Rise to Success: Career Highlights of YG (rapper)
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how YG (rapper) made an impact.
Keenon Dequan Ray Jackson, known professionally as YG, is a prominent American rapper and songwriter who played a pivotal role in popularizing the West Coast's 'ratchet' hip-hop sound. Hailing from Compton, California, he rose to mainstream prominence with his 2013 breakout single 'My Nigga' and his critically acclaimed debut studio album, My Krazy Life (2014). YG is recognized for his authentic storytelling, which often reflects his upbringing and affiliations, as well as his politically charged music, exemplified by the influential 2016 protest anthem 'FDT (Fuck Donald Trump).' Beyond his solo success, he founded his own record label, 4Hunnid, and has continued to influence contemporary rap through multiple successful albums and collaborations, solidifying his status as a central figure in modern West Coast hip-hop culture.
2008: Founding of Pu$haz Ink
In 2008, YG collaborated with DJ Mustard to establish the record label and creative group known as Pu$haz Ink.
2008: Release of 4Fingaz mixtape
In 2008, YG released his debut mixtape titled 4Fingaz, marking the beginning of his recorded musical career.
October 2009: Signing with Def Jam Recordings
In October 2009, YG secured a major career milestone by signing a recording contract with the label Def Jam Recordings.
2009: Signing with Def Jam and Legal Challenges
During 2009, YG signed a record deal with Def Jam Recordings, though his burgeoning career faced a setback in mid-2009 when he was arrested for a parole violation related to a prior residential burglary charge.
June 2010: Release of Toot It and Boot It
In June 2010, Def Jam re-released the single "Toot It and Boot It," featuring Ty Dolla Sign, which went on to become YG's first major hit song.
2011: XXL Freshmen Class Selection
YG received significant industry recognition in 2011 by being named as a member of the annual XXL Freshmen Class.
January 25, 2012: I'm a Thug music video production disruption
On January 25, 2012, production for the music video for "I'm a Thug" was halted by police after gunfire occurred on the filming set.
2012: Announcement of debut album I'm 4rm Bompton
In 2012, the rapper YG officially announced the upcoming release of his debut studio album, which was at the time titled I'm 4rm Bompton.
June 2013: CTE World partnership and Act Right feature
In June 2013, YG revealed that his debut album would be released via Jeezy's CTE World label. Additionally, he appeared on the song Act Right with Yo Gotti and Jeezy, which went on to reach number 100 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
August 2013: Boss Yo Life Up Gang mixtape release
In August 2013, YG gained significant exposure by being prominently featured as an artist on the CTE World mixtape titled Boss Yo Life Up Gang.
September 4, 2013: Debut Album Announcement and Collaboration Reveal
On September 4, 2013, YG announced the November 19, 2013, release date for his debut album, titled My Krazy Life, and revealed a collaboration with Drake titled Who Do You Love?, produced by DJ Mustard.
November 19, 2013: Original Intended Release Date
November 19, 2013, was the date YG originally intended to release his debut album, My Krazy Life, before subsequent delays were announced.
December 10, 2013: Release of Second Single Left, Right
On December 10, 2013, YG released the second single from his upcoming album, titled Left, Right, which was produced by DJ Mustard.
2013: CTE World Joint-Venture
In 2013, Def Jam Recordings established a joint-venture partnership with CTE World, the record label founded by rapper Jeezy.
2013: Release of My Nigga
In 2013, YG released the single My Nigga, featuring Jeezy and Rich Homie Quan, which successfully reached number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
February 18, 2014: Unveiling of Album Cover Art
On February 18, 2014, YG shared the official cover artwork for his album My Krazy Life, featuring a mugshot aesthetic with the artist's name and album title on a placard.
March 18, 2014: Release of Debut Album My Krazy Life
Following delays, YG successfully released his debut studio album, My Krazy Life, on March 18, 2014.
2014: Release of Meet the Flockers
In 2014, rapper YG released the song "Meet the Flockers," which depicted a home invasion and contained controversial lyrics targeting the Chinese American community.
June 24, 2015: Announcement of Still Krazy
On June 24, 2015, YG announced in an interview with Billboard that his upcoming second studio album would be titled Still Krazy and was slated for release later that year.
May 21, 2016: Premiere of Why You Always Hatin?
The third single from YG's project, titled "Why You Always Hatin?" featuring Drake and Kamaiyah, premiered on OVO Sound Radio on May 21, 2016.
June 17, 2016: Release of Still Brazy
On June 17, 2016, the rapper YG officially released his second studio album titled Still Brazy.
August 17, 2016: YG Launches 4Hunnid Label
On August 17, 2016, Billboard magazine officially confirmed that rapper YG established his own record label named 4Hunnid. This announcement followed the successful launch of a fashion line bearing the same name and involved the signing of a distribution deal with Interscope Records and Empire Distribution, with the label's branding paying homage to the 400 block of West Spruce Street in Compton, California, where YG was raised.
December 17, 2016: First Announcement of Just Re'd Up 3: Know Your Worth
On December 17, 2016, rapper YG utilized social media to officially announce his upcoming project titled 'Just Re'd Up 3: Know Your Worth', noting that it would be executively produced by DJ Mustard.
