Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Young Thug

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 13, 2025

How Young Thug built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Young Thug, born Jeffery Lamar Williams II, is an influential American rapper known for his unique vocal style, fashion, and contributions to hip hop and trap music. He is considered a pioneer of mumble rap. His music career began in 2011 with the I Came from Nothing mixtape series. In 2013, he signed with Gucci Mane's 1017 Records, gaining recognition for his mixtape 1017 Thug.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

December 2016: Joined #fightpovertyagain Campaign

In December 2016, Young Thug joined the #fightpovertyagain campaign.

June 29, 2017: Donation to Planned Parenthood

On June 29, 2017, Young Thug donated all proceeds of a sold-out concert to Planned Parenthood.

February 2018: Rebranded as "SEX"

In February 2018, Young Thug rebranded himself as "SEX".

May 19, 2018: Debut on Billboard Hot 100

On May 19, 2018, Young Thug co-wrote and provided background vocals on Childish Gambino's "This Is America", which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

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May 23, 2019: Release of "The London" and Album Announcement

On May 23, 2019, Young Thug released the single "The London", featuring J. Cole and Travis Scott. On the same day, he also announced his forthcoming debut studio album, originally called Gold Mouf Dog.

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July 19, 2019: Album Renamed to So Much Fun

On July 19, 2019, Young Thug announced that his album, previously known as Gold Mouf Dog, had been renamed to So Much Fun.

August 10, 2019: Announcement of Album Release Date and Cover Art

On August 10, 2019, Young Thug announced the release date and cover art for his album, So Much Fun.

August 2019: Original Announcement of Punk Album

In August 2019, the album Punk was originally announced and expected shortly after the release of So Much Fun.

August 16, 2019: Release of So Much Fun

On August 16, 2019, Young Thug released his album So Much Fun, which debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200.

April 29, 2020: Announcement of Slime & B Mixtape

On April 29, 2020, Young Thug and Chris Brown announced their collaborative mixtape, Slime & B.

April 16, 2021: Release of Slime Language 2

On April 16, 2021, YSL Records, Young Thug, and Gunna released their second compilation album Slime Language 2, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.

July 2021: Advertisement of Punk Album

In July 2021, Young Thug advertised his second studio album Punk with a release date of October 15, 2021.

September 2021: Reached Number One on Billboard Hot 100

In September 2021, Young Thug reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for the third time in his career with his feature alongside Future on "Way 2 Sexy", the lead single off Drake's album Certified Lover Boy.

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November 2021: Global Publishing Deal with Kobalt Music Group

In November 2021, Kobalt Music Group announced a new global publishing deal with Young Thug.

June 2023: Release of Business is Business Album

In June 2023, Young Thug's third studio album, Business is Business, was released while he was incarcerated, featuring Drake, Travis Scott, and others.