Young Thug Opens Up About His Prison Experience and Future Plans

In a recent interview with GQ, hip-hop artist Young Thug discussed his time spent behind bars, following a guilty plea on charges related to gang activity and assault. This plea agreement was made to avoid a potentially harsher sentence, although he maintains his innocence. “It’s crazy to just plead with knowing you didn’t do,” he stated, reflecting on his choices during the protracted Young Stoner Life (YSL) trial, which stands as the longest in Georgia’s history.

Reflections on Incarceration

While recounting his prison experience, Young Thug admitted, “It was real. I never want to deal with it again.” He explained that his time behind bars was a significant experience, prompting him to think deeply regarding his life and choices. He took pride in his trial’s notoriety, feeling validated by the extensive media attention and the large number of individuals present in the courtroom. “I just feel big,” he remarked, expressing a sense of self-importance that arose from the situation.

Perceived Lessons from God

In the interview, Young Thug shared his belief that his ordeal was a divine lesson. He reflected, “I think I’m too big for prison, but I don’t think I’m too big for God.” He mentioned that this experience forced him to grapple with the reasons behind his situation and its significance in his life. He acknowledged a sense of being “tall” in spirit even when surrounded by the confines of a cell.

The Impact of His Lyrics

Throughout his time in prison, he found that many of the officers were familiar with his music and would engage him about his lyrics, making his incarceration a uniquely intertwined experience with his career. However, he emphasized that his family and children occupied his thoughts far more than his music during those challenging days. He noted, “I can’t do anything on the internet like gangsters or anything like that,” highlighting the caution he’s urged to take moving forward.

The Role of Music in His Case

Young Thug expressed mixed feelings about how his artistic expressions were perceived in court, acknowledging that his lyrics—often reflective of street life—were used as evidence against him. “I’m just rapping about street stuff, and those were the lyrics that I tried to use against me,” he said. He underlined the importance of considering the context of his work, saying, “It’s not because of the law, but let kids actually listen to us.”

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges faced during the trial, Young Thug is ready to emerge back into the music scene. Recently, he released a new single titled Money on Money, featuring Future, and is working on his upcoming album titled Uy Scuti. Although a release date has yet to be confirmed, he is scheduled to perform at the Smash Festival this coming June.

Final Thoughts

The musician’s journey through the legal system and its repercussions on his life and career has sparked discussions about the broader implications for artists and accountability in their lyrics. Young Thug’s reflections not only highlight his resilience but also point towards a hopeful return to his musical roots.