Last year, YSL label boss Young Thug was imprisoned for conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisation Act (RICO). YSL (Young Stoner Life) was alleged to be at the centre of the conspiracy, with prosecutors claiming it operates as a gang. However, despite his legal battles, the Atlanta emcee (real name Jeffery Williams) has gifted fans with a brand new project entitled, Business Is Business.
Williams remains behind bars. However, his affiliates and associates have ensured that his quality music still sees the light of day while he awaits trial. This project is his first full body of work since he released Punk in 2021.
This latest release features a vast array of features, including the likes of, Drake, Future, 21 Savage, Lil Gotit, Yak Gotti, Travis Scott, Bslime, and Fun.’s Nate Ruess. This album has been executively produced by the iconic Atlanta-based producer Metro Boomin, who has worked with artists such as Migos, Lil Uzi Vert and Post Malone. The beatmaker is arguably one of the most sought-after producers in contemporary hip-hop and has done an exceptional job with this album.
This new project’s rollout was unique and enigmatic. Last week, Young Thug teased the project by posting a QR code after his YSL counterpart Gunna got released from jail. The QR code, which directed fans to a montage, was shared by a slew of musicians, including Gunna, Metro Boomin, Drake, Chance the Rapper, Wheezy, G Herbo, Coi Leray, Lil Durk, 21 Savage, Southside, and more.
Business Is Business is the first bit of music we have heard from Thug since he and other members of YSL got arrested on gang-related charges in Georgia. Last year, many hip-hop figures got hit with RICO charges and caused rappers on social media bragging about violence to subside.
However, the ‘Imma Ride’ act didn’t just get charged with racketeering. He was also charged with felonies related to the alleged possession of drugs and weapons. Furthermore, the rapper was denied bail, and, as such, it may be a while until we see him physically making new music and performing live.
Although Williams is currently incarcerated, he has featured on several projects he contributed to before he was jailed. You can find him on singles from Killer Mike to Rae Sremmurd. You can listen to Business Is Business below.