Here’s why Young Thug’s album failed — DJ Akademiks

DJ Akademiks says Young Thug album flopped due to lost mystique and social media overexposure

Hip-hop commentator DJ Akademiks has suggested that Young Thug’s latest album, UY Scuti, underperformed because the rapper has lost his enigmatic appeal. Speaking during his October 2 livestream, Akademiks addressed the project’s first-week sales of 48,000 units, calling the performance a “complete flop.”

“The long-awaited Young Thug being-free album, which is now titled UY Scuti, came out, and it only did 48,000,” Akademiks said. “I like Thug, and I hope no one thinks I'm being facetious… but this is a complete flop.”

Akademiks attributed the album’s disappointing reception to a shift in how Thug presents himself, particularly following his legal troubles. The Atlanta rapper was released from jail in October 2024 after facing RICO charges stemming from his 2022 arrest. Since then, Akademiks believes Thug has been overly concerned with public perception, particularly regarding accusations of snitching, which in turn eroded his “mystique.”

Akademiks explains that Young Thug’s album flopped cuz he let the people figure out his kryptonite was questioning his street credibility and has been spiraling ever since people questioned him on it.

Ak says Thug kept explaining himself and lost all of his mystique as a result… pic.twitter.com/sP1igrg3hD

— Akademiks TV (@AkademiksTV) October 2, 2025

“He’s been acting out of character ever since he got out of jail,” Akademiks claimed. “He’s trying to convince people of whatever… tweeting too much, explaining too much. That’s not a Thug thing to do.”

Akademiks contrasted Thug’s current behavior with his earlier career, when the rapper was known for bold fashion choices — including wearing dresses and makeup — and remained unbothered by public criticism. “He never addressed anything. He was mysterious, untouchable. Now he’s reacting to everything,” Akademiks said. “The mystique is gone.”

The commentator further noted that Thug’s presence no longer carries the same weight it once did. “Even when he comes on stage, it doesn’t feel legendary. It just looks like, ‘That’s Jeffrey,’” he added, referencing Thug’s real name and his 2016 Jeffery album cover.

While Akademiks acknowledged that the music on UY Scuti isn’t necessarily bad, he emphasized that album success depends on more than just quality. “It’s about the perception of the person. And Thug’s perception has been decimated,” he said, concluding that the rapper’s career may now be in need of a “refresh and restart.”

UY Scuti was released on September 26, 2025, and is available on all major streaming platforms.