Thug was born in Atlanta, Georgia and is the second youngest of his ten siblings. He later moved to the Jonesboro South projects where he developed his rapping skills.

In July 2013, Complex included him in their list of 25 New Rappers to Watch Out For. On October 17, 2013, Thug released his debut single "Stoner". The song spawned a number of unofficial remixes by rappers, such as Wale, Jim Jones, Jadakiss, Iamsu! and Trick-Trick. His song "Danny Glover" also received a number of remixes by Waka Flocka Flame and Nicki Minaj, among others.