YG (rapper)

Keenon Dequan Ray Jackson[1] (born March 9, 1990),[2] better known by his stage name YG, is an American rapper and actor from Compton, California. In 2010, he released his debut single, "Toot It and Boot It" (featuring Ty Dolla Sign), which peaked at number 67 on the Billboard Hot 100.[3] The single's success resulted in him signing to Def Jam Recordings.[4] In the following years, YG released mixtapes such as The Real 4Fingaz, Just Re'd Up, Just Re'd Up 2, 4 Hunnid Degreez, among others.

YG
Jackson in February 2015
Background information
Birth nameKeenon Dequan Ray Jackson
Born (1990-03-09) March 9, 1990
Compton, California, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • actor
Years active2005–present
Labels
Associated acts
Children2
Websitewww.4hunnid.com

In June 2013, YG signed an additional deal with Young Jeezy's imprint CTE World. His 2013 single, "My Nigga" (featuring Jeezy and Rich Homie Quan), peaked at number 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100. He then released the singles "Left, Right" (featuring DJ Mustard) and "Who Do You Love?" (featuring Drake), leading up to the release of his debut studio album in 2014. The album, My Krazy Life, was released on March 18 of that year by Pu$haz Ink, CTE World and Def Jam, and receiving commercial success and critical acclaim. Later in 2014, he was featured on his highest charting single to date, "Don't Tell 'Em", with American singer Jeremih, peaking at number 6 on the Hot 100. On June 17, 2016, he released his sophomore album, Still Brazy, to further acclaim.

On August 3, 2018, he released his third studio album, Stay Dangerous, to generally positive reviews. It included the single, "Big Bank", his highest charting solo single, peaking at number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. His fourth studio album, 4Real 4Real, was released on May 24, 2019 in dedication to the death of deceased rapper and close colleague Nipsey Hussle. His fifth studio album, My Life 4Hunnid, was released on October 2, 2020.

Early life

Keenon Dequan Ray Jackson was born on March 9, 1990, in Compton, California.[2][5] His name YG stands for "Young Gangsta."[6] Jackson joined the Bloods gang in 2006 at age 16.[7] His father served time in jail for tax fraud.[8]

Career

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

In 2012, he announced his debut album, then titled I'm 4rm Bompton, would be exclusively produced by rapper Syla$. Later in June 2013, he revealed that Jeezy's record label CTE World would release the album.[9] He was then featured on Yo Gotti's "Act Right" also featuring Jeezy. It would peak at number 100 on the Billboard Hot 100.[10] He was then prominently featured on the CTE World mixtape, Boss Yo Life Up Gang in August 2013.[11]

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 title to My Krazy Life. He also revealed that Drake would be featured on a song titled "Who Do You Love?", produced by DJ Mustard. Shortly thereafter he released the album's lead single "My Nigga" featuring Rich Homie Quan and Jeezy, also produced by DJ Mustard.[12] The song has since peaked at number 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[13] On December 10, 2013, YG released the DJ Mustard-produced "Left, Right" as the album's second single.[14] The following day, Def Jam announced that My Krazy Life would be released on March 18, 2014[15] and that "Who Do You Love?" featuring Drake would be the album's next single.[16] 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 title detailed in the placard around his neck.[17] It was released on March 18, 2014.

2015–2019: Still Brazy, Stay Dangerous and 4Real 4Real
Main 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 1995[18] On July 15, 2015, YG teased the first single for the album, "Twist My Fingaz" on Instagram.[19] The same day, YG released the single, "Cash Money" featuring Krayzie Bone.[20] The full version of "Twist My Fingaz" was released July 17, 2015.[21] On December 12, 2015, he released the second single, titled "I Want a Benz" featuring rappers Nipsey Hussle and 50 Cent.[22]

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.[23] On November 25, 2016, he digitally released the Black Friday inspired Red Friday, containing 8 new tracks.[24]

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.[25]

On February 3, 2017, the song "I Don't", by American singer and songwriter Mariah Carey was released, featuring YG.[26] Carey and YG performed "I Don't" live on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on February 15, 2017.[27] On March 24, 2017, a remix featuring Remy Ma and YG was released.[28][29]

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" titled 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".[30]

2020: My Life 4Hunnid
Main article: My Life 4Hunnid

As of 2020, YG has released a number of songs, including the protest track, "FTP (Fuck the Police)", with the video shot at a Black Lives Matter protest in Hollywood, following the killing 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 classic track "Fight the Power". On July 10, YG released the single "War", with a video where he is dressed as footballer Colin Kapernick.[31]

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.[32]

Other ventures

4Hunnid Records

4Hunnid Records
Founded2015 (2015)
FounderYG
Brandon Z. Moore
Distributor(s)Epic Records
GenreHip hop
Country of originUnited States
LocationCompton, California
Official website4hunnid.com

When YG originally came up with the idea for a label (originally titled Pushaz Ink, stylized as Pu$haz Ink), he later attempted to co-found it with DJ Mustard and Ty Dolla $ign.[33] 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.[34]

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.[34]

Personal life

YG has two daughters with his girlfriend. YG is a member of the Compton-based Westside Tree Top Piru gang.[35][36] 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.[36][37]

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.[38][39] 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.[40] He returned to the studio the next day.[41]

On September 6, 2019, it was confirmed that he and singer Kehlani were dating,[42] but the relationship ended after he was caught cheating.[43]

YG followed a vegan diet for about three months in 2016, citing health reasons.[44][45]

On January 1, 2020, YG apologised for having made homophobic comments in the past.[43]

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 "Fuck Donald Trump" on stage. Joyner was pushed by the rapper and called a racist before being escorted off stage.[46][47] 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 [his] back". Afterwards, Joyner received attention online from social media and news publications soon leading to hate comments.[48]

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.[49] YG had been scheduled to perform on January 26, 2020 at the Grammy Awards.[50]

Discography
Main article: YG discography
Studio albums

Filmography
Films
YearTitleRoleNotes
2012We the PartyC.C.Support role
Mac & Devin Go to High SchoolStudent/SmokerCameo
White TYGPerformer
2014Blame It On the StreetsYGMain role; also executive producer and writer
2018White Boy RickLeo CurrySupport role
2020 Dave Himself

Tours
Headlining
  • Fuck Donald Trump Tour (2016)[51]
  • Stay Dangerous Tour (2019)[52]
Supporting

Awards and nominations
YearAwardsCategoryNominated workResult
2014 BET Awards[58] Best Collaboration "My Nigga"
(with Young Jeezy and Rich Homie Quan)		 Nominated
BET Hip Hop Awards[59] Best Collabo, Duo or Group Won
Best Club Banger Nominated
People's Champ Award "My Nigga (Remix)"
(with Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Meek Mill and Rich Homie Quan)		 Nominated
Best Club Banger "Cut Her Off (Remix)"
(with K Camp, Lil Boosie and Too Short)		 Nominated
Rookie of the Year — Nominated
2015 iHeartRadio Music Awards[60] Hip Hop/R&B Song of the Year "Don't Tell 'Em"
(with Jeremih)		 Won
Billboard Music Awards[61] Top R&B Song Nominated
MTV Europe Music Awards[62] Best World Stage Performance — Nominated

References
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  30. DANGEROUS, STAY (2019-04-03). "I was dropping a Surprise album April 12th But man. Now that we gotta deal with Big bro goin to heaven I will not drop the album this month. Pushing it to May, Sorry! LONG LIVE @NipseyHussle my brother from the other color!". Retrieved 2019-04-04 – via Twitter.
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  • Quotations related to YG at Wikiquote
  • YG at IMDb 
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