Young Thug’s recent release has stirred up a strong reaction from his father, Jeffrey Williams Sr., who expressed frustration over the sudden surge of interest from Atlanta rappers eager to work with his son. In a recent interview on the Nothing But the Truth Podcast with Big Jeff, Williams Sr. voiced his displeasure over the lack of support during Young Thug’s trial, especially from artists who now appear to want to benefit from his release.In the podcast, Williams Sr. did not hold back his disappointment.
“We got all these rappers and everybody trying to find Young Thug,” he remarked. “They wanna talk to Young Thug, they wanna this, that, and the other. Where your ass been for 29 months?”
His comments reflected a sense of betrayal, as he pointed out how these same rappers were missing in action when his son’s constitutional rights were allegedly being violated during the YSL trial. Williams Sr. went on to question their role as influencers in the music industry, implying that their support would have been impactful during the trial. “Y’all are the ones considered to be the influencers,” he continued. “Ain’t influencing sh*t.”
According to Williams Sr., many Atlanta artists seemed to be reaching out to Young Thug not out of genuine concern, but for personal gain. “Now, you want to talk to him, you want to goddamn put out these monkey-a** videos, all this for your personal gain,” he said, calling out those who are only now showing interest in associating themselves with his son. He stressed that these efforts feel like mere publicity stunts intended to elevate their own profiles, rather than meaningful support for his son during the trial. Williams Sr. questioned their sincerity, noting that they could have “been seen fighting with him” but instead chose to stay on the sidelines for over two years.
The criticism didn’t stop there. Big Jeff, the podcast host, added his thoughts on the matter, stating that Young Thug himself would have shown up for them if the situation had been reversed. According to him, Thugger’s loyalty and willingness to stand by friends during difficult times has been a consistent trait in his life, yet those same friends have not reciprocated in his time of need. Big Jeff reiterated that if roles were reversed, Thug would have been there, genuinely supporting them without looking for personal benefit.
Williams Sr. shared a specific incident involving T.I., a prominent Atlanta artist, which highlighted the lack of proactive support from some influential figures in the community. He recounted reaching out to T.I. a year ago to ask if he would host an event in support of YSL at T.I.’s restaurant, Trap City Cafe. According to Williams Sr., T.I. responded by saying he’d check with his team and get back to him, but no event or follow-up occurred. Reflecting on this experience, Williams Sr. noted his disappointment, especially given how quickly T.I. and others showed up by Young Thug’s side after his release. “That’s when he needed the help, that’s when he needed your support,” he said, pointing out the inconsistency in their support.
Williams Sr. feels that now, when the legal battle is no longer immediate, artists are stepping forward simply for the media attention it brings. He urged them to consider the timing and impact of their actions, stressing that the right time to support Young Thug was during the 29-month legal struggle, not merely after his release. His comments serve as a reminder that true support should be consistent, especially during challenging times.
In wrapping up his discussion, Williams Sr. sent a direct message to the Atlanta music community, challenging them to reflect on their actions and intentions. His words raised questions about the role of loyalty and solidarity within the industry, particularly for individuals facing serious legal issues. He called for authenticity and integrity from artists, suggesting that if they truly cared about Young Thug, they should have been there when it mattered most.
Overall, Williams Sr.’s remarks shed light on a deeper issue within the music industry: the tendency of some artists to show up for their peers only when it benefits their own image. His frustration echoes a common critique of the entertainment world, where genuine support often seems overshadowed by self-interest.
