ playing a game of one-on-one against Bryant in Heaven. In the photo, Kobe gets crossed up and lands on his back. Some of Thug’s peers, including JID, thought the picture was funny. Under different circumstances, it may have been. However, the majority of fans commenting on the upload are turning red from anger.

“Delete thisssss,” wrote one commenter. “That was a bad joke,” said another, which was liked nearly 500 times. “This ain’t it chief,” added a third. 

Do you think the post was inappropriate to share as the world continues to mourn the loss of the heroic Bryant? Even if it was insensitive, it can’t be worse than what Ari Shaffir said…

Not many details have been shared about Lil Wayne's new album, Funeral, so we're definitely in for some surprises when the clock strikes midnight. Weezy may have let one of them spill while appearing on N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN's popular podcast, Drink Champs, but this news will only peak your anticipation levels even more. 

People have been trying to figure out the status of Lil Wayne and Young Thug's relationship for years. When Thugger tried to title one of his project "Carter 6", stealing the theme of Wayne's legendary series, Wayne decided to pursue legal action to stop him. Since this incident, it has remained uncertain whether there is still any animosity between the two. Wayne just confirmed that there isn't on Drink Champs. 

Though he may have lost the Grammy award for Best Rap/Sung Performance for “The London” to DJ Khaled, John Legend and the late Nipsey Hussle for “Higher,” Young Thug still seemed to have a good time at music’s biggest event on Sunday. However, it looks like the rapper is currently dealing with some health issues, as he shared a black-and-white photo on his Instagram story of himself in the hospital.

In the photo, which was posted by DJ Akademiks along with some prayers, Thugger is wearing a hospital bracelet on his hand and has an IV tube attached to him. He has some metal casts on his fingers, although there’s no specific indication of what happened to his hand or if this is his only injury. Thug posted a similar mysterious photo of himself pierced with an IV back in September, with no explanation for what exactly happened to land him in the hospital. On that occasion, he at least included a caption, writing, “I think it’s cause I’m still #1,” referring to the chart position of his single, “So Much Fun,” at the time. Thug ultimately revealed that he was doing fine, indicating that he’d had surgery but failing to specify what kind and for what reason.

At the moment, the severity of his current ailment is unknown, as is the time span that he’ll remain in the hospital for, but hopefully the rapper will provide an update on his health status in due time. Stay tuned for updates.

Young Thug may be running the game, but he’s not interested in hogging all the success for himself. He’s a team player, whose always willing to put on new artists, regardless of how much their sound is based off the blueprint he established. Thugger has his YSL Records label to launch young talents to stardom and he achieved exactly that with Gunna. Another youngin’ has been added to the YSL roster and Thug is confident that he’s destined for greatness. 

Thug has welcomed aboard 16-year-old rapper, Yung Kayo. Rumors have been floating around about his signing for months, but it looks to be confirmed with Thug’s latest Instagram post. He shared a photo of himself (wearing an awfully-tight pair of leather pants) in the studio with Yung Kayo. In the caption, Thug claims him as “one of mine”, but before you even deem him as next up, Thug dismisses that as inaccurate. “He’s not next BTW he’s now!”, the slimefather asserted. 

If you want proof that Yung Kayo is already making moves, check his SoundCloud page. He dropped a three-track EP titled Sweet 16 last year and followed it up with two more singles, “tom brady” and “ftk”. Music isn’t the only thing that the protégé has got on his plate. According to one of his IG posts, he recently walked in the 1017 Alyx 9sm show at Paris Fashion Week. 

If you're planning a trip to Europe this summer, you may want to consider booking around these dates. From July 10-12, one of the world's hottest hip-hop centric music festivals will be taking place in The Netherlands. On an annual basis, the organizers of WOO HAH! Festival manage to grab most of the hottest artists in the genre, promising a show for the ages every year. Already, the line-up was looking pretty ace for the 2020 edition with Kendrick Lamar, EARTHGANG, Ski Mask the Slump God, and more announced in the first wave. The next batch of performers has just been revealed and, oh boy, attendees are in for a good show.

