Young Thug Turns Heads with UY SCUTI: Controversial Cover, Heavy Bars & Surprise Reunions

Young Thug’s new album UY SCUTI, released September 26, 2025, is as provocative as it is powerful. The title itself references UY Scuti, one of the largest known stars in the universe—a fitting metaphor for an artist who has always seen himself as larger than life and determined to outshine expectations.

The controversy began with the cover art. Thug appears with noticeably lightened skin, sparking immediate backlash and comparisons to “whiteface.” The uproar grew louder when he dropped “whiteface” versions of his collaborators, including Cardi B, Future, Travis Scott, Mariah the Scientist, and many more. Fans debated whether this was social commentary or simply shock value.

The heat didn’t stop there. On the opening track “Ninja,” Thug samples courtroom audio from his YSL RICO trial before diving into raw and confrontational bars. Toward the end, he repeatedly uses the N-word with the hard “-er,” a choice that shocked even long-time listeners. Addressing the controversy during a livestream, Thug explained: “I was thinking just, like, you know… I don’t know, man. Just, all of my opps are ns … you call all of your opps ns.” The explanation only added fuel to the fire, as fans debated whether it was artistic expression or unnecessary provocation.

Beyond the uproar, the album delivers some of Thug’s most engaging collaborations to date. “On the News” with Cardi B blends their chaotic energy with uncanny synergy—both artists facing legal headlines of their own, making the track feel like a natural alliance. Meanwhile, Thug links with Travis Scott, Future, T.I., and Mariah the Scientist, creating a lineup that shows both his reach and his ability to blend into multiple sonic worlds without losing his edge.

Perhaps the most surprising and meaningful collaboration is with longtime rival YFN Lucci on the track “Whaddup Jesus.” Their appearance together marks a symbolic end to one of Atlanta’s most public rap feuds. Thug also showed up on Lucci’s own comeback album Already Legend for the song “Still Waiting.” For both rappers, trading verses now is more than music—it’s reconciliation and legacy building.

Critics have noted that UY SCUTI sounds more upbeat and closer to the fun, eccentric Young Thug fans first fell in love with, but the undertones are darker. Beneath the playful flows and melodic cadences lies an artist reflecting rawly on his battles with the YSL RICO case, the weight of prison time, and the fight to maintain his identity while the world watches.

In the end, UY SCUTI cements itself as another daring chapter in Thug’s career. Whether you view the cover and lyrical choices as bold artistry or unnecessary controversy, there’s no denying that Young Thug has everyone talking—once again, his star burning larger than life, just like the album’s namesake.