Lil Yachty

McCollum was born in Mableton, Georgia.{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/08/happy-birthday-lil-yachty/|title=Happy Birthday, Lil Yachty!|website=XXL|last=Madden|first=Sidney|date=August 23, 2016|access-date=December 17, 2016|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220194422/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/08/happy-birthday-lil-yachty/|url-status=live}} He attended Alabama State University in fall 2015 but soon dropped out to pursue his musical career.{{cite web |title=9 Rappers Who Went to College But Didn't Graduate |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/08/rappers-who-went-to-college-but-didnt-graduate/ |last=J. |first=Miranda |website=XXL |date=August 31, 2016 |access-date=February 16, 2018 |archive-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301150523/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/08/rappers-who-went-to-college-but-didnt-graduate/ |url-status=live }} He adopted the name "Yachty" and moved from his hometown of Atlanta to New York City to launch his career. In New York, he lived with a friend and networked with online street fashion personalities, while he built up his own Instagram following.{{Cite news|last=Weiner|first=Jonah|date=November 9, 2016|title=How Lil Yachty Went From Instagram Whiz to Kanye West Collaborator|newspaper=Rolling Stone|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/how-lil-yachty-went-from-instagram-to-kanyes-inner-circle-w449066|access-date=December 6, 2016|archive-date=June 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617194402/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/how-lil-yachty-went-from-instagram-to-kanyes-inner-circle-w449066|url-status=live}} He worked at McDonald's to supplement his income early in his career.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/lil-yachty-on-his-favorite-beatles-song-why-hes-never-been-drunk-194794/|title=Lil Yachty on His Favorite Beatles Song, Why He's Never Been Drunk|first1=Andy|last1=Greene|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=June 20, 2017|access-date=December 29, 2019|archive-date=October 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012000050/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/lil-yachty-on-his-favorite-beatles-song-why-hes-never-been-drunk-194794/|url-status=live}}

Yachty first came to prominence in December 2015 when the SoundCloud version of his song "One Night" was used in a viral comedy video.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/nov/30/best-hip-hop-2016-lil-yachty-dram-chance-the-rapper|title=From Lil Yachty to DRAM, 2016's best hip-hop is all about black joy|last=Pearce|first=Sheldon|date=November 30, 2016|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=December 6, 2016|archive-date=August 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814183007/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/nov/30/best-hip-hop-2016-lil-yachty-dram-chance-the-rapper|url-status=live}}

In February 2016, Yachty debuted as a model in Kanye West's Yeezy Season 3 fashion line at Madison Square Garden.{{cite magazine|title=Rapper debuted 'The Life of Pablo' and Yeezy Season 3 fashion line at Madison Square Garden|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/see-photos-from-kanye-wests-wild-new-york-album-launch-20160211|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=February 12, 2016|access-date=March 30, 2016|archive-date=December 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203203738/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/see-photos-from-kanye-wests-wild-new-york-album-launch-20160211|url-status=live}} Yachty's debut mixtape Lil Boat was released in March 2016.{{Cite news|url=http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.37844/title.lil-yachty-lil-boat-mixtape-stream-cover-art-tracklist|title=Lil Yachty "Lil Boat" Mixtape Stream, Cover Art & Tracklist|last=Hernandez|first=Victoria|date=March 10, 2016|newspaper=HipHopDX|language=en-US|access-date=December 6, 2016|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220090524/http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.37844/title.lil-yachty-lil-boat-mixtape-stream-cover-art-tracklist|url-status=live}}

