Young Thug has publicly addressed the significant distance that has grown between him and fellow artist Gunna since both entered plea deals in the YSL RICO case. Speaking on the It’s Up There Podcast on Monday, September 29, Thug elaborated on why he can no longer have Gunna in his immediate circle, while still expressing good wishes for his career. “I’m not gonna be able to look at [Gunna] the same no matter what,” Thug stated. He emphasized that even potential shared financial success wouldn't restore their prior bond, asserting, “I love you to death. I know you love me. We love each other to death, but we just going our own ways.”

Thug explained his sentiment further, noting, “I ain’t gonna be able to look at you the same, I’d feel like a fake n—a just having you around me because… I already look at you a certain type of way. And I got a right to.” He advised Gunna to focus on his own well-being and career: “For the sake of your heart and your mind and the thought process you having now, go get your money, man, take care of your family and do what you need to do.” This divergence stems from the legal proceedings, where Gunna secured his release from jail in December 2022 by reaching an Alford plea, acknowledging YSL as a gang. Thug, however, remained incarcerated, reaching his own plea deal later in October 2024, and has not been in contact with Gunna since his release.

The Atlanta rapper anticipates an unavoidable awkwardness in any future encounters. “It ain’t even no sense for you to try to be back cool with me because we gonna be around each other and it’s gonna be weird,” he explained, predicting a different "dap-up" and overall interaction. He refuted the idea that he is bitter for not wanting to be friends, instead describing an emotional inability to pretend. “I’ma be sitting around you and I’ma just cry. I’ma feel a certain type of way sitting around you because I know how I felt about you. I know what I did with you and for you. You know all the times we shared. We done cried together before… I’ma be around you in the future and be crying every God damn day… I’m over it.”

Despite the separation, Young Thug clarified that there are no "hard feelings" towards Gunna or any other individual involved in the YSL RICO trial. He succinctly put it, “I still want you to eat, just not at my table.” Thug also revealed that he viewed his relationship with Gunna as a deep brotherhood, not merely a business arrangement, especially given Gunna was signed to YSL. “The only reason why I’m looking at it like some bullsh– is because you my brother,” he stated, adding, “On top of that, you my man, you my best friend.” He interpreted Gunna’s Alford plea as a profound betrayal, suggesting Gunna prioritized his career over their personal bond. Meanwhile, Young Thug marked his return to the music scene with his new album, UY SCUTI, which was released on Friday, September 26, featuring collaborations with artists such as Future, Cardi B, Travis Scott, and Lil Baby.