YG

Keenon Dequan Ray Jackson (born March 9, 1990), known professionally as YG (short for Young Gangsta), is an American rapper from Compton, California.

Keenon Dequan Ray Jackson was born on March 9, 1990, in Compton, California.

He grew up on the 400 block of West Spruce Street in Compton, CA, which is the origin of his "4hunnid" tag (which along with being called out in his album titles and song lyrics is also the name of his record label and streetwear brands).

His stage name "YG" stands for "Young Gangsta."

YG joined the Pirus in 2006 at age 16.

His father served time in jail for tax fraud.

He began his recording career in 2008, and released his debut mixtape, 4Fingaz and its follow up, The Real 4Fingaz both in the following year.

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

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

He signed with Def Jam Recordings in October 2009, who re-released the song commercially as his debut single the following year.

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.

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.

However, just as he was getting his buzz up in mid-2009, he was arrested on a parole violation, stemming from a previous charge of residential burglary.

Following this, he worked on mixtapes, touring, and a clothing line based on his brand, 4Hunnid.

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.

He was also included as part of XXL's 2011 Freshmen Class.

Beginning with YG's mixtape The Real 4 Fingaz, Mustard began further producing on YG's projects.

Their work resulted in songs such as "I'm Good", "Bitches Ain't Shit" featuring Tyga and Nipsey Hussle, and "You Broke", also featuring Nipsey Hussle.

The singles were met with moderate success, but not near as much as his debut single.

In 2012, he announced his debut album, then titled “I'm 4rm Bompton”.

He then signed a joint-venture recording contract with Jeezy's label, CTE World in 2013.

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

Later in June 2013, he revealed that Jeezy's record label CTE World would release the album.

He was then featured on Yo Gotti's "Act Right" also featuring Jeezy.

It would peak at number 100 on the Billboard Hot 100.

He was then prominently featured on the CTE World mixtape, Boss Yo Life Up Gang in August 2013.

On September 4, 2013, YG revealed that his debut album would be released on November 19, 2013, via Def Jam Recordings and that he has changed the album title to My Krazy Life.

He also revealed that Drake would be featured on a song titled "Who Do You Love?", produced by DJ Mustard.

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

The song has since peaked at number 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

On December 10, 2013, YG released the DJ Mustard-produced "Left, Right" as the album's second single.

The song and its follow-ups, "Left, Right" (featuring DJ Mustard) and "Who Do You Love?" (featuring Drake) promptly led up to the release of his debut studio album, My Krazy Life in March 2014.

The album peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 and received critical acclaim.

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.

He released his second album, Still Brazy (2016) to further acclaim despite less commercial orientation, as it explored political and social issues for its subject matter.

He released his third studio album, Stay Dangerous (2018) to similar success and generally positive reception.

It was preceded by the single "Big Bank" (featuring 2 Chainz, Big Sean and Nicki Minaj), which peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains his highest-charting song as a lead artist.

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

His fifth and sixth studio albums, My Life 4Hunnid (2020) and I Got Issues (2022) followed thereafter.

He has released the independent collaborative albums Kommunity Service (2021) and Hit Me When U Leave the Klub: The Playlist (2023) with Mozzy and Tyga respectively.