File:Lil Yachty cropped.jpg

In April 2016, Yachty collaborated with DRAM on the hit song "Broccoli", which peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. He featured on Chance the Rapper's Coloring Book mixtape, released in May 2016. On June 10, 2016, he announced he had signed a joint venture record deal with Quality Control Music, Capitol Records, and Motown Records.{{cite web|url=http://www.fashionably-early.com/2016/06/14/lil-yachty-signs-capitol-records/|title=Lil Yachty Signs With Capitol Records|last=fashionablyearly|date=June 14, 2016|access-date=July 1, 2016|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703063502/https://www.fashionably-early.com/2016/06/14/lil-yachty-signs-capitol-records/|url-status=live}} Yachty released his second mixtape Summer Songs 2 in July 2016 with features from G Herbo, Offset, and his former collective the "Sailing Team".{{cite web|url=http://www.vibe.com/2016/07/lil-yachty-summer-songs-2-mixtape/|title=Lil Yachty Drops New Mixtape, 'Summer Songs 2′|first1=Ben|date=July 20, 2016|last1=Rappaport|access-date=August 5, 2016|archive-date=July 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705222827/https://www.vibe.com/2016/07/lil-yachty-summer-songs-2-mixtape|url-status=live}}

In June 2016, Lil Yachty appeared in XXL magazine as part of their 2016 Freshman Class. As part of this appearance, Yachty performed a 'freshman cypher' alongside Denzel Curry, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, and Kodak Black. As of March 2021, this cypher has received over 180 million YouTube views, by far the most for the XXL channel.{{Citation|title=Kodak Black, 21 Savage, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Yachty & Denzel Curry's 2016 XXL Freshmen Cypher| date=July 6, 2016 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_IbIMUbh-k| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211111/U_IbIMUbh-k| archive-date=2021-11-11 | url-status=live|language=en|access-date=2021-06-17}}{{cbignore}}

In December 2016, he was featured on the hip hop single "iSpy" by Kyle.{{cite web|last1=Gooden|first1=Darren|title=KYLE - "iSpy" ft. Lil Yachty|url=http://artisticmanifesto.com/2016/12/02/kyle-links-lil-yachty-ispy/#.WNqhr2_yvIU|website=Artistic Manifesto|access-date=March 28, 2017|date=December 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170503075549/http://artisticmanifesto.com/2016/12/02/kyle-links-lil-yachty-ispy/#.WNqhr2_yvIU|archive-date=May 3, 2017|url-status=dead}} He was featured in Tee Grizzley's single "From the D to the A", released in March 2017.{{cite web|last1=Low|first1=Carver|title=Tee Grizzley - From The D To The A Feat. Lil Yachty {{!}} Stream [New Song]|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/tee-grizzley-from-the-d-to-the-a-feat-lil-yachty-new-song.1973336.html|website=Hot New Hip Hop|date=March 17, 2017|access-date=March 28, 2017|archive-date=March 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321081642/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/tee-grizzley-from-the-d-to-the-a-feat-lil-yachty-new-song.1973336.html|url-status=live}}

