Young Thug Net Worth 2026: Bio, Career & Fortune

Young Thug, the Atlanta rapper who changed hip-hop forever, has a net worth that surprises many fans. Despite his massive influence and hit songs, his fortune tells a complicated story of success, legal battles, and financial ups and downs.

In this deep dive, we’ll explore everything about Jeffery Lamar Williams—from his humble beginnings to his current wealth, family life, career achievements, and what the future holds.

Quick Facts About Young Thug

Before we dive deep, here’s everything you need to know at a glance:

What is Young Thug Net Worth in 2026?

Young Thug net worth in 2026 is estimated between $4 million and $10 million, depending on the source. This wide range reflects the complicated financial situation surrounding the Atlanta rapper.

Why the difference?

Celebrity Net Worth, a leading authority on celebrity finances, lists his net worth at $10 million as of their last update in September 2025. However, more recent estimates from HotNewHipHop, The Current PK, and other entertainment sites suggest a lower figure of $4-5 million.

The truth likely falls somewhere in between. Young Thug earned millions during his peak years (2015-2021), but his legal troubles starting in May 2022 significantly impacted his finances. Between canceled shows, legal fees, and inability to tour for over two years, Thug lost millions in potential earnings.

At his peak, Young Thug revealed he earned around $500,000 per show. Missing just 10 shows meant $5 million in lost income—not counting legal expenses that easily reached hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Early Life: From Poverty to Promise

Childhood in Atlanta’s Zone 3

Jeffery Lamar Williams was born on August 16, 1991, in Atlanta, Georgia. Growing up as the second youngest of eleven siblings, life wasn’t easy in the Zone 3 neighborhood. This area of Atlanta, while producing legendary rappers like Waka Flocka Flame, 2 Chainz, and Ludacris, was also marked by poverty and crime.

Young Thug’s childhood was turbulent. Money was tight with such a large family, and the streets offered both danger and inspiration. The Atlanta rap scene was thriving, and young Jeffery soaked it all in, dreaming of a way out through music.

Education and Juvenile Detention

Young Thug’s formal education was minimal. Teachers and family members described him as restless and difficult to control. In sixth grade, an incident changed everything—he broke his teacher’s arm during a classroom altercation. This led to a four-year stint in juvenile detention, from roughly ages 11 to 15.

These years in the juvenile system shaped him profoundly. Rather than continuing traditional schooling, he focused on survival and, increasingly, on music. By the time he was released, Young Thug knew formal education wasn’t his path. The streets and the recording booth would be his classroom.

Physical Appearance: Height, Weight, and Style

How Tall is Young Thug?

Young Thug stands at an impressive 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm), making him noticeably tall, especially in the hip-hop world where many rappers are average height or shorter. His lanky frame and distinctive presence make him stand out on stage and in music videos.

Weight and Build

Weighing approximately 165 pounds (75 kg), Young Thug has a slim, athletic build. His lean physique has become part of his signature look, especially paired with his unconventional fashion choices.

Fashion Icon Status

What truly sets Young Thug apart physically is his fearless approach to fashion. He’s worn dresses, skirts, and women’s clothing on album covers and in public appearances, challenging hip-hop’s traditional masculine image. This gender-fluid style hasn’t hurt his career—it’s made him a fashion icon and cultural disruptor. Major magazines have featured him, and his willingness to break boundaries has inspired a new generation of artists to express themselves freely.

Young Thug’s Musical Career: From Mixtapes to Megastar

The Early Hustle (2011-2013)

Young Thug’s music career began in earnest around 2011. He started releasing mixtapes independently, with his “I Came From Nothing” series (volumes 1-3) released between 2011 and 2012. These early projects caught the attention of Atlanta’s hip-hop community, but his big break came with his connection to Gucci Mane.

Gucci Mane signed Young Thug to his 1017 Brick Squad Records label, giving him a platform to reach wider audiences. In 2013, Thug released “1017 Thug,” a mixtape that established him as one of Atlanta’s most original new voices. His eccentric vocal delivery, melodic experimentation, and willingness to break rap conventions made him impossible to ignore.

Songs like “Stoner” and “Danny Glover” became internet hits, racking up millions of streams before streaming was even the dominant way people consumed music.

Breakthrough and Mainstream Recognition (2014-2016)

By 2014, Young Thug was one of the hottest names in rap. He signed with 300 Entertainment and began working with major artists. His collaboration with Rich Homie Quan produced hits that dominated Atlanta’s airwaves.

In 2015, he released what many consider his breakout project: “Barter 6.” Originally intended to be called “Carter 6” as an homage to Lil Wayne, the project was renamed after Wayne objected. Despite the controversy, “Barter 6” received critical acclaim and featured the platinum single “Best Friend.”

