Young Thug Thinks "Drake Level" Artists Can't Continue To Survive In Only Hip Hop

BY Erika Marie 20.9K Views
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Young Thug, Drake, Million Dollaz worth of Game, Jay-Z, YK Osiris, Charlamange Tha God
The YSL mogul determined that an artist of that caliber can only elevate if they turn to "pop or something else."

As fans prepare for the impending release of Certified Lover Boy, the direction of Drake's career has become a hot topic of conversation. YK Osiris argued that while Drake is one of the top music artists in the world, there are still people who don't know who the OVO mogul is. Charlamagne Tha God contested that the "Drake era" has come and gone, and Young Thug believes that once an artist elevates to Drake's level, Hip Hop may no longer be a profitable option.

Over the last 48 hours, Thugger's interview with the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast has caused points of controversy, particularly pertaining to his comments about Jay-Z's catalog. Elsewhere during the exchange, Young Thug said this about Drake: “I was talking to the youngins the other day...a Hip Hop artist you can only go so far.... Once you’re Drake level, there’s nothing else you could do. At this point, they’re waiting on you to fall down. It’s no next level unless you go pop or something else. So, I’m always focused on the next level.”

Thug and Chris Brown's Slime & B mixtape is dripping with R&B and pop influences, so he hasn't missed the mark with his goals. However, there is a debate over whether Thug has yet reached the "Drake level" he speaks of, or if there is still more work to do. You can check out the podcast interview below.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.