On May 26, 2017, Lil Yachty released his debut studio album, Teenage Emotions. It features guest appearances from Migos, Diplo, and YG, among others.{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/04/lil-yachty-teenage-emotions-album-tracklist-cover/|title=Lil Yachty Reveals 'Teenage Emotions' Album Tracklist and Official Cover|work=XXL|date=April 20, 2017|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=November 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103185027/https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/04/lil-yachty-teenage-emotions-album-tracklist-cover/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Dandridge-Lemco|first=Ben|url=http://www.thefader.com/2017/04/20/lil-yachty-teenage-emotions-cover-release-date-tracklist|title=Lil Yachty Announces Release Date For Debut Album, Teenage Emotions|work=The Fader|date=April 20, 2017|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=May 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526213728/http://www.thefader.com/2017/04/20/lil-yachty-teenage-emotions-cover-release-date-tracklist|url-status=live}} Three promotional singles were released to coincide with the album. The first promotional single, "Harley", produced by K Swisha, was released on April 14, 2017.{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/harley-single/id1225408556|title=Harley – Single by Lil Yachty|date=April 14, 2017|publisher=Apple Music|access-date=April 29, 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417072340/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/harley-single/id1225408556|archive-date=April 17, 2017}}{{cite web|last=Goddard|first=Kevin|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-yachty-harley-new-song.1973691.html|title=Lil Yachty – Harley|work=HotNewHipHop|date=April 14, 2017|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=May 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504090716/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-yachty-harley-new-song.1973691.html|url-status=live}} The second promotional single, "Bring It Back", produced by Free School, was released on May 4, 2017.{{cite web|last=Findlay|first=Mitch|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-yachty-bring-it-back-new-song.1973944.html|title=Lil Yachty – Bring It Back|work=HotNewHipHop|date=May 4, 2017|access-date=May 25, 2017|archive-date=May 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521155510/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-yachty-bring-it-back-new-song.1973944.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Weinstein|first=Max|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/05/lil-yachty-bring-it-back/|title=Lil Yachty Drops His New Song "Bring It Back"|work=XXL|date=May 4, 2017|access-date=May 25, 2017|archive-date=June 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170608120243/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/05/lil-yachty-bring-it-back/|url-status=live}} The third promotional single, "X Men", produced by 30 Roc and Tillie and featuring a guest appearance from American rapper Evander Griiim, was released on May 18, 2017.{{cite web|last=Carey|first=Jonathan|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-yachty-x-men-feat-evander-griiim-new-song.1974157.html|title=Lil Yachty – X Men Feat. Evander Griiim|work=HotNewHipHop|date=May 18, 2017|access-date=May 25, 2017|archive-date=May 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522215511/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-yachty-x-men-feat-evander-griiim-new-song.1974157.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Berry|first=Peter A.|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/05/lil-yachty-x-men/|title=Lil Yachty Flexes on New Song "X Men"|work=XXL|date=May 18, 2017|access-date=May 25, 2017|archive-date=May 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523074304/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/05/lil-yachty-x-men/|url-status=live}} He featured in a remix of "With My Team" by Creek Boyz, released December 15, 2017.{{cite web|last1=Burney|first1=Lawrence|title=The Creek Boyz Recruited Lil Yachty For A New Version of "With My Team"|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-creek-boyz-recruited-lil-yachty-for-a-new-version-of-with-my-team/|website=Noisey|access-date=December 15, 2017|language=en-us|date=December 14, 2017|archive-date=December 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215221616/https://noisey.vice.com/en_us/article/paz3zz/the-creek-boyz-recruited-lil-yachty-for-a-new-version-of-with-my-team|url-status=live}}

In 2017, Yachty appeared in several high-profile promotional campaigns. He starred alongside LeBron James in a Sprite commercial, where he is seen in an ice cave playing the piano.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7541134/lil-yachty-lebron-james-sprite-commercial|title=Lil Yachty and LeBron James Team for Sprite Commercial: Watch|magazine=Billboard|date=October 13, 2016|access-date=May 17, 2017|archive-date=August 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815193307/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7541134/lil-yachty-lebron-james-sprite-commercial|url-status=live}} Lil Yachty was picked to be the face of the new Nautica and Urban Outfitters collection for the Spring 2017 season.{{Cite web|url=http://blog.urbanoutfitters.com/blog/uo_happenings_lil_yachty__nautica_meet_and_greet_at_space_ninety_8|title=Lil Yachty Nautica Meet and Greet at Space Ninety 8|publisher=UO Blog|access-date=November 28, 2016|archive-date=July 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704165120/https://blog.urbanoutfitters.com/blog/uo_happenings_lil_yachty__nautica_meet_and_greet_at_space_ninety_8|url-status=live}} Yachty also appeared in the "It Takes Two" video with Carly Rae Jepsen for Target.{{cite web|title=Watch Carly Rae Jepsen and Lil Yachty Cover 'It Takes Two' in Target Ad|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/71568-watch-carly-rae-jepsen-and-lil-yachty-cover-it-takes-two-in-target-ad/|publisher=Pitchfork|date=February 12, 2017|access-date=February 13, 2017|archive-date=July 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702193958/https://pitchfork.com/news/71568-watch-carly-rae-jepsen-and-lil-yachty-cover-it-takes-two-in-target-ad/|url-status=live}}

