YG Biography

American rapper (born 1990)Not to be confused with Yo Gotti.

Musical artist

Keenon Dequan Ray Jackson (born March 9, 1990), known professionally as YG (short for Young Gangsta), is an American rapper from Compton, California. He began his recording career in 2008, and released his debut mixtape, 4Fingaz and its follow up, The Real 4Fingaz both in the following year. The latter gained recognition for its local hit song "Toot It and Boot It" (featuring Ty Dolla Sign), which entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 67 and received platinum certification by the Recording Industry *ociation of America (RIAA). He signed a recording contract with Def Jam Recordings in October 2009—who re-released the song commercially as his debut single the following year—which entered joint-venture with Atlanta-based rapper Jeezy's record label, CTE World in 2013.

His 2013 single, "My *" (featuring Jeezy and Rich Homie Quan) peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song and its follow-ups, "Left, Right" (featuring DJ Mustard) and "Who Do You Love?" (featuring Drake) promptly led up to the release of his debut studio album, My Krazy Life (2014), which peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 and saw positive critical reception. Also in 2014, he guest appeared on Jeremih's single "Don't Tell 'Em", which peaked at number six on the Hot 100 and remains his highest-charting song. His second album, Still Brazy (2016) was met with critical acclaim despite less commercial orientation, as it explored political and social issues for its subject matter.

He released his third studio album, Stay Dangerous (2018) to similar success and positive reception. It was preceded by the single "Big Bank" (featuring 2 Chainz, Big Sean and Nicki Minaj), which peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains his highest-charting song as a lead artist. His fourth studio album, 4Real 4Real (2019) was released in memory of slain rapper and frequent collaborator Nipsey Hussle. His fifth and sixth studio albums, My Life 4Hunnid (2020) and I Got Issues (2022) followed thereafter. His collaborative albums, Kommunity Service (2021) with Mozzy and Hit Me When U Leave the Klub: The Playlist (2023) with Tyga were both released independently and saw continued critical praise.

Early life

Keenon Dequan Ray Jackson was born on March 9, 1990, in Compton, California. He grew up on the 400 block of West Spruce Street in Compton, CA, which is the origin of his "4hunnid" tag (which along with being called out in his album *les and song lyrics is also the name of his record label and streetwear brands). His stage name "YG" stands for "Young Gangsta." YG joined the Pirus in 2006 at age 16. His father served time in jail for tax fraud.

Career

2008–2012: Beginnings

YG created the "Pu$haz Ink" record label and group with DJ Mustard in 2008. After releasing several songs that garnered him a large following on the internet, such as "She A Model" and "Aim Me" YG signed to Def Jam in 2009. According to Max Gousse, the senior VP of A&R at Island/Def Jam who inked the rapper, the signing stemmed from a newfound emphasis on West Coast artists by label president/CEO L.A. Reid, as well as, YG's technical ability and stage presence. However, just as he was getting his buzz up in mid-2009, he was arrested on a parole violation, stemming from a previous charge of residential burglary. Following this, he worked on mixtapes, touring, and a clothing line based on his brand, 4Hunnid. Def Jam re-released "Toot It and Boot It," which features singer Ty Dolla Sign in June 2010, and became the rapper's first hit song. He was also included as part of XXL's 2011 Freshmen Cl*. Beginning with YG's mixtape The Real 4 Fingaz, Mustard began further producing on YG's projects. Their work resulted in songs such as "I'm Good", "*es Ain't *" featuring Tyga and Nipsey Hussle, and "You Broke", also featuring Nipsey Hussle. The singles were met with moderate success, but not near as much as his debut single.

2012–2014: Signing with CTE World and My Krazy Life

Main article: My Krazy Life

In 2012, he announced his debut album, then *led “I'm 4rm Bompton”. Later in June 2013, he revealed that Jeezy's record label CTE World would release the album. He was then featured on Yo Gotti's "Act Right" also featuring Jeezy. It would peak at number 100 on the Billboard Hot 100. He was then prominently featured on the CTE World mixtape, Boss Yo Life Up Gang in August 2013.

