Young Thug has been a divisive figure in the Hip Hop community. Although praised by a variety of critics for his style and eclecticism, Thug has received quite a bit of hate as well. Some have objected to the way Young Thug sings and raps, as well as what he chooses to wear on stage. However, as someone who's experienced plenty of criticism (even over his wardrobe) in the past, Elton John felt he needed to speak up for Young Thug.
Elton John recently sat down with Noisey to discuss a number of topics. The legendary singer/pianist explained the importance of misery in creating lasting, memorable songs. He also expounded on the toll that drugs and other addictions can take on one's creativity. Eventually, however, the conversation took a different turn, as Elton began discussing his favorite new artists. Regarding the single from Jamie xx's In Color that features Young Thug and the dancehall star, Popcaan, John Said, "I love that record! I actually asked [Universal Music CEO] David Joseph about it. I heard a track on Beats 1 and I loved it so much. But he got himself into trouble, hasn't he?"
Elton is, presumably, speaking of the recent conviction of PeeWee Roscoe who was sentenced to ten years for shooting at two Lil Wayne's tour busses. The indictment against Roscoe in July implied that both Lil Wayne's label head and former mentor Birdman and Young Thug were behind the shooting and had conspired to have Lil Wayne Killed.
Elton John's contributions to Hip Hop have been particularly memorable. Many claim that Elton's contribution helped legitimize the genre, and show hesitant fans that Hip Hop had the same mainstream appeal as Pop or Rock. Hopefully, this urge will resurface and John will collaborate with Young Thug in the future.
