In his latest appearance on Club Shay Shay, Lil Yachty offered a candid glimpse into his life, career, and the challenges he’s faced along the way. The Grammy-nominated rapper, who has solidified himself as a multi-faceted force in the hip-hop world, opens up about his journey from Atlanta to becoming a global cultural icon. Yachty, who rose to fame with his unique sound and signature red braids — a look inspired by his mother — shares insights into his early days working at McDonald’s and Six Flags before taking the leap to New York to pursue his musical dreams.
Yachty also responds to accusations of being a colorist and an “industry plant,” offering a glimpse into his early experiences with Quality Control, including the wild story of spending $1.3 million in just one week. The rapper also reflects on his extravagant past purchases, including spending $100K on veneers and $1 million on dental implants, as well as his controversial past with bitcoin and scamming. He discusses his close relationships with industry figures like ASAP Rocky and Tyler, the Creator, and how his modeling gig with Yeezy led to memorable experiences with Kanye West.
Beyond the music, Yachty delves into his business ventures, listing deals with major brands like Nike, Target, McDonald’s, Reebok, and more. He touches on his role as a father, making sure to protect his daughter from the pressures of fame, and recounts spending $100K at Disney World. The conversation also brings up Yachty’s past relationship with singer Mariah the Scientist, as well as his perspectives on dating. Yachty admits to steering clear of partying, smoking, and drinking, and shares why he avoids dating younger women.
The conversation then shifts to his thoughts on the evolution of hip-hop, with Yachty naming his top Atlanta rappers — including Andre 3000, Young Thug, and T.I — and his current favorites such as Young Thug, Lil Baby, and Playboi Carti. He touches on his experiences in the studio with artists like Drake, J. Cole, Kanye, and Cardi B, but also addresses the drama with Nicki Minaj, adding his thoughts to the ongoing Drake vs Kendrick rap beef. He also discusses his appreciation for the rising talents of female rappers like Glorilla, Ice Spice, and Tierra Whack.
In a lighter moment, Yachty talks about leaking songs to streamer Kai Cenat and shares his views on TikTok rappers, explaining how the line between friendship and business can sometimes be blurred. He also addresses his falling out with MitchGoneMad, which led to his decision to quit his podcast, and the ongoing Drake and LeBron beef.
Throughout the interview, Lil Yachty comes across as more than just a rapper; he positions himself as a cultural influencer and businessman, shaping the future of entertainment. With humor, raw honesty, and an unfiltered perspective, this Club Shay Shay episode provides a deeper look at one of hip-hop’s most dynamic and unpredictable figures.