On September 4, 2013, YG revealed that his debut album would be released on November 19, 2013, via Def Jam Recordings and that he has changed the album *le to My Krazy Life. He also revealed that Drake would be featured on a song *led "Who Do You Love?", produced by DJ Mustard. Shortly thereafter he released the album's lead single "My *" featuring Rich Homie Quan and Jeezy, also produced by DJ Mustard. The song has since peaked at number 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100. On December 10, 2013, YG released the DJ Mustard-produced "Left, Right" as the album's second single. The following day, Def Jam announced that My Krazy Life would be released on March 18, 2014 and that "Who Do You Love?" featuring Drake would be the album's next single. On February 18, 2014, YG revealed the cover artwork for his debut album My Krazy Life. The artwork features YG posing for a mugshot, with his name and album *le detailed in the placard around his neck. It was released on March 18, 2014.

2015–2019: Still Brazy, Stay Dangerous and 4Real 4Real

YG performing in 2015Main articles: Still Brazy, Stay Dangerous, and 4Real 4Real

On June 24, 2015, in an interview with Billboard, YG revealed that his second studio album would be called Still Krazy and it would be released in 2015 On July 15, 2015, YG teased the first single for the album, "Twist My Fingaz" on Instagram. The same day, YG released the single, "Cash Money" featuring Krayzie Bone. The full version of "Twist My Fingaz" was released July 17, 2015. On December 12, 2015, he released the second single, *led "I Want a Benz" featuring rappers Nipsey Hussle and 50 Cent.

Still Brazy was released on June 17, 2016. The third single "Why You Always Hatin?" premiered on OVO Sound Radio on May 21, 2016, featuring rappers Drake and Kamaiyah. On November 25, 2016, he digitally released the Black Friday inspired Red Friday, containing 8 new tracks.

YG announced through social media Just Re'd Up 3: Know Your Worth on December 17, 2016, and again on March 16, 2017. The project was to be executively produced DJ Mustard. It has yet to release, with no comment from YG or DJ Mustard.

On February 3, 2017, the song "I Don't", by American singer and songwriter Mariah Carey was released, featuring YG. Carey and YG performed "I Don't" live on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on February 15, 2017. On March 24, 2017, a remix featuring Remy Ma and YG was released.

On February 19, 2018, YG announced his third studio album would be Stay Dangerous on his Instagram page and would be released this summer. It was released in 2018.

On April 3, 2019, YG announced a "surprise album" *led 4Real 4Real via Twitter originally due for release on April 12, being delayed to May 24 due to the death of his close friend Nipsey Hussle. It was released to positive reviews. The album includes the single "Go Loko" and the diss track aimed at 6ix9ine, "Stop Snitchin".

2020–present: My Life 4Hunnid and Kommunity Service

Main articles: My Life 4Hunnid and Kommunity Service

As of 2020, YG has released a number of songs, including the protest track, "FTP (* the Police)", with the video shot at a Black Lives Matter protest in Hollywood, following the murder of George Floyd. He also joined Public Enemy, alongside:Nas,:Questlove, and:Rapsody, among others, at the:2020 BET Awards for a performance of Public Enemy's cl*ic track "Fight the Power". On July 10, YG released the single "War", with a video where he is dressed as footballer Colin Kaepernick.

On September 15, 2020, YG took to his social media to announce his new album My Life 4Hunnid, which was released on October 2, 2020. The album was entirely recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic and was "highly influenced" by 2Pac. The same week, he released the single "Money Mouf", with Saweetie and Tyga. On September 23, 2020, YG released the single, "Out on Bail", inspired by 2Pac's song of the same name.

On May 3, 2021, YG announced his first collaborative album, with Sacramento rapper Mozzy. It was announced under the working *le Perfect Timing, but was later changed to Kommunity Service and released on May 21, 2021. The cover art serves as a tribute to late rapper DMX and the film Belly, in which he starred in. The album was supported by two singles: "Bompton to Oak Park" and "Perfect Timing" featuring Blxst.

4Hunnid Records

When YG originally came up with the idea for a label (originally *led Pushaz Ink, stylized as Pu$haz Ink), he later attempted to co-found it with DJ Mustard and Ty Dolla $ign. Originally the "label" was used as a promotional tool and a brand for YG and DJ Mustard's group of rap collaborators they had grown up with. But as they moved forward in laying the groundwork for the label and its roster, plans for the label were scrapped when their meeting with Capitol went south and the three artists decided to go their separate ways.

