Young Thug credits Drake, Lil Baby, 21 Savage for support amid leaked jail calls controversy

Young Thug released his fifth studio album, UY SCUTI, on September 26, 2025, marking his return nearly a year after securing a plea deal in the YSL RICO case. Amid the album's rollout, Young Thug addressed leaked jail phone calls that revealed personal grievances and stirred controversy, including critical remarks about other artists like Drake, Gunna, and Future. Despite some fallout, Young Thug highlighted the unwavering support of close collaborators, particularly Drake, Lil Baby, and 21 Savage, with Drake sending encouraging messages urging Thug to "drop that music" and let his art speak for itself. The leaks also exposed tensions within the hip-hop community, but Thug expressed relief that the situation clarified who truly stood by him. However, the album faced backlash for Young Thug's repeated use of the N-word with the "hard ER," which many fans found offensive and problematic, especially given his influence and public stature. Additionally, the album cover sparked discussion due to Thug's noticeably lighter skin tone, leading to interpretations about possible internal conflicts or self-image issues.