Young Thug Breaks Silence with First Verse Since Release on Lil Baby’s New Album ‘WHAM’
The wait is over, and Lil Baby has delivered. Today, January 3rd, the Atlanta rapper unveiled his highly anticipated album, ‘WHAM’—an acronym for Who Hard As Me. The 15-track masterpiece features an impressive roster of collaborators, including Future, GloRilla, Travis Scott, 21 Savage, Rod Wave, and more. However, the highlight that has everyone talking is the return of Young Thug, marking his first verse since his release from prison last year.
A Star-Studded Album
‘WHAM’ offers a variety of standout tracks, each showcasing Lil Baby’s ability to seamlessly blend with different styles. From the melodic vibe of ‘Be Myself’ featuring Rod Wave and Rylo Rodriguez to the fiery energy of ‘Stuff’ with Travis Scott, the album delivers something for everyone. GloRilla makes a strong impression on ‘Redbone’, and the infectious hook of ‘Outfit’ featuring 21 Savage is already sparking conversations online.
But the track that stands out above the rest is ‘Dum, Dumb, and Dumber’, featuring both Future and Young Thug. The collaboration is more than just a song—it’s a moment, marking Young Thug’s reentry into the music scene after his high-profile legal battle.
Young Thug’s Triumphant Return
Young Thug wastes no time addressing the elephant in the room. Before diving into his verse, he delivers a reflective and poignant statement about his experience:
“I didn’t even believe I was locked up, really, really / I just did my thing the whole time, fool, you know what I’m saying?”
The raw emotion in his delivery has resonated deeply with fans, who’ve been waiting patiently to hear from the ‘Slime Language’ artist.
Earlier today, Thug took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to clarify a line in the track:
“When I said, ‘These American girls a lil’ bad,’ I meant ‘bad girls,’ not ‘ugly girls’… we got the prettiest girls on earth…”
The tweet has only fueled further speculation and excitement around his lyrical intent and creative mindset.
A Tumultuous Journey
Young Thug’s verse is made even more powerful when viewed through the lens of his recent past. In 2022, Thug—real name Jeffery Lamar Williams—was arrested on charges related to gang activity. Facing a slew of additional felony charges, he spent two years behind bars before being released in November 2024. His guilty plea to charges involving gangs, drugs, and firearms concluded Georgia’s longest-running criminal trial in history.
The legal saga wasn’t just about Thug. Fellow YSL (Young Stoner Life) member Gunna was also arrested, sparking widespread media coverage. Both artists denied the allegations, and Thug’s bail was denied three times.
Lil Baby’s Evolution
‘WHAM’ is more than just another album for Lil Baby—it’s a statement of growth and resilience. As his first full-length release since 2022’s ‘It’s Only Me’, the project represents a new chapter. Critics had mixed feelings about ‘It’s Only Me,’ with NME describing it as “a few steps shy of greatness” due to its uneven pacing. However, ‘WHAM’ shows a matured Lil Baby, embracing collaboration and experimenting with his sound.
The inclusion of Young Thug in this pivotal album signals Lil Baby’s respect for his peers and his ability to tap into the zeitgeist. The track ‘Dum, Dumb, and Dumber’ feels like a passing of the torch—or perhaps a shared celebration of resilience.
The release of ‘WHAM’ not only cements Lil Baby’s position at the top of the rap game but also reignites the flame for Young Thug’s career. Fans are already speculating about what’s next for Thug, with whispers of a new project on the horizon.
As the music world processes the weight of this album, one thing is clear: ‘WHAM’ is more than an album—it’s a cultural moment. And with Young Thug back in the fold, the stakes have never been higher.
Are you ready for the next chapter? Listen to ‘WHAM’ now, and let us know which track has you hitting repeat.