There were rumors throughout 2016 that YG would be launching a new label under the name 4Hunnid. They originally begun when YG released a fashion line prominently featuring the 4Hunnid logo. This was confirmed to be true on August 17, 2016, when Billboard magazine reported that YG signed a distribution deal for the label under the 4Hunnid name with Interscope Records and Empire Distribution. The name is a reference to the 400 block of West Spruce Street in Compton, CA, where he grew up.

Personal life

YG has two daughters from a previous relationship named Harmony and Vibe, born May 2015 and May 2019, respectively. YG is a member of the Compton-based Westside Tree Top Piru gang. On January 25, 2012, shots were fired during the filming of YG's music video "I'm a Thug". The police shut down and closed the set.

On June 12, 2015, YG was shot in the hip at a recording studio in Studio City, California, resulting in three separate wounds in his hip. Authorities said that YG was "very uncooperative" when asked about the incident. His manager later revealed that his injuries were not life-threatening and said he was "fine" and recovering. He returned to the studio the next day.

YG followed a vegan diet for about three months in 2016, citing health reasons.

On September 6, 2019, it was confirmed that he and singer Kehlani were dating.

YG is a notable fan of the Los Angeles Rams NFL team, and was known to have befriended then-running back Todd Gurley. He was frequently spotted wearing a Rams home jersey in several video shoots and at several Rams’ home games, including one instance during the 2017 season against the Houston Texans in which Rams’ receiver Robert Woods caught a touchdown and jumped onto the table in the back of the endzone to celebrate alongside YG.

Colaborations

• Meek Mill Ima Thug (4 Hunnid Degreez, 2012)

• Dom Kennedy Cali Living (4 Hunnid Degreez, 2012)

• Riko Cali Living (4 Hunnid Degreez, 2012)

• Casey Veggies Blunted (4 Hunnid Degreez, 2012)

• Shotty Blunted (4 Hunnid Degreez, 2012)

• TeeCee4800 * (4 Hunnid Degreez, 2012)

• TeeCee4800 Kennon Jackson (4 Hunnid Degreez, 2012)

• Charly Hood Mess Around (4 Hunnid Degreez, 2012)

• PC Go So Deep (4 Hunnid Degreez, 2012)

• Ty Dolla Sign Go So Deep (4 Hunnid Degreez, 2012)

• Ty Dolla Sign She Don't Love Me (4 Hunnid Degreez, 2012)

• 2 Chainz Grindmode (4 Hunnid Degreez, 2012)

• Nipsey Hussle Grindmode (4 Hunnid Degreez, 2012)

• Kurupt * Betta Have My Money (4 Hunnid Degreez, 2012)

• Tyga * Betta Have My Money (4 Hunnid Degreez, 2012)

• Mac Miller How To Make It In América (4 Hunnid Degreez, 2012)

• Tanea God Is My Witness (4 Hunnid Degreez, 2012)

• Reem Riches Westside 4 Fingaz (4 Hunnid Degreez, 2012)

• Riko Westside 4 Fingaz (4 Hunnid Degreez, 2012)

• Tyga Snitches Ain't... - Remix (2012)

• Snoop Dogg Snitches Ain't... - Remix (2012)

• 2 Chainz Snitches Ain't... - Remix (2012)

• French Montana Snitches Ain't... - Remix (2012)

• Nipsey Hussle You Broke (2013)

• DJ Self Who Ya Wit? (2013)

• Yo Gotti Who Ya Wit? (2013)

• Dom Kennedy This Yick (Just Re'd Up 2, 2013)

• Joe Moses This Yick (Just Re'd Up 2, 2013)

• DJ Mustard Make It Clap (Just Re'd Up 2, 2013)

• Teefli Sprung (Just Re'd Up 2, 2013)

• Ty$ Love Jones (Just Re'd Up 2, 2013)

• Tory Lanez On The Set (Just Re'd Up 2, 2013)

• Young Jeezy Playin (Just Re'd Up 2, 2013)

• Wiz Khalifa Playin (Just Re'd Up 2, 2013)

• TeeCee4800 Gotta Get Dough (Just Re'd Up 2, 2013)

• RJ *ez (Just Re'd Up 2, 2013)

• Reem Ritches * It (Just Re'd Up 2, 2013)

• D Lo B I T C H (Just Re'd Up 2, 2013)

• Young Scooter Don't Trust (Just Re'd Up 2, 2013)

• Beautiful April I Smoke I Drink (Just Re'd Up 2, 2013)

• Juicy J I Like It (Just Re'd Up 2, 2013)