His follow-up mixtapes—the “Slime Season” series and “Jeffery” (2016)—cemented his reputation as a fearless innovator. “Jeffery” was particularly notable for its gender-fluid album artwork and creative song titles, all named after his musical influences.

Commercial Peak (2017-2021)

Young Thug’s commercial success exploded between 2017 and 2021. His feature on Camila Cabello’s “Havana” in 2017 became a massive pop hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and introducing him to mainstream audiences worldwide.

In 2018, he appeared on Childish Gambino’s cultural phenomenon “This Is America,” which won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year. These high-profile collaborations with Travis Scott, Future, Drake, Kanye West, and others kept Young Thug in the spotlight.

His 2019 album “So Much Fun” debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, producing hits like “Hot” (featuring Gunna) and “The London” (featuring J. Cole and Travis Scott). This was Young Thug’s commercial peak—touring globally, streaming millions weekly, and earning hundreds of thousands per show.

In 2021, he released “Punk,” a more melodic and experimental album that showed his artistic growth. It also debuted at number one, proving his ability to reinvent himself while maintaining commercial success.

YSL Records: Building an Empire

In 2016, Young Thug founded his own record label, YSL Records (Young Stoner Life Records). Under this imprint, he signed and developed talented artists including:

• Gunna – Who became a major star with hits like “Drip Too Hard” and “Pushin P”
• Lil Keed – Rising star who tragically passed away in 2022
• Lil Duke – Frequent collaborator
• Karlae – His former fiancée and artist

As the label’s founder, Young Thug earned money not only from his own music but also from the success of his roster. The YSL compilation albums, particularly “Slime Language 2” (2021), topped the charts and demonstrated his ability to cultivate talent.

How Young Thug Built His Fortune: Income Sources

Music Sales and Streaming Revenue

The primary source of Young Thug’s wealth is his music. With billions of streams across platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, streaming royalties provide consistent passive income. His most popular songs include:

• “Havana” (with Camila Cabello) – Over 2 billion streams
• “Hot” (featuring Gunna) – Hundreds of millions of streams
• “This Is America” (with Childish Gambino) – Cultural phenomenon
• “The London” – Major hit
• “Best Friend” – Platinum certification

Artists typically earn $3-5 per 1,000 streams, meaning Young Thug has earned millions from streaming alone. Album sales, both physical and digital, add to this total, though streaming dominates modern music consumption.

Concert and Tour Earnings

Live performances were Young Thug’s biggest money-maker during his prime. He revealed in a 2020 interview that he earned approximately $500,000 per show at his peak. Tours, festivals, and one-off performances brought in millions annually.

He toured with major artists like J. Cole and 21 Savage, headlined his own shows, and performed at massive festivals including Rolling Loud, Coachella, and Lollapalooza. A successful tour could easily generate $5-10 million in revenue.

Unfortunately, Young Thug lost millions when COVID-19 shut down touring in 2020, and then even more when his 2022 arrest prevented any performances for over two years.

YSL Records Revenue

As the founder of YSL Records, Young Thug receives a share of profits from his signed artists’ success. When Gunna releases a platinum album or Lil Keed has a hit song, Young Thug benefits financially. The exact percentages aren’t public, but record label owners typically take 15-30% of their artists’ earnings after expenses.

Endorsements and Brand Deals

Young Thug has partnered with several major brands throughout his career:

• Puma – Athletic wear partnership
• Calvin Klein – Fashion campaign
• ICDC College – Surprising but lucrative commercial deal

While not as endorsement-heavy as some rappers, these deals added hundreds of thousands to his income during peak years.

Fashion and Merchandise

Young Thug launched his own clothing line called Spider, which features streetwear and accessories. Concert merchandise and online store sales also contribute to his income, though exact figures aren’t disclosed.

Legal Troubles: The RICO Case and Financial Impact

May 2022 Arrest

On May 9, 2022, Young Thug’s career came to a screeching halt. He was arrested at his home in Atlanta’s upscale Buckhead neighborhood. Along with 27 other individuals, he faced charges under the RICO Act (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act).

Prosecutors alleged that YSL Records wasn’t just a music label—it was a street gang called “Young Slime Life” involved in:

• Murder
• Aggravated assault
• Drug trafficking
• Armed robbery
• Carjacking

The 88-page indictment claimed Young Thug was one of the organization’s leaders. One notable allegation involved the April 2015 shooting of Lil Wayne’s tour bus, allegedly carried out by a YSL member.

Two Years Behind Bars

Young Thug spent over two years in custody awaiting trial. The case became one of the longest criminal trials in Georgia’s history, with jury selection alone taking months. During this time, Young Thug couldn’t:

• Perform concerts ($500K per show lost repeatedly)
• Release new music effectively
• Appear in videos or do promotional work
• Fulfill brand deals and endorsements

The financial damage was catastrophic. He lost tens of millions in potential earnings while legal fees piled up. High-profile defense attorneys don’t come cheap—his legal team likely cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, possibly over $1 million.