File:2018 Lil Yachty (cropped).jpg

In January 2018, it was reported that Lil Yachty and Takeoff were working on a collaborative project.{{cite web|title=Lil Yachty and Takeoff Have a Joint Project Coming Soon|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2018/01/lil-yachty-takeoff-joint-project-coming-soon/|access-date=February 16, 2018|work=XXL|date=January 21, 2018|archive-date=March 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305020111/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2018/01/lil-yachty-takeoff-joint-project-coming-soon/|url-status=live}} This project has yet to be released as of 2023, especially following the death of Takeoff in November 2022. Yachty's second studio album, Lil Boat 2, was released on March 9, 2018.{{cite web|url=http://www.thefader.com/2018/02/20/lil-yachty-announces-lil-boat-2-release-date|title=Lil Yachty announces "Lil Boat 2" release date|work=The Fader|last=Maicki|first=Salvatore|date=February 20, 2018|access-date=February 21, 2018|archive-date=February 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224173557/http://www.thefader.com/2018/02/20/lil-yachty-announces-lil-boat-2-release-date|url-status=live}} Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, Lil Boat 2 performed well commercially, debuting at number two on the US Billboard 200, with 64,000 album-equivalent units. The album featured 2 Chainz, Quavo, and Offset, Ugly God, among other guests. On October 19, 2018, Yachty released his third album, Nuthin' 2 Prove. The project received similarly mixed reception and debuted at No. 12 on the Billboard 200. Also in 2018, Yachty appeared on Bhad Bhabie's platinum single "Gucci Flip Flops" and Social House's gold single "Magic in the Hamptons", and worked with Donny Osmond to create a theme song for Chef Boyardee titled "Start the Par-dee".{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2018/08/27/lil-yachty-and-donny-osmond-team-up-bizarre-chef-boyardee-jingle/1109316002/|title=Lil Yachty on his bizarre Chef Boyardee jingle with Donny Osmond: 'This is very odd'|work=USA TODAY|access-date=October 21, 2018|language=en|archive-date=June 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609192434/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2018/08/27/lil-yachty-and-donny-osmond-team-up-bizarre-chef-boyardee-jingle/1109316002/|url-status=live}} In December 2018, E-sports group FaZe Clan announced that Yachty had become their newest member. Yachty took on the name "FaZe Boat", in reference to his 'Lil Boat' nickname and mixtape.{{cite web|date=18 December 2018|title=Lil Yachty joins FaZe Clan, the Supreme of e-sports|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/12/18/18146782/faze-clan-lil-yachty-supreme-100thieves-drake-esports-fortnite|access-date=9 December 2019|work=The Verge|archive-date=May 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523234316/https://www.theverge.com/2018/12/18/18146782/faze-clan-lil-yachty-supreme-100thieves-drake-esports-fortnite|url-status=live}}

