Gunna is once again at the center of controversy after unveiling a new tattoo cover-up that appears to signal further distance from his former YSL (Young Stoner Life) collective — and Young Thug has responded in cryptic fashion.
On May 17, Gunna shared a new carousel of shirtless photos on Instagram, revealing a striking new design of flames inked across his chest. Notably, the flames cover what was once his prominent “YSL” tattoo, fueling ongoing rumors of a fractured relationship with Young Thug, the founder of the YSL label.
The ink alteration comes nearly two years after Gunna accepted a plea deal in the high-profile YSL RICO case, during which he publicly stated in court that “YSL is a gang” and declared, “I have personal knowledge that members or associates of YSL have committed crimes in furtherance of the gang.”
Although Gunna has maintained that his plea did not implicate Young Thug or affect his legal proceedings, his public disavowal of the group has sparked widespread debate — especially among fans and industry insiders who have long viewed the two as close collaborators.
Thug’s Reaction: “He Said It Must End”
On May 19, Young Thug—who remains incarcerated while awaiting trial—responded to the tattoo cover-up in an Instagram comment, writing:
“I mean… he said it must end lol.”
The remark appears to reference Gunna’s own court statements from December 2022, where he indicated his desire to dissociate from YSL as a criminal entity. Though brief and somewhat ambiguous, Thug’s comment has only intensified speculation that the relationship between the two artists has soured.
While Thug has mostly remained tight-lipped about the matter, his father has publicly voiced support for Gunna, insisting that the rapper’s actions were not a betrayal of Thug himself.
A Complicated Relationship
In a recent interview with GQ, Young Thug was asked directly about his current relationship with Gunna. His response was vague but telling:
“I know everybody wonder about it. I don’t know.”
That uncertainty has left fans reading between the lines, as Gunna continues his comeback with recent singles and a reshaped public image—while also distancing himself visually and symbolically from the group that helped launch his career.
Whether the cover-up was a personal rebranding move or a deeper statement on fractured loyalties remains unclear. But for now, one thing is certain: the flames now inked on Gunna’s chest are stoking a firestorm of speculation about the future of YSL—and the bond that once united two of Atlanta’s biggest rap stars.
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