Young Thug announces a Mary J. Blige-inspired R&B album for 2025, plus new Drake collaborations. Get the details on his genre shift and upcoming releases.
- October 7, 2026
AceShowbiz - Young Thug recently revealed plans to release an R&B album inspired by Mary J. Blige later this year. In a discussion on The Crew Has It podcast, he shared that the project will lean heavily into classic R&B vibes, focusing mostly on sensual themes with some songs touching on heartbreak, but primarily celebrating "fun times."
Young Thug emphasized the album’s commitment to authentic R&B sounds, marking a notable shift from his usual trap style. This is not his first foray into the genre; his 2017 release Beautiful Thugger Girls showcased melodic and acoustic soul elements, while his 2020 collaborative mixtape with Chris Brown, Slime & B, blended trap and R&B influences.
During the podcast, Young Thug also confirmed that he has several collaborations with Drake that are expected to be released soon. The two artists last worked together on Young Thug’s 2023 project Business Is Business, where Drake appeared on the intro track "Parade on Cleveland" and the song "Oh U Went." Despite Young Thug’s legal challenges, including his ongoing RICO trial, Drake supported him by appearing in the music video for "Oh U Went."
This upcoming R&B album reflects Young Thug’s evolving artistry and his desire to pay homage to one of R&B’s iconic figures, Mary J. Blige. Fans can anticipate a blend of soulful melodies and intimate lyrics that showcase a different side of the Atlanta rapper.
Stay tuned for further updates as Young Thug prepares to release this project and share new music with Drake. The full interview is available on The Crew Has It podcast’s YouTube channel for those interested in hearing more about his creative direction.
This article is based on reporting originally published by Xxlmag.