Young Thug releases Uy Scuti amid cover art and lyrics controversy

Young Thug released his long-awaited album Uy Scuti on Friday, September 26, delivering a 20-track project that has drawn attention for its star-studded guest list, use of jail and courtroom audio, and immediate controversy over its cover image and lyrics. The release is the Atlanta rapper’s first full-length project since he was released from custody on October 31, 2024, following a high-profile RICO case.

Uy Scuti features contributions from Cardi B, Lil Baby, Future, Travis Scott, 21 Savage, T.I., Ken Carson and, unexpectedly, YFN Lucci. The record weaves in recorded moments from Thug’s recent legal battles, including leaked jail calls, and opens with the track Ninja, which includes repeated uses of the N-word that prompted debate among listeners about whether the pronunciation was intentional. The album also incorporates a prosecutor’s audio from his RICO trial, underscoring its close ties to the legal drama that has surrounded the artist.

The album cover, which presents an edited image of Young Thug with a noticeably lighter complexion, provoked widespread reaction online. In a podcast conversation over the weekend, Thugger defended the visual and framed it as a provocation...