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If you're a hip-hop fan in The Netherlands, or if you've been meaning to plan a trip out to Amsterdam with a weekend layover elsewhere in the country, you will want to check out the details for WOO HAH! Festival this year. While it's not quite as world-renowned as Rolling Loud, WOO HAH! consistently brings some of the top rap acts to the stage with the last few years impressing festivalgoers massively. This week, more names were added to the card, which will entice y'all all the more to cop some tickets.

Young Thug, the buzzing Pop Smoke, artist of the moment Roddy Ricch, NAV, slowthai, Polo G, and the Eminem-featured Young M.A are all new additions to the line-up and there are even more surprises to come. At this point, we're just gonna buy our passes and figure out how to get there later.

When Young Thug isn’t giving out awards to fans who competed in his “Hot” challenge, booking music festival headlining spots or dropping music videos it seems as though you can find the rapper in the streets betting cold hard cash on his entourages athletic abilities. TMZ spotted Thugger outside the Sunset Marquis in West Hollywood betting someone in his crew $2,000 that they couldn’t run from the bottom of a hill to the top. 

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The guy accepted the challenge and the clip below shows him making his way to the top of the hill and then sitting down from pure exhaustion. The “Best Friend” rapper coughed up the money he owed his friend but not before he shared some notes on his running form and ability. Young Thug (dressed in the skinniest of jeans) even showcased the proper form for running as he too ran the hill as well. 

Gunna can be seen silently watching the bet go down in the background. The duo is set to perform tonight in Los Angeles at Avenue. Watch Casanova’s latest visual for “So Drippy” that also features Thug and Gunna hitting up a club for a night out. 

For the past several years, Young Thug has essentially run a masterclass in brand development. For one: his avant-garde approach to gender-bending attire helped usher in one of hip-hop’s prominent fashion trends, much to the dismay of Black Air Force aficionados. For two: his malleable take on language and seemingly infinite supply of cadences have solidified him as one of hip-hop’s most influential voices; even esteemed lyricists like J. Cole and Drake stand firmly behind the YSL serpent. And all this while by and large remaining a cultlike figure, one who only recently secured his first number one album with So Much Fun.

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Given the man’s artistic prowess and undeniable mystique, the price of his presence on stage has skyrocketed as a result. Today, Thugger took to Instagram to flex accordingly. Looking like a customizable character from Cyberpunk 2077, Thug boasted in royal fashion. A move likely to leave pocket watchers angrily clutching fistfuls of lint.

“1.5 for a 45 min show,” he declares, sparking a chorus of praise from Lil Baby, J.I.D, EarthGang, and Mike WiLL Made-It. And rightfully so; that’s approximately thirty-three thousand dollars a minute. Whether forty-five is a justifiable show length is up for debate, but one has to wonder if venues could even afford his hour-plus rate to begin with. 

Ballplayers want to be rappers and rappers want to be ballplayers. It’s an age-old adage. The NBA has long been a core piece of hip-hop culture – from Allen Iverson heralding a new era of emphatic urban style to rappers being fanatical about basketball sneakers. And of course, rap songs are often laden with references to the game’s most iconic players.

“Which park are y’all playing basketball/Get me on the court and I’m trouble/Last week fucked around and got a triple double/Freaking niggas every way like MJ/I can’t believe today was a good day” – Ice Cube

“Real quick, real sick, raw nights, I perform like Mike/Anyone—Tyson, Jordan, Jackson, action, pack guns” – Biggie

“But I’m limitless mentally, I’m lyrically ZMT/Lebron shit, I was in that 6 after 23” – Wale

“Went from most hated to the champion god flow/I guess that’s a feeling only me and LeBron know” – Kanye

NBA stars have attempted to crossover into rap with great regularity. Shaquille O’Neal dropped four studio albums (although he’s not quite as dominant in the booth as he is on the block) and Ron Artest even started a record label. And whether its Stephon Marbury in Big Pun’s “Whatcha Gone Do” video or LeBron popping up in Jay-Z’s “D.O.A” visual or, let’s not forget, Ray Allen’s unforgettable cameo in Public Enemy’s “He Got Game,” Ballers haven’t ever been shy about popping up in rap videos. MC’s are mainstays at NBA games; if you turn on a Hawks game, you’ll often see Gucci Mane sitting court-side or Ice Cube on the hardwood at Laker games. Given all the crossover and cultural importance these two share, I thought it was only right to draw some comparisons.