2016: Release of Still Brazy
In 2016, YG released his second studio album titled Still Brazy, which received critical acclaim for its focus on political and social themes.
February 3, 2017: Release of the song I Don't
On February 3, 2017, American singer Mariah Carey released the song "I Don't", which featured a collaboration with rapper YG.
March 16, 2017: Second Announcement of Just Re'd Up 3: Know Your Worth
YG reiterated the announcement of his project 'Just Re'd Up 3: Know Your Worth' via social media on March 16, 2017, confirming again that DJ Mustard was set to serve as the executive producer.
March 24, 2017: Release of the I Don't remix
A new version of the track "I Don't" was released on March 24, 2017, serving as a remix that featured guest verses from Remy Ma and YG.
February 2018: Announcement of Stay Dangerous Album
In February 2018, rapper YG used his Instagram account to officially announce that his third studio album would be titled Stay Dangerous.
April 3, 2019: Announcement of the album 4Real 4Real
On April 3, 2019, rapper YG announced the surprise release of his album titled 4Real 4Real via Twitter, which was initially scheduled for an April 12 release but ultimately pushed to May 24, 2019, to honor his late friend Nipsey Hussle.
2019: Release of 4Real 4Real
YG released his fourth studio album, 4Real 4Real, in 2019, which achieved a top ten debut on the Billboard 200 chart.
July 10, 2020: Release of the single 'War'
On July 10, 2020, YG released his single 'War', which featured a music video depicting him dressed as former NFL player Colin Kaepernick.
2020: Release of My Life 4Hunnid
In 2020, YG continued his string of successful releases with his fifth studio album, My Life 4Hunnid, which debuted in the top ten of the Billboard 200.
2020: Release of 'FTP (Fuck the Police)' and 2020 BET Awards Performance
Throughout 2020, YG released the protest song 'FTP (Fuck the Police)' featuring a music video filmed during a Black Lives Matter protest, and participated in a performance of 'Fight the Power' at the 2020 BET Awards alongside artists like Public Enemy, Nas, and Questlove.
May 3, 2021: Announcement of Collaborative Album
On May 3, 2021, YG announced a collaborative project with Sacramento rapper Mozzy, originally titled Perfect Timing.
May 21, 2021: Release of Kommunity Service
On May 21, 2021, YG and Mozzy released their collaborative album titled Kommunity Service, which featured cover art paying tribute to rapper DMX and the film Belly.
2021: Release of Kommunity Service
YG and Mozzy released their collaborative album Kommunity Service in 2021, which was self-released and received critical praise.
2022: Release of I Got Issues
In 2022, YG released his sixth studio album, I Got Issues, marking his final project with Def Jam Recordings.
2023: Release of Hit Me When U Leave the Klub: The Playlist
YG collaborated with Tyga on the self-released album Hit Me When U Leave the Klub: The Playlist in 2023, which garnered positive critical reception.
2024: Release of Just Re'd Up 3 and performance at The Pop Out: Ken and Friends
During 2024, YG released the project Just Re'd Up 3 and also made a notable appearance at Kendrick Lamar's concert, The Pop Out: Ken and Friends, which took place following the public feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake.
May 27, 2026: Announcement of The Gentlemen's Club
On May 27, 2026, the rapper YG officially announced the upcoming release of his eighth studio album, titled The Gentlemen's Club.
June 19, 2026: Release of The Gentlemen's Club
On June 19, 2026, YG released his eighth studio album, The Gentlemen's Club, which included guest appearances from various artists such as Pusha T, Tyler, the Creator, Shoreline Mafia, JID, Ab-Soul, and Buddy.
Mentioned in this timeline
Tyler the Creator born Tyler Gregory Okonma is an influential...
Instagram is a globally prominent social media platform centered on...
Ermias Joseph Asghedom known as Nipsey Hussle was an American...
Nicki Minaj born Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty is a highly influential...
Mariah Carey is an American singer-songwriter record producer and actress...
Kendrick Lamar is a highly acclaimed American rapper singer songwriter...
Trending
4 hours ago NC 11th District Republicans Face Scrutiny Over House Ethics Investigations
4 hours ago Amanda Knox Faces Backlash Over Edinburgh Festival Comedy Show About Meredith Kercher Case
4 hours ago TikTok Star Sydney Towle Passes Away at 26 After Battle With Rare Cancer
5 hours ago Fatal School Shooting Rampage Shocks Nation in Thailand
5 hours ago Perez Hilton Hospitalized Following Concerning Livestream Incident
5 hours ago Microsoft Launches Largest Azure Data Center Hub in India to Accelerate AI Capabilities
Popular
Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr better known as Perez Hilton is...
Rand Paul is an American politician and the junior United...
Anthony Stephen Fauci is a prominent American physician-scientist and immunologist...
Buc-ee's is an American chain of large country stores gas...
Jeanine Pirro is an American television host lawyer and author...
Bernie Sanders is a prominent American politician and the senior...