Young Thug has opened up a bit further about his rift with his longtime friend and collaborator, Gunna.
On Monday’s (Sept. 29) episode of the It’s Up There Podcast, the Atlanta rapper spoke candidly about their fractured relationship, revealing that the bond they once shared is irreparable now following their two-year YSL RICO case.
thug served two years in jail, while Gunna spent seven months behind bars after pleading guilty to racketeering charges. “I’m not gonna be able to look at [Gunna] the same no matter what,” Thug told the host. “We can go get a trillion dollars together. I’m not gonna be able to look at you the way I looked at you before we went to jail.”
Once inseparable, the two artists’ relationship has been strained since Gunna took a plea deal in the YSL RICO case, a move that Thug seemingly views as a betrayal.
Young Thug Addresses Strained Relationship with Gunna: “I Still Want You to Eat, Just Not at My Table”
Table of Contents
Rapper Young Thug has publicly addressed the ongoing tension in his relationship with fellow Atlanta artist Gunna, stemming from Gunna’s release from jail and subsequent actions following Thug’s ongoing RICO case. In recent statements, Thug expressed that rebuilding a friendship with Gunna would feel disingenuous, despite wishing him well.
The Fallout from the RICO Case
Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, is currently facing serious RICO charges alongside Gunna and other members of Young Stoner Life (YSL). Gunna,born Sergio Giavanni Kitchens,was initially arrested alongside Thug in May 2022. He was later released in December 2022 after taking an Alford plea, which allowed him to maintain his innocence while acknowledging the prosecution had enough evidence for a conviction. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/gunna-rico-case-plea-young-thug-1234646349/
This decision sparked significant controversy within the hip-hop community, with many accusing Gunna of snitching or betraying Thug and YSL.Thug himself has now publicly voiced his discomfort with the situation.
“It’s Gonna Be Weird”
In a recent interview, Thug explained the difficulty he anticipates in interacting with Gunna moving forward. “It ain’t even no sense for you to trying to be back cool with me because we gonna be around each other and it’s gonna be weird,” he stated. He elaborated that even simple gestures like a handshake (“the dap-up”) would feel diffrent, as he now views the situation as fundamentally changed. https://www.complex.com/music/young-thug-gunna-relationship-comments
Despite the strain, Thug clarified he doesn’t harbor ill will towards Gunna’s success. “I still want you to eat, just not at my table,” he said, indicating a desire for gunna to prosper independently, but not within his sphere of influence.
Feeling “Like a Fk Nia”
Thug further explained the internal conflict he would experience attempting to maintain a amiable relationship with Gunna.He stated that being around Gunna and pretending to be happy would make him feel inauthentic. “I’mma feel like not a real person. I gotta be real, bruh,” he emphasized. This suggests Thug feels a strong need to maintain his integrity and principles in the face of the circumstances.
Looking Ahead
The situation highlights the complexities of loyalty and survival within the legal system and the music industry. While the future of Thug and Gunna’s relationship remains uncertain, thug’s statements offer a clear indication of the deep rift that has formed. Thug’s trial is ongoing, and the outcome will likely have significant implications for both artists and the broader YSL collective. https://www.billboard.com/music-news/young-thug-rico-trial-updates-1235486449/
Key Takeaways:
* Young Thug has publicly addressed the strained relationship with Gunna following gunna’s release on an Alford plea in the YSL RICO case.
* Thug believes a return to normalcy in their friendship is impossible, stating interactions would feel “weird.”
* Despite the tension, Thug expresses a desire for Gunna’s success, but not within his immediate circle.
* Thug feels maintaining a facade of friendship would compromise his authenticity.