Trae Young (DaBaby)

New on the scene but with an adept game and a lot of swag. Their moves on the court/stage get the crowd going. Both are more than willing to provide a good assist. DaBaby with a host of saucy features, including Megan Thee Stallion‘s “Cash Shit” and Quality Control‘s “Baby.” Trae with the frequent no-look pass or alley-oop. Young Ice is Top 5 in the NBA in scoring and assists. Neither’s success has come without hate. People criticize DaBaby over his singular method of flow. But those nay-sayers may be missing the actual bars he’s spitting. Like, are you even listening? Not to mention he’s got a chart-topping album. The same goes for Trae. People talk about the Hawks record but overlook the fact he a). Has 0 help and b). Is putting up historic numbers for an NBA sophomore.

Anthony Davis (Meek Mill)

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It always seemed like one thing after the other for these two. Nick-nack injuries, an incompetent General Manager – probation, legal fight after legal fight, beef. Neither could ever quite seem to get over the hump but now they are in significantly better situations. Davis is a Los Angeles Laker; running flank to LeBron James. Meek has rebounded from being the target of maybe the biggest hit diss record ever and has been released from prison. With monkeys off their back, Davis is vying for a title this season and Meek is eyeing his first Grammy for Album of the Year. These two have the potential to be the best in the game. Before his coup to exit New Orleans, Davis was pegged as next in line to take over the league while Meek was pinned the new Jay-Z. They have the talent but questions still remain about whether they can elevate their game even more to reach their potential.

Luka Doncic (YBN Cordae)

Young but polished. These guys both burst onto the scene looking to compete immediately with absolutely no fear – I’m sure to the surprise of many. Cordae’s delivery as velvety and fluid as Luka’s step-back jumper. Each has his eye on running the game for years to come. they’re also not afraid to go at the neck of an all-time great. YBN responded to J. Cole’s “1985” while Luka has dropped a 30-point triple-double on LeBron’s head top. Bright futures await this pair. Both will be hoisting trophies in the years to come. 

Damian Lillard (Dame DOLLA)

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There’s not a better comparison for Damian Lillard on the court than Damian Lillard in the booth. He plays the way he raps. Even keel. Consistent. Sharp. And they’ve been underrated for a long time. Another similarity, they both need to get out of Portland! Neither is willing to back down from a challenge. Damian went nose to nose with Russell Westbrook who barked and barked at him during the first round playoff series – sending OKC home with an elimination-game buzzer-beater. Dame DOLLA is no stranger to beef wither. He’s battled rapped the likes of Marvin Bagley III and Shaq, taking home victories in both bouts. 

James Harden (Travis Scott)

Their numbers are as gaudy as their eye for attention-grabbing ensembles and jewelry. To go along with their creative fashion choices, each posts flashy numbers. Stats tell you they’re two of the best in their individual games. But success hasn’t just come on a silver platter. Harden began his career as a 6th man, coming off the bench in OKC. Then transformed in the virtually unstoppable scoring machine we see today. As shown in his recent documentary, Travis had a steep climb up the mountain as well. A video that went viral shows Scott performing for a few dozen people in 2013. Compare that to La Flame selling out the AstroWorld festival just 6 years later. Harden went from 6th man of the year in 2012 to NBA MVP in 2018. An equally impressive rise. 

Jimmy Butler (Pusha T)

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These two do so much for their team. Jimmy is Mr. Everything for Miami while Pusha T is the President of GOOD music with the second most releases under the label. Neither puts up the splashy numbers but they’re incredibly effective in big moments. While their stats won’t jump off the page, they consistently deliver. Both are winners. Put them up against anybody rapping or hooping and they have the ability to come out on top. Of course this pair is not afraid of a little beef. Pusha and Jimmy have regularly had spats with peers. Butler can trash-talk with the best of them while Pusha diss records are the stuff of legend. 

