The Fallout Between Lil Baby and Gunna: A Tale of Friendship, Music, and Allegations
Lil Baby and Gunna were once one of the most powerful and successful musical duos in hip-hop. Their 2018 collaborative album Drip Harder was a game-changer for both artists, propelling them into the mainstream and solidifying their places in the rap world. Their chemistry was undeniable, with Drip Harder quickly becoming a fan favorite and showcasing their seamless flow and shared vision. However, in recent years, the two rappers have drifted apart, and their relationship has been marred by a highly publicized controversy stemming from the ongoing Young Thug trial.
Drip Harder: A Defining Moment
When Drip Harder dropped in 2018, it was clear that Lil Baby and Gunna had a special musical connection. The project received widespread praise for its catchy hooks, smooth delivery, and well-crafted production. It became one of the most talked-about projects of the year and was instrumental in boosting both artists’ careers. For Lil Baby, it was another step in his rise to the top, while Gunna also gained a wider audience and established himself as one of the rising stars in the Atlanta rap scene.
Together, they dominated the charts and built a loyal fanbase, each feeding off the other’s energy. Their collaborations were often seen as a perfect match, blending Baby’s street-smart, hard-hitting style with Gunna’s smooth, melodic flow. It seemed like a friendship that would last, but the tides have since changed.
The Fallout: Snitching Allegations and Industry Drama
The turning point in their relationship came with the fallout surrounding the Young Thug trial. Young Thug, who has been a mentor to both Lil Baby and Gunna, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, leading to a highly publicized legal battle. The rumors surrounding Gunna’s involvement in the case—specifically allegations that he cooperated with authorities and “snitched” on Thug—created a rift in his relationship with Lil Baby.
While neither artist has publicly confirmed the rumors, the tension between them became palpable, especially after Gunna’s release from jail. Gunna’s decision to take a plea deal, which many interpreted as him cooperating with authorities, was heavily criticized by fans and the hip-hop community. For Lil Baby, who has always valued loyalty and street codes, this was a betrayal that seemed hard to overlook.
Lil Baby’s Stance on “Snitching”
Lil Baby addressed the issue indirectly during a recent appearance on the A Safe Place Podcast, where he discussed his personal code when it comes to collaborating with other artists. Although he didn’t mention Gunna by name, his comments made it clear that he does not condone the actions of those who are seen as “snitches” in the industry.
“I don’t work with rappers who are known snitches,” Lil Baby said bluntly. “I have nothing in common with people who would sell out their own.” This statement underscored his personal principles and the weight he places on loyalty in his inner circle. For Lil Baby, the issue isn’t just about the business side of things—it’s about morals and respect.
He elaborated further, saying that his stance is rooted in the subject matter of their music. “It boils down to what we rapping about… We can’t rap about that if you did that,” he explained. For Baby, it’s about authenticity. He argued that if an artist has engaged in certain behaviors, they can’t credibly rap about street life or the struggles of the community. He pointed out, “If I was making Christmas music, then I don’t give a damn what you did,” highlighting that the issue only matters in the context of the genre they’re creating.
Despite his firm beliefs, Lil Baby also made it clear that he would never publicly out another artist for being a “snitch.” “I don’t even speak on n**gas,” he said. “Even if it was in the streets, you wouldn’t put up posters saying he’s a snitch.” This shows that while Baby doesn’t agree with the actions of those who cooperate with authorities, he still holds a level of discretion and respect when it comes to airing personal grievances.
Lil Baby on the Dangers of Bragging About Crimes in Rap
In addition to discussing his stance on snitching, Lil Baby also touched on a broader issue within the hip-hop community: the tendency of some rappers to glorify crimes and illegal activities in their lyrics. According to Baby, this trend is not only damaging to the artists themselves but also to the genre as a whole.
“Rapping in these songs,” he said, “Talking about murders, and who you killed. That sht fcking up the whole program.” Baby believes that the current climate of rappers bragging about criminal activity in their music is causing irreparable harm, both to their careers and to the culture. He pointed out that many of these artists end up locked up, unable to capitalize on their success or promote their music, which ultimately hurts their business prospects.
Furthermore, Baby expressed concern that younger generations are emulating these behaviors, thinking that it’s a part of the rap lifestyle. This, he says, could perpetuate a cycle of crime and incarceration, which could ultimately stifle the genre’s potential for positive growth.
The Unspoken Divide Between Lil Baby and Gunna
Although Lil Baby has not directly called out Gunna, the absence of any collaboration between the two artists since the snitching allegations surfaced speaks volumes. Despite their shared history and mutual success, the fallout from the Young Thug trial appears to have caused irreparable damage to their relationship.
Fans have been left wondering if the two will ever reconcile or if the trust between them has been permanently broken. While Gunna has continued to release music and garner success, the fallout with Lil Baby has been a reminder of how personal morals and loyalty can impact the dynamics of even the closest friendships in the hip-hop world.
The rift between Lil Baby and Gunna serves as a reminder of the complex relationships in the rap industry, where loyalty, trust, and reputation play crucial roles in career trajectories. Lil Baby’s comments on snitching reflect his personal code and the values he holds dear, which seem to be at odds with the actions that have been attributed to Gunna. While the two may have been a dynamic duo in the past, it’s unclear if they will ever be able to reconcile their differences, both musically and personally, in the future.