Joe Budden Says Young Thug’s Stock Has “Plummeted” Since Jail Release
Joe Budden has voiced strong criticism of Young Thug, claiming the Atlanta rapper’s public image and influence have sharply declined since his release from jail last year. Speaking on his self-titled podcast, Budden argued that Thugger has made several missteps that have harmed his brand.
Budden highlighted Thug’s behavior following his release on a restrictive plea deal. “Stock. And it is plummeting. Outside of Atlanta, he is putting on a masterclass in how to take a good brand and totally fuck it up,” Budden said. He referenced Thug’s public disputes with Gunna and alleged snitching accusations as key missteps. “No music that did nothing. The branding and marketing genius that he’s shown himself to be, it ain’t even been flashes of that. Every time you see him, there’s been an embarrassing look that come with it. He looks a fucking mess,” Budden added.
Budden also criticized Thug for being overly vocal. “He could have come out, got to work, not been chatty patty,” he said. The rapper recently released a snippet of an unreleased song calling out Gunna, referencing their late mutual friend Keith B. Troup: “Only reason I fucked with you, Gunna, it was ’cause of Troup.”
Thug’s relationship with Gunna remains unclear. In a recent sit-down with GQ, he was asked about the rumored rift between the two YSL rappers. “I know everybody wonders [what our relationship is like now],” he said, “I don’t know.”
Despite the controversy, Thug has begun rolling out new music. He dropped the lead single from his upcoming album Uy Scuti, titled “Money On Money” featuring Future. The track marks a return to his signature sound but contains pointed lines likely aimed at former associates involved in the YSL RICO trial. On the hook, he raps: “These fuck n-ggas tellin’ for nothin’, and I gotta be the one callin’ ’em friends.” Later, he adds: “Brother, you a rat (My brother)” and reiterates the accusation with, “Twin, you a rat, you smoked, uh.”
Budden’s critique underscores how Young Thug’s public perception has shifted in the past year. While he remains a major figure in Atlanta hip-hop, his actions and words have sparked debate over his legacy and the state of his brand.