October 2024 Plea Deal

In October 2024, after more than 900 days in custody, Young Thug accepted a non-negotiated plea deal. The judge sentenced him to:

• 40 years total
• 5 years of prison time (commuted to time served)
• 15 years of probation
• 20 years suspended

This meant immediate release from custody but with strict conditions:

Probation Requirements:

• No contact with gang members or co-defendants (except his brother and Gunna)
• Random drug testing
• 100 hours of community service annually
• Cannot promote gang activity in music
• Cannot reference YSL as a gang
• Banned from Metro Atlanta for 10 years (except for family events like weddings, funerals, and graduations)
• Cannot possess firearms

These restrictions severely limit his career. He cannot perform in his hometown of Atlanta, one of hip-hop’s biggest markets, for a decade. His music content is restricted, and any probation violation could send him to prison for 20 years.

Financial Recovery Begins

Despite these challenges, Young Thug’s release allows him to start earning again. He can tour (outside Atlanta), record music, and rebuild his brand. However, the financial and reputational damage from the case is significant and may take years to fully recover from.

Family Life: Children, Relationships, and Personal Connections

Six Children from Four Women

Young Thug became a father at just 17 years old. He has six children total—three sons and three daughters—with four different women. While he keeps his children largely out of the spotlight, he’s spoken about the importance of family and his desire to provide better opportunities than he had growing up.

With such a large family, financial responsibilities are substantial. Child support, education costs, housing, and daily expenses for six children add up quickly, especially when combined with caring for his parents and siblings.

Jerrika Karlae (Former Fiancée)

In April 2015, Young Thug got engaged to Jerrika Karlae, a swimsuit designer and entrepreneur. Karlae was also signed to YSL Records as an artist. The couple was together for several years and became a prominent pair in hip-hop circles.

They split in December 2020, ending their high-profile relationship. The reasons for their breakup weren’t fully disclosed, but they’ve both moved on.

Mariah the Scientist (Current Partner)

In 2021, Young Thug began dating Mariah the Scientist, an R&B singer signed to RCA Records. Mariah stood by him throughout his legal troubles, frequently posting support on social media and attending court hearings.

Their relationship has been characterized by loyalty and support, with Mariah publicly defending Young Thug and expressing her belief in his innocence. Now that he’s released, their relationship can continue without prison barriers.

Supporting Extended Family

Young Thug is known for being generous with his money, particularly toward family. He’s supported his parents, his ten siblings, and various friends and associates from his neighborhood. While this generosity shows his character, it also means his expenses are higher than a typical individual’s—he’s essentially supporting multiple households.

Lifestyle and Assets: How Young Thug Spends His Money

Luxury Car Collection

Young Thug has owned an impressive collection of luxury and exotic vehicles over the years, including:

• Rolls-Royce Cullinan – $350,000+ luxury SUV
• Lamborghini Aventador – $500,000+ supercar
• Corvette C8 – American muscle
• Maybach – Ultimate luxury sedan
• Multiple customized vehicles with unique paint jobs and interiors

Car enthusiasts estimate his collection was worth $2-3 million at its peak, though it’s unclear which vehicles he still owns after his incarceration.

Real Estate Holdings

In 2016, Young Thug purchased a sprawling mansion in Buckhead, an affluent Atlanta neighborhood. However, in 2017, he was sued for defaulting on payments for the property, revealing the financial strain of maintaining such an expensive lifestyle.

Details about his current real estate portfolio aren’t fully public, but rappers at his level typically invest in multiple properties for both living and investment purposes.

Jewelry and Fashion

Young Thug is famous for his extravagant jewelry collection, including:

• Diamond chains worth hundreds of thousands
• Custom pendants and medallions
• Expensive watches (Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet)
• Grillz and other dental jewelry

His fashion expenses are equally impressive. From designer clothes to custom pieces, Young Thug has spent millions on his wardrobe over the years, including memorable looks from Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and avant-garde designers.

The Cost of Generosity

Young Thug’s generosity extends beyond family. He’s given money to friends, paid for funerals, bought cars for associates, and supported his community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he explained how expensive it was to keep everyone around him comfortable while shows were canceled.

This lifestyle—supporting multiple people, luxury purchases, and expensive tastes—means Young Thug’s expenses are extremely high. Even with millions in earnings, spending at this rate quickly depletes wealth, especially when income stops due to legal troubles.

Young Thug’s Cultural Impact: Beyond the Numbers

Musical Innovation

Young Thug’s influence on modern hip-hop cannot be overstated. His high-pitched vocal delivery, melodic flows, and unconventional song structures changed what was possible in rap. Artists like Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Baby, Playboi Carti, and countless others cite him as a major influence.