Nikola Jokic (Jack Harlow)

At first glance and maybe even second, most people wouldn’t recognize them on a city block. But these two are erudite in their craft at the highest level. Harlow and Jokic can hold their own against some of the best in the game. In the basketball community, Jokic gets mad love but the casual fan may not fully appreciate his ability. The same could go for Harlow who isn’t as well known as he should be. 

LeBron James (Drake)

The numbers say they’re the best ever, but both have their doubters. Harshly criticized by the general public each just keeps on compiling milestone after milestone. Drake and LeBron have had their forgettable moments that amount to tiny stains on Rushmore resumes. The fact is, you can’t tell the story of hip-hop without Drake and you can’t tell the story of the NBA without LeBron James. The pair have single-handedly changed the culture of their respective industries. LeBron ushered in positionless basketball while Drake took the role of rapper-singer to new heights. Label them, all-around players, because of their versatility. Lebron can do just about everything on both ends of the court, while Drake can rap, sing, act, do comedy. Hell, I’m not sure if there’s anything this guy can’t do. To top the comparison off they are both chasing legacies many feel are untouchable no matter what they do (Jay-Z & Michael Jeffery Jordan).

Kawhi Leonard (Kendrick Lamar)

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Both L.A. guys. Both don’t quite get the recognition they deserve but are arguably the best in the game. The only question left about them is, how much longer will the run continue. Mild-mannered and unassuming off the court or stage their performance has a mercurial nature about it. Oh, and they make greatness look effortless. Two defensive player of the year awards, two finals MVPs and two championships versus 37 Grammy nominations and 13 wins. All since 2013. They’ve got the hardware to back up an all-time resume. Each has accomplished a lot in a short period of time. Both had to pay their dues before having the breakout year that changed their careers.  

Giannis Antetokounmpo (J. Cole)

Giannis and Cole are humble superstars, true to their roots and the soil that bred them. Both possess a tremendous work ethic and the ability to make those around them better. Giannis is one of the only players in the NBA averaging more than 10 rebounds and 5 assists per game. Cole dished out plenty of assists on features in 2019, including some fire bars on Jay Rock’s “OSOM.” He’s even featured on what may be the Grammy winner for Song of the Year – 21 Savage’s hit, “A lot.” But don’t let the smile and even temperament fool you. If you push them far enough, they’ll get gully on you real quick. These stars are giving but they don’t have a problem shouldering a superstar’s burden. Giannis has been vocal about not wanting to team up with other marquee players in the league, rather wanting to beat them. Similarly, Cole had an album go platinum with NO FEATURES. 

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Kevin Durant (Wale)

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Some things just write themselves. There’s the obvious DMV connection. Both are constantly in their feelings, funny and candid on twitter. Seems like they’re always at war with themselves. Neither is afraid to speak their mind and go after their critics. Wale and Durant seem to search for the validation and praise they feel aren’t justly given. Wale has classic mixtapes but people say he doesn’t have a classic album while Durant has two rings but doubters say he rode the coattails of the Warriors big three for those. Durant left Oklahoma City for Golden State – Wale left Atlantic Records for Warner. Both are cemented in the eyes of some but personally feel there’s something left to be proven.  

Steph Curry (Young Thug)

Their Innovative styles changed the game. Curry virtually eliminated traditional centers and is single-handedly responsible for the rise of 30-foot chucks in the game. Few have influenced this era of rap like Young Thug; BBC named him the 21st Century’s most influential. Curry attracted KD to join him in Golden State. Thug attracted some of the game’s hottest new artists like Gunna and Lil Keed to YSL records, his label. Curry has kids everywhere emulating his style. Thug has kids everywhere dressing like him and rapping/singing auto-tuned.  

This article is sure to stir up some heated debate, but I SAID WHAT I SAID! Sound off in the comments with your opinion.