• Ty$ I'll Do Ya (Just Re'd Up 2, 2013)

• Rauw Smoove Yo * (Just Re'd Up 2, 2013)

• D Lo Yo * (Just Re'd Up 2, 2013)

• Jonn Hart Yo * (Just Re'd Up 2, 2013)

• Charley Hood No Sleep (Just Re'd Up 2, 2013)

• Ray J No Sleep (Just Re'd Up 2, 2013)

• Jay305 Youzza Flip (Just Re'd Up 2, 2013)

• ScHoolboy Q I Just Wanna Party (My Krazy Life, 2014)

• Jay Rock I Just Wanna Party (My Krazy Life, 2014)

• DJ Mustard Left, Right (My Krazy Life, 2014)

• Tee Cee Meet The Flockers (My Krazy Life, 2014)

• Jeezy My * (My Krazy Life, 2014)

• Rich Homie Quan My * (My Krazy Life, 2014)

• Teeflii Do It To Ya (My Krazy Life, 2014)

• Tory Lanez Me And My * (My Krazy Life, 2014)

• Drake (rapper) Who Do You Love? (My Krazy Life, 2014)

• Kendrick Lamar Really Be (Smokin N Drinkin) (My Krazy Life, 2014)

• Big TC Thank God (My Krazy Life, 2014)

• Rodney J. "RJ" Brown Thank God (My Krazy Life, 2014)

• Ty Dolla Sign Sorry Momma (My Krazy Life, 2014)

• Lil Wayne My * - Remix (My Krazy Life - Deluxe, 2014)

• Meek Mill My * - Remix ( My Krazy Life - Deluxe, 2014)

• Rich Homie Quan My * - Remix (My Krazy Life - Deluxe, 2014)

• Nicki Minaj My * - Remix (My Krazy Life - Deluxe, 2014)

Controversies

YG was the subject of media attention and protests in October 2016 when it was reported that he had advocated for the targeted robbery of Asian Americans in his music. YG's song "Meet the Flockers", from his 2014 debut album "My Krazy Life", was widely accused of racism against the Asian American community, especially Chinese Americans. In the song, YG raps "First, you find a house and scope it out / Find a Chinese neighborhood, cause they don't believe in bank accounts." Receiving little controversy when first released, the song drew renewed scrutiny in 2016 after an uptick in burglaries targeting Asian-Americans. YG has described "Meet the Flockers" as being representative of the culture he grew up in.

YG faced controversy on October 28, 2019, after kicking out 17-year-old fan, Austin Joyner, at his concert after the fan refused to curse out "* Donald Trump" on stage. Joyner was pushed by the rapper and called a racist before being escorted off stage. Turning Point USA interviewed the 17-year-old on February 23, 2020, revealing that he was celebrating his birthday with friends and that he was apolitical. After being kicked off stage he was advised by staff to leave due to "YG putting a target on back". Afterwards, Joyner received attention online from social media and news publications soon leading to hate comments.

YG was arrested on January 24, 2020, at his Southern California home on robbery charges, and was held on $250,000 bail at the Men's Central Jail for arraignment on January 28, 2020. YG had been scheduled to perform on January 26, 2020, at the Grammy Awards.

Discography

Main article: YG discographyStudio albums
  • My Krazy Life (2014)
  • Still Brazy (2016)
  • Stay Dangerous (2018)
  • 4Real 4Real (2019)
  • My Life 4Hunnid (2020)
  • I Got Issues (2022)
Collaborative albums
  • Kommunity Service (with Mozzy) (2021)
  • Hit Me When U Leave the Klub: The Playlist (with Tyga) (2023)

Filmography

Tours

Headlining
  • * Donald Trump Tour (2016)
  • Stay Dangerous Tour (2019)
Supporting
  • Drake vs. Lil Wayne (with Drake & Lil Wayne) (2014)
  • Forest Hills Drive Tour (with J.Cole) (2015)
  • Endless Summer Tour (with G-Eazy & Logic) (2016)
  • The Damn Tour (with Kendrick Lamar) (2017)
  • Legendary Nights Tour (with Meek Mill & Future) (2019)

Awards and nominations

References

    External links

    Wikimedia Commons has media related to YG (rapper).Wikiquote has quotations related to YG (rapper).
    • YG at AllMusic
    • YG at IMDb:
    YG (rapper)