In the world of hip-hop, where egos often collide and competition fuels the industry, moments of genuine appreciation between artists stand out. Recently, Young Thug—one of rap’s most influential and enigmatic figures—took a moment to publicly show love to none other than Drake, declaring, “That boy back number one.”
This seemingly simple statement carries a lot of weight, especially considering the history, impact, and influence both artists have had on each other and the music industry as a whole. But what exactly does this mean? Why is Young Thug giving Drake his flowers now? And what does it tell us about their relationship, their music, and the current state of hip-hop?
Let’s break it all down.
Young Thug & Drake: A Brotherhood in Hip-Hop
While hip-hop has always been built on collaboration and camaraderie, few friendships in the genre have been as mutually beneficial as that of Young Thug and Drake. Their relationship has been characterized by admiration, support, and, most importantly, hit records.
Early Connections: How It All Began
Young Thug’s rise in the mid-2010s coincided with Drake’s continued dominance over the industry. While Thugger was redefining Atlanta’s trap sound with his unique vocal delivery and boundary-pushing flows, Drake was solidifying his position as a global superstar.
Their first major collaboration came in 2017 on “Sacrifices”, a standout track from Drake’s More Life playlist/album. Thug’s unpredictable energy meshed surprisingly well with Drake’s signature smooth delivery, making it clear that the chemistry was real.
This led to a string of collaborations, from “D4L” (with Future) to “Way 2 Sexy”, which further showcased their ability to create chart-topping records together. Over the years, Drake has consistently shown respect for Young Thug, praising his artistry and acknowledging his influence on the new generation of rappers.
Why Young Thug’s Praise for Drake Matters
So why is Young Thug coming out now and saying, “That boy back number one”?
- Drake’s Continued Relevance in Hip-Hop
The music industry is notoriously fickle, with artists rising and falling from relevance in the blink of an eye. Yet, Drake has managed to remain at the top for over a decade. Young Thug’s statement serves as an acknowledgment that, despite shifting trends and new artists constantly emerging, Drake still sits at the throne. - A Response to the Criticism of For All the Dogs
Drake’s most recent album, For All the Dogs, received mixed reviews from critics and fans alike. While some praised the project’s return to a more rap-heavy sound, others felt it lacked the innovation expected from an artist of Drake’s caliber. However, as time has passed, many fans have revisited the album and begun to appreciate its depth and versatility. Young Thug’s statement could be a way of reinforcing that, despite the initial mixed reactions, Drake remains undefeated on the charts. - Thugger’s Own Situation & Perspective
As Young Thug faces legal battles and remains incarcerated due to the YSL RICO case, he’s had time to reflect on his career, his relationships, and the state of the music industry. From behind bars, Thugger is still keeping up with the culture, and his acknowledgment of Drake’s success is a testament to their genuine friendship and mutual respect.
Breaking Down the “Number One” Status
Drake being “number one” isn’t just a casual statement—it’s a fact.
Let’s look at the numbers:
- Billboard Domination: Drake consistently tops the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200 charts with each release. His albums debut at number one, his singles break streaming records, and his tours sell out worldwide.
- Spotify & Apple Music Success: Drake remains the most-streamed artist on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, often breaking records for first-day and first-week streams.
- Cultural Impact: Beyond numbers, Drake’s music dictates trends, slang, and social media moments, proving that his influence is unmatched.
When Young Thug says, “That boy back number one,” he’s essentially reaffirming that Drake’s dominance isn’t fading anytime soon.
Young Thug & Drake’s Best Collaborations
If you’re a fan of both artists, you know that whenever Young Thug and Drake link up, magic happens. Here’s a look at some of their best collaborations:
1. “Sacrifices” (2017) – More Life
One of their earliest and most underrated collaborations, “Sacrifices” featured Thugger delivering one of his best guest verses, showcasing his effortless flow and unique wordplay.
2. “D4L” (2020) – Dark Lane Demo Tapes
Featuring Future alongside Thug and Drake, this high-energy track celebrated their trap royalty status.
3. “Solid” (2021) – Slime Language 2
Originally meant for Certified Lover Boy, this track ended up on YSL’s compilation album, further proving that Drake’s melodic delivery fits seamlessly alongside Thug’s unpredictable cadences.
4. “Way 2 Sexy” (2021) – Certified Lover Boy
A certified club anthem, this song, featuring Future, became an instant hit, blending humor with undeniable swagger.
What’s Next for Both Artists?
While Drake is currently enjoying yet another run of success, the future remains uncertain for Young Thug due to his ongoing legal troubles. However, if there’s one thing we know about Thugger, it’s that he’s a fighter.
Even from behind bars, he has managed to release music, stay in the conversation, and receive support from some of the biggest names in the industry—including Drake.
Drake, on the other hand, continues to push boundaries, teasing new music, possible collaborations, and expanding his empire beyond music into business ventures, sports, and entertainment.
If Young Thug’s praise is any indication, we might be seeing another Drake x Thug collaboration sooner rather than later.
Final Thoughts: A Brotherhood That Runs Deep
Young Thug’s simple yet powerful statement—“That boy back number one”—is more than just a casual comment. It’s a testament to the respect, admiration, and brotherhood that exists between two of the most influential artists of this generation.
In an industry often filled with rivalries, diss tracks, and ego battles, it’s refreshing to see genuine appreciation between two titans of hip-hop. Whether it’s in the studio, on the charts, or through public support, Drake and Young Thug’s bond remains unshakable.
And if history has taught us anything, it’s that whenever these two join forces, history is made.
So, what’s next? Another number one record? Another legendary collaboration? Only time will tell.
But for now, one thing is certain: Drake is still on top, and Young Thug sees it too.
4o
