Youngthreat Reflects on Kendrick Collaboration, Life Lessons, and Taking Off—Literally—on His First Flight

Rising South Central rapper Youngthreat recently joined DJ Carisma on Saturday Night Loud at Power 106 LA, bringing his infectious energy and raw honesty to the studio. At just 24 years old, Youngthreat is carving out his place in the hip-hop scene with hard-hitting lyrics, consistent releases, and an undeniable hunger to succeed. In the interview, he reflected on his journey, his breakout collaboration with Kendrick Lamar, and the upcoming release of his highly anticipated project, It Gets Greater Later.

Youngthreat opened up about his steady climb in the industry, emphasizing the importance of timing and patience. For him, the past few years have been about building a foundation and ensuring every move he makes aligns with his bigger vision. “It’s a blessing, man. I ain’t gonna lie. I’m happy to be where I’m at. There’s a lot of people rapping, but not everyone gets this opportunity. So I’m giving it everything I got now,” he shared. Despite his youth, Youngthreat carries himself with the wisdom of someone who’s been through life’s toughest lessons. He admitted to holding back on releasing some of his music until the moment felt right, a strategy he believes will maximize the impact of each drop.

One of the defining moments in Youngthreat’s career came with his inclusion on Kendrick Lamar’s GNX. The collaboration wasn’t just a feature; it was a co-sign from one of hip-hop’s most revered voices. Youngthreat recounted the surreal moment he got the call. “I was on my way out the house on a regular day when I got the call. They said Kendrick Lamar was looking for me. I dropped everything. We locked in for a few days in the studio, and it was crazy. Kendrick just let me do my thing.” It’s clear the experience left a lasting impact on Youngthreat, not just because of the music they created, but because of the authenticity Kendrick brought to the collaboration. “He didn’t just say he supported me—he showed it. That’s rare.”

Throughout the interview, Youngthreat reflected on the challenges that come with being a West Coast artist trying to break into national markets. While West Coast culture has a global fanbase, its music scene often feels siloed compared to regions like Atlanta or New York. Youngthreat remains undeterred, though, confident in his ability to connect with audiences far beyond South Central. “It’s one thing to start where you come from, but you gotta expand. You gotta lock in with people from other places who can see your story and feel your authenticity.”

As he gears up to release his latest project, It Gets Greater Later, Youngthreat is proud to present an album he feels truly represents him. Dropping on December 20th, the album spans 13 tracks with no features, offering listeners an unfiltered experience of his artistry. “I don’t even have a favorite track on this project. Every song means something. No skips, no filler—just me being real and giving it everything I got.” With production largely handled by Viper and KC, the project promises a cohesive soundscape rooted in Youngthreat’s distinct style.

Beyond the music, Youngthreat opened up about his personal journey, including his upbringing and the profound influence of his grandmother, who played a crucial role in keeping him on track. “She always told me she didn’t know what I was going to do, but she knew I’d be great. That’s something I hold onto every day.” Despite facing setbacks, including time in prison at just 18, Youngthreat emerged from those experiences with a renewed focus and a deep sense of purpose.

He also spoke about his five-year-old son and his hopes for the next generation. “I never had the chance to experience certain things growing up, so I want to make sure he gets those opportunities. Whether it’s sports, traveling, or just building memories, I want him to have that.” Youngthreat shared plans to introduce his son to Pop Warner football and hopes to nurture his interests, whether they align with music, sports, or something entirely different.

As the conversation wrapped up, Youngthreat’s gratitude and humility shone through. Every milestone, from releasing his next project to hopping on his first flight in January, feels monumental to him. He approaches each step with both excitement and a level-headed determination. “This is just the beginning. I ain’t stopping no more. It’s go-time now.”

For fans of authentic, heartfelt West Coast rap, Youngthreat represents the best of what’s next. With It Gets Greater Later just days away from release and his momentum building, it’s clear that Youngthreat isn’t just another name in the scene—he’s a force to be reckoned with. As he continues to rise, one thing is certain: Youngthreat is here to stay.