Keenon Dequan Ray Jackson[1] (born March 9, 1990),[2] better known by his stage name YG (short for Young Gangsta), is an American rapper.

The latter gained recognition for its local hit song "Toot It and Boot It", which entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 67 and received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

[4] His 2013 single, "My Nigga" (featuring Jeezy and Rich Homie Quan), peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100.

(featuring Drake), preceded the release of his debut studio album, My Krazy Life (2014), which peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 and saw positive critical reception.

Also in 2014, he guest appeared on Jeremih's single "Don't Tell 'Em", which peaked at number six on the Hot 100 and remains his highest-charting song.

His second album, Still Brazy (2016), was met with critical acclaim despite less commercial orientation, as it explored political and social issues for its subject matter.

His fourth studio album, 4Real 4Real (2019), was released in memory of slain rapper and frequent collaborator Nipsey Hussle.

His collaborative albums, Kommunity Service (2021) with Mozzy and Hit Me When U Leave the Klub: The Playlist (2023) with Tyga, were both released independently and met with critical praise.

[12] YG created the "Pu$haz Ink" record label and group with DJ Mustard in 2008.

[13] After releasing several songs that garnered him a large following on the internet, such as "She A Model" and "Aim Me" YG signed to Def Jam in 2009.

[14] According to Max Gousse, the senior VP of A&R at Island/Def Jam who inked the rapper, the signing stemmed from a newfound emphasis on West Coast artists by label president/CEO L.A. Reid, as well as, YG's technical ability and stage presence.

[16] Def Jam re-released "Toot It and Boot It," which features singer Ty Dolla Sign in June 2010, and became the rapper's first hit song.

Shortly thereafter he released the album's lead single "My Nigga" featuring Rich Homie Quan and Jeezy, also produced by DJ Mustard.

The artwork features YG posing for a mugshot, with his name and album title detailed in the placard around his neck.

[36] On February 3, 2017, the song "I Don't", by American singer and songwriter Mariah Carey was released, featuring YG.

[39][40] On February 19, 2018, YG announced his third studio album would be Stay Dangerous on his Instagram page and would be released this summer.

[46][47] YG also performed at The Pop Out: Ken and Friends, a 2024 Kendrick Lamar concert occurring in the wake of the Lamar-Drake feud.

[49] Originally the "label" was used as a promotional tool and a brand for YG and DJ Mustard's group of rap collaborators they had grown up with.

[61] YG is a notable fan of the Los Angeles Rams NFL team,[62] and was known to have befriended then-running back Todd Gurley.

[65] Receiving little controversy when first released,[66] over the years the song accumulated media attention, scrutiny, and protest, especially from Chinese and Asian Americans.

[68] YG has described "Meet the Flockers" as being representative of the culture he grew up in, and discussed his past experiences committing burglaries.

[70] In 2019, a Cadillac Escalade owned by YG was involved in a shooting and police chase from Compton to Inglewood, California.

[75] A 2018 robbery case against YG was dismissed in 2022 after he settled with a man who alleged that the rapper stole a chain from him in a Las Vegas casino.