Music

Young Thug Explains Why He Never Worked With Andre 3000: ‘Dre Likes His Ass Kissed’

Thug previously worked with Elton John and used that experience to contrast their approaches to collaboration. …

Despite being a pioneer for Atlanta hip-hop to the mainstream in the ’90s and 2000s, Andre 3000 doesn’t quite get the same level of love from his hometown successors. Although his work as a member of Outkast is often referenced in comparing the stylistic innovations of newer ATLien rappers to their predecessors, some of those predecessors aren’t exactly checking for Andre themselves. During his appearance on T.I.’s podcast ExpediTIously, Young Thug — is arguably the current epicenter of Atlanta rap — explains why he never much paid attention to Andre 3000.

“I can’t rap you two Andre 3000 songs,” he said. “I ain’t never paid attention to him. Never in my life.” When T.I. tells him that he’s “missing out” and says they need to work together, referring to his recent collaboration with Elton John. Thugger disagrees though. “But the difference between Elton John and Andre is, to simplify it, Elton John likes to kiss ass, and Dre likes his ass kissed. Elton John like “Hey! I like you, I remember your first song, I remember Gucci first song. When Guwop getting out?’ He a fan type of n****, to the point where I’m like, ‘Let’s do music,’ and he’s like, ‘N**** bet!’ Andre more like, ‘This is his secretary. Tell the n**** it’s Thug, n****.’”

T.I. also compares Andre’s fashion pioneering to Thug’s, prompting the younger rapper to explain why he wore a dress on his Jeffery cover. “That sh*t was just that simple,” he said. “That motherf*cker matched! It was not for attention. That’s on the Holy Bible, that’s on my kids.”

Watch Young Thug’s discussion with T.I. above.

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Artist Spotlight

KENTON journeys through family, identity and healing in “Sweetmouth (Sugar Free)” (EP)

“Sweetmouth (Sugar Free)” is an extremely reflective acoustic EP that guides you through its six tracks as it explores memory, identity, and emotional reconciliation. Created at a moment of deep discovery, the project reveals KENTON’s process of forgiving others, of realizing who he is within himself, and of internally processing what he experienced as a queer Asian American child growing up in the United States.

The EP opens with “I’m Breaking My Father’s Heart – Acoustic,” a gentle track about the disconnection between what parents desire and what you believe is true. “Never Born – Acoustic” is inward-looking, exploring the existential uncertainty of financial suffering at home and prayers that hang in the air, unanswered.

“Let Light In – Live” is a release that captures emotional awakening, where letting go of past pain is the first step toward recovery. “Without You – Acoustic” is one of the most affecting moments on the EP, which recounts a tough relationship with a sick father. “Wannabe American – Acoustic” laments the falseness of the American Dream and how it commodifies the Asian identity.

On the final song, “The Times – Acoustic,” KENTON directs strength toward a message of survival, hope, and endurance in an emotionally suffocating world. “Sweetmouth (Sugar Free)” is also the voice of the collective, and it’s a gift to immigrant and queer youth searching for belonging in spaces that often do not welcome them.

Photo credit: Ricky Chavez

Connect with KENTON on Website | Spotify | Instagram | TikTok

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Artist Spotlight

Terrell Journey rewinds emotion and identity in cinematic EP “Retrograde”

The new reflective R&B EP, “Retrograde” by Terrell Journey, transports us back to the emotional origins of his Journey Digital Supercharged universe. It’s a cinematic prequel defined by tension, clarity, and artistic reinvention.

As a prequel to the famed Journey Digital Supercharged collection, it builds on Terrell Journey’s vision of a musical universe with separate but connected story worlds beneath that umbrella in the Journey Digital Saga. This project is a shift in point of view, and “Retrograde” examines the moments before acceleration, the tension and clarity that happens before everything moves forward.

The EP’s opening track, “Me vs Me,” invites introspection and sets the stage for the project. “Tit 4 Tat” sharpens the tension, while “We Listen and Don’t Judge” creates a space cleared by honesty and emotional control. “Run A Boston” feels fast and intentional, harnessing the force of movement before the EP enters what is its most personal closing stretch.

“Steal Your Heart” is a melodic peak that combines emotional tug with elegant R&B textures. “Love” closes the EP on a warm, resonant note that sounds resolved and open-ended. “Retrograde” expands Terrell Journey’s kaleidoscopic world by making introspection a narrative, and it serves as a crucial link between reflection and the forward momentum of Journey Digital Saga.

The EP challenges you to consider themes of internal conflict, emotional honesty, and change. This continues to cement Terrell Journey’s track record for creating in-universe sets of R&B storytelling narratives.

Connect with Terrell Journey on Website | Spotify | Instagram | X | TikTok