Rapper Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffrey Williams, will perform at Syracuse University March 25 in Goldstein Auditorium. The concert is sponsored by the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and all proceeds will go to the benefit affected by the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. Tickets are on sale at the Schine Box Office and will be available to all. Here are five things to know about Young Thug.

1. He recently rode into the headlines. Literally.

Young Thug was spotted riding a horse around in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. He was photographed beneath a sign that read “Young Thug, Hy!£UN35 US tour, May 1-26 2016.” Although a tour has not yet been confirmed, music blogs are speculating that it will soon be announced. His debut album, also named “Hy!£UN35,” pronounced “HiTunes,” is also hotly awaited after the release date was postponed twice already.

 

2. He has made some noteworthy fashion choices

He recently appeared on the cover of Dazed Magazine challenging gender norms in floral patterned top and also posed for photos in a sheer grey dress with a tutu skirt. According to the Dazed article, his sister and manager screamed at him to take off the dress but he shrugged it off. He said he switches clothes for every set because he has a daughter that will notice his clothing choices.

 

3. He nearly had a run in with Lil Wayne over the name of his mixtape

The Atlanta native planned to release his mixtape, “Barter 6” under the name “Carter VI” but was threatened with a lawsuit by Lil Wayne whose much-delayed album is called “Tha Carter V.” Thug told Fader that Lil Wayne is his idol, and the two are both signed to Cash Money Records and since the release of “Barter 6,” Lil Wayne has said he doesn’t have a problem with Young Thug and appreciates the rapper’s fandom.

4. He won’t be rapping forever

In an interview with GQ Magazine, Young Thug said he didn’t want to rap when he’s older. He cited Jay Z and said although the older rapper has “some of the sickest lyrics ever,” he wouldn’t buy his album because of his age. He said he wouldn’t drop the “Young” from his name however, as he wants to stay young forever. Young Thug added that he does want to stay rich forever, “like Bill Gates…with all the money in the world.”

5. He didn’t have the easiest childhood

Thug was one of 11 siblings raised in a housing project in Atlanta that was eventually demolished by the city. His brother was shot when Thug was in elementary school, and another of his siblings is currently doing time for murder. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Thug described that he was kicked out of middle school for breaking his teacher’s arm, an incident that landed him in juvenile detention. During his four years in the program, he realized he could rap and released his first mixtape in 2011.

Published on March 8, 2016 at 10:15 am

Contact Rachel: rcgilber@syr.edu