He helped bridge the gap between traditional rap and the more melodic, sung-rap style that dominates today. His willingness to experiment made hip-hop more creative and less confined by traditional rules.

Fashion Revolutionary

Young Thug challenged hip-hop’s hypermasculine culture by wearing dresses, skirts, and women’s clothing. His gender-fluid fashion choices sparked conversations about masculinity, identity, and self-expression in hip-hop. Major fashion magazines celebrated him, and he became a muse for designers.

This bravery opened doors for younger artists to express themselves freely without fear of judgment, fundamentally changing hip-hop culture.

Atlanta’s Continuing Legacy

Young Thug is part of Atlanta’s incredible contribution to hip-hop. Following legends like OutKast, T.I., Ludacris, Gucci Mane, and Future, Thug helped cement Atlanta as the center of modern rap. The city’s influence is undeniable, and Young Thug’s role in that story is significant.

What’s Next for Young Thug? Future Prospects

Career Challenges Ahead

Young Thug faces significant obstacles moving forward:

1. Atlanta Ban – Cannot perform in his hometown for 10 years
2. Content Restrictions – Must avoid gang references in music
3. Probation Scrutiny – Any violation means 20 years in prison
4. Reputation Damage – The RICO case damaged his public image
5. Industry Relationships – Some collaborators may distance themselves

Potential Comeback Opportunities

Despite these challenges, Young Thug has opportunities to rebuild:

1. Touring Internationally – Can perform worldwide (except Metro Atlanta)
2. New Music – Fans are eager for fresh material after two years
3. Documentary/Story – His legal saga could become a compelling documentary
4. Fashion Ventures – Expand his Spider brand and fashion partnerships
5. Mentoring Artists – Continue developing talent through YSL Records

Financial Recovery Timeline

Realistically, Young Thug will need several years to rebuild his finances:

• 2026-2027: Release new music, tour internationally, rebuild brand
• 2027-2028: Restore endorsement deals, expand business ventures
• 2028-2030: Potentially return to $10M+ net worth with sustained success

His ability to tour and record immediately gives him earning potential, but the restrictions and damaged reputation will slow his comeback compared to a typical artist hiatus.

Frequently Asked Questions About Young Thug

What is Young Thug real name?

Young Thug’s real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams. Some sources spell it “Jeffrey,” but legal documents use “Jeffery.”

How old is Young Thug in 2026?

Young Thug was born on August 16, 1991, making him 34 years old in 2026.

Is Young Thug married?

No, Young Thug is not married. He’s currently in a relationship with R&B singer Mariah the Scientist. He was previously engaged to Jerrika Karlae from 2015 to 2020.

How many children does Young Thug have?

Young Thug has six children—three sons and three daughters—with four different women. He became a father at age 17.

What is Young Thug height and weight?

Young Thug stands 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm) tall and weighs approximately 165 pounds (75 kg).

Where did Young Thug go to school?

Young Thug had limited formal education. He attended schools in Atlanta but was sent to juvenile detention for four years after breaking a teacher’s arm in sixth grade. He did not complete high school in a traditional sense.

When was Young Thug released from jail?

Young Thug was released from custody in October 2024 after accepting a plea deal following more than two years of incarceration.

Can Young Thug perform in Atlanta?

No. As part of his probation conditions, Young Thug is banned from Metro Atlanta for 10 years, except for specific family events like weddings, funerals, graduations, and medical emergencies.

What does YSL stand for?

YSL originally stood for “Young Stoner Life,” Young Thug’s record label. Prosecutors claimed it also referred to “Young Slime Life,” an alleged street gang. Young Thug has always maintained it was only a music label.

Who has Young Thug collaborated with?

Young Thug has worked with numerous major artists including Lil Wayne, Future, Travis Scott, Drake, Kanye West, Camila Cabello, Childish Gambino, J. Cole, Metro Boomin, Gunna, and many others.

Conclusion

Young Thug net worth in 2026—estimated between $4 million and $10 million—tells a story of incredible talent, massive success, and devastating setbacks. From growing up as one of eleven children in Atlanta’s Zone 3 to becoming one of hip-hop’s most influential voices, Jeffery Lamar Williams has lived a remarkable life.

His musical innovations changed rap forever. His fashion choices challenged cultural norms. His business acumen led to the creation of YSL Records and the development of other successful artists. At his peak, he was earning half a million dollars per show and living a life most people only dream about.

But his legal troubles extracted a heavy price. Two years in custody, millions in lost income, hundreds of thousands in legal fees, and a damaged reputation have significantly impacted his wealth. The probation conditions restricting his music content and banning him from Atlanta for a decade will continue affecting his earning potential for years to come.