YG

YG is the stage name of Keenon Daequan Ray Jackson, an American rapper and the initials of his alias stand for Young Gangsta. Born in 1990, he builds his career in West Coast hip-hop and rap.

Early releases and label signings

YG releases his debut single, “Toot It and Boot It”, in 2009, featuring Ty Dolla Sign. The track reaches number 67 on the Billboard Hot 100 and leads to a recording deal with Def Jam Recordings. He then issues a series of mixtapes, including The Real 4Fingaz and Just Re’d Up 2.

CTE World, Pu$haz Ink and debut album

In June 2013, YG signs to Young Jeezy’s CTE World. He also comes up with the idea for Pu$haz Ink in September 2008 with friends Ace and PC, and later co-founds the label with DJ Mustard. Pu$haz Ink begins as a promotional brand for YG and DJ Mustard’s circle of collaborators before becoming a formal record label that includes RJ, Reem Riches, Tee Cee and Slim 400.

YG’s 2013 single “My Nigga”, featuring Jeezy and Rich Homie Quan, reaches number 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and becomes the highest-charting song of his career. He follows it with “Left, Right” and “Who Do You Love?” featuring Drake before releasing his debut studio album, My Krazy Life, through Pu$haz Ink, CTE World and Def Jam. The album is issued in 2014.

Further collaborations

In June 2014, YG signs music producer Kidd Cole. His recordings also connect him with Ty Dolla Sign, DJ Mustard, Young Jeezy, Rich Homie Quan and Drake.