File:Lil Yachty June 2019.png

After a relatively quiet 2019, Lil Yachty teamed up with fellow Atlanta artists Lil Keed, Lil Gotit, and veteran producer Zaytoven in February 2020 for a collaborative mixtape, A-Team.{{cite web |last1=Mahadevan |first1=Tara |title=Zaytoven Drops Collaborative Project 'A-Team' With Lil Yachty, Lil Keed, and Lil Gotit |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2020/02/zaytoven-lil-yachty-gotit-keed-a-team |website=Complex |access-date=14 March 2020 |archive-date=June 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604131400/https://www.complex.com/music/2020/02/zaytoven-lil-yachty-gotit-keed-a-team |url-status=live }} Yachty released the lead single for his next studio album, Lil Boat 3, on March 9, 2020. The song, titled "Oprah's Bank Account", features Drake and DaBaby.{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/drake-and-dababy-join-lil-yachty-in-video-for-new-song-oprahs-bank-account-watch|title=Drake Joins Lil Yachty on New Song 'Oprah's Bank Account': Listen|date=9 March 2020|work=Pitchfork|last=Moreland|first=Quinn|access-date=10 March 2020|archive-date=March 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310215205/https://pitchfork.com/news/drake-and-dababy-join-lil-yachty-in-video-for-new-song-oprahs-bank-account-watch/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-yachty-announces-lil-boat-3-news.105890.html|title=Lil Yachty Announces "Lil Boat 3"|date=10 March 2020|work=HotNewHipHop|last=Zidel|first=Alex|access-date=10 March 2020|archive-date=April 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407213811/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-yachty-announces-lil-boat-3-news.105890.html|url-status=live}} The release was accompanied by a 9-minute music video directed by Director X, in which Yachty dresses up as a parody of Oprah Winfrey.{{Cite web|title=Lil Yachty Drops 'Oprah's Bank Account' Video with Drake & DaBaby {{!}} Rap-Up|url=https://www.rap-up.com/article/2020/03/09/lil-yachty-drake-dababy-oprahs-bank-account-video/|access-date=2021-05-19|website=www.rap-up.com|archive-date=January 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112054621/https://www.rap-up.com/2020/03/09/lil-yachty-drake-dababy-oprahs-bank-account-video/amp/|url-status=live}} Lil Boat 3 was released on May 29, 2020 and debuted at number 14 on the US Billboard 200.{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Zoe |date=May 20, 2020 |title=Lil Yachty to Drop Lil Boat 3 Album Next Week |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2020/05/lil-yachty-to-drop-lil-boat-3-next-week/ |access-date=May 21, 2020 |work=XXL |archive-date=May 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527150951/https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2020/05/lil-yachty-to-drop-lil-boat-3-next-week/ |url-status=live }} A deluxe version of the album titled Lil Boat 3.5 was released on November 27.{{Cite web|last=Ruiz|first=Matthew Ismael|title=Lil Yachty Shares New Album Lil Boat 3.5|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/lil-yachty-shares-new-album-lil-boat-35-listen/|access-date=2021-05-19|website=Pitchfork|date=November 27, 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=May 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517032834/https://pitchfork.com/news/lil-yachty-shares-new-album-lil-boat-35-listen/|url-status=live}} On October 19, 2020, Lil Yachty announced his intention to release a mixtape before the end of 2020.{{cite tweet|url=https://twitter.com/lilyachty/status/1318324298461958150|title=Dropping a mixtape called " Michigan Boy Boy " before the year ends...|user=lilyachty|number=1318324298461958150 |date=October 19, 2020|access-date=October 22, 2020}} Michigan Boy Boat was released on April 23, 2021. The project draws heavily from the burgeoning Detroit rap scene, in contrast with Yachty's usual pop rap and Atlanta trap style.{{Cite web|title=Lil Yachty: Michigan Boy Boat|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/lil-yachty-michigan-boy-boat/|access-date=2021-05-19|website=Pitchfork|language=en|archive-date=April 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430062159/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/lil-yachty-michigan-boy-boat/|url-status=live}}

