As part of their Legacy Project, GQ spoke with 19 musicians who they believe left a lasting mark on the industry in 2014. One of those musicians was Atlanta rapper Young Thug, who is known for stirring up controversy in his music and on Instagram, however, he hasn't given many in-depth interviews. In his GQ feature, he talks about his career trajectory in rap, when is the right time to retire from the game, why he would never buy one of Jay Z's CDs, and what he would change his name to if he could. Here's what he had to say (via HipHopNMore).
GQ: Are you a music lifer?
Young Thug: Yeah, I'ma be here forever. I don't want to rap forever. But I want to be rich forever.
GQ: Why not rap forever?
I don't want to be 50 years old and rapping, man. I'm pretty sure nobody wants to do that. I'm pretty sure Jay Z don't wanna rap right now.
GQ: Why is it such a young man's game?
If you're 30, 40 years old, you're not getting listened to by minors. Like, Jay Z has some of the sickest lyrics ever, but I would never buy his CD, just because of my age and because of his age. By the time I turn that old, I ain't gonna be doing what he's doing.
GQ: What is the next step for you?
I hope to be like Bill Gates, bro. With all the money in the world. Like Wayne, someday I want one of those kind of careers. Or Michael Jackson.
GQ: At what age do you drop the "Young" from your name?
I don't think I'm gonna drop it, 'cause I want to be forever young. But if I had to...
GQ: What would you change it to?
My little niece always calls me Jeff the Rapper, so I might change it to that.
So far this year, Young Thug has dropped the songs "Warrior," "Speed Racer," "Friend of Scotty," "In This Game," "Mind On Money," featured on tracks by Travi$ Scott, Gucci Mane, and Kid Ink.
What do you think of his thoughts on Jay Z and the rap game? Sound off in the comments section below!