Throughout 2020, Yachty was one of the many celebrities to gain a large following on social media app TikTok.{{Cite web|last=King|first=Ashley|date=2020-12-22|title=Lil Yachty Hosting TikTok New Years Eve Countdown – Where to Watch It|url=https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2020/12/22/tiktok-new-years-eve-countdown/|access-date=2021-06-17|website=Digital Music News|language=en-US|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195610/https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2020/12/22/tiktok-new-years-eve-countdown/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2020-09-21|title=TikTok (And Lil Yachty) Made Me Buy The Revolution Toaster on Amazon|url=https://www.domino.com/content/revolution-toaster-tiktok-lil-yachty/|access-date=2021-06-17|website=domino|language=en-US|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195827/https://www.domino.com/content/revolution-toaster-tiktok-lil-yachty/|url-status=live}} Yachty performed the theme song for the 2020 revival of Saved by the Bell, which was a remixed version of the theme from the original television series.{{cite news|last1=Del Rosario|first1=Alexandra|date=18 November 2020|title=Peacock's 'Saved By The Bell' Touts Remixed Theme Song From Lil Yachty|agency=Deadline Hollywood|url=https://deadline.com/video/saved-by-the-bell-remixed-theme-song-lil-yachty-peacock/|access-date=19 January 2021|archive-date=February 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205103331/https://deadline.com/video/saved-by-the-bell-remixed-theme-song-lil-yachty-peacock/|url-status=live}} In early 2021, Yachty was reported to be producing and starring in a live-action movie based on the UNO card game, which is being developed by Mattel Films.{{Cite web|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|date=2021-02-04|title=Mattel Developing Movie Based On Uno Card Game With Lil Yachty Eyeing Lead Role|url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/mattel-uno-lil-yachty-1234687330/|access-date=2021-05-19|website=Deadline|language=en-US|archive-date=April 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430041229/https://deadline.com/2021/02/mattel-uno-lil-yachty-1234687330/|url-status=live}} Yachty is featured in the Pokémon 25th anniversary music album.{{Cite web|last=Dwyer|first=Theo|date=2021-09-15|title=Rapper Lil Yachty Joins Pokémon's 25th Anniversary Celebration|url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/rapper-lil-yachty-joins-pokemons-25th-anniversary-celebration/|access-date=2021-09-19|website=Bleeding Cool News And Rumors|language=en|archive-date=September 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920103922/https://bleedingcool.com/games/rapper-lil-yachty-joins-pokemons-25th-anniversary-celebration/|url-status=live}}

On October 11, 2022, Yachty released the non-album single "Poland", which went viral online right after.{{Cite web|last=Mwachia|first=Tim|date=2022-10-20|title=Lil Yachty Explains Poland|url=https://dailyrapfacts.com/44959/lil-yachty-explains-whether-he-actually-took-wock-to-poland-song-debuts-on-hot-100-chart/|access-date=2023-01-31|website=Daily Rap|language=en|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131130824/https://dailyrapfacts.com/44959/lil-yachty-explains-whether-he-actually-took-wock-to-poland-song-debuts-on-hot-100-chart/|url-status=dead}}File:Lil Yachty at the Schottenstein Center.jpg

In December 2022, Yachty's fifth studio album, then rumored to be called Sonic Ranch, was leaked online. The album was a departure from Yachty's signature trap sound, and was instead heavily influenced by psychedelic rock. On January 27, 2023, the album, entitled Let's Start Here, was released to positive reviews.{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2211874/lil-yachtys-new-album-lets-start-here-is-a-wild-psychedelic-rock-odyssey/music/|title=Lil Yachty's New Album Let's Start Here. Is A Wild Psychedelic Rock Odyssey|website=Stereogum|last=Breihan|first=Tom|date=January 27, 2023|access-date=January 29, 2023|archive-date=January 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128213802/https://www.stereogum.com/2211874/lil-yachtys-new-album-lets-start-here-is-a-wild-psychedelic-rock-odyssey/music/|url-status=live}} Yachty's label and collective Concrete Boys, which includes Karrahbooo, Dc2trill, and Draft Day, released their debut single, "Mo Jams", in December 2023.{{cite web |last1=Dubois |first1=Lila |title=Lil Yachty and Concrete Boys shares 'MO JAMS' video |url=https://www.thefader.com/2023/12/18/lil-yachty-and-concrete-boys-shares-mo-jams-video |website=The Fader |access-date=January 19, 2024 |date=December 18, 2023 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107120536/https://www.thefader.com/2023/12/18/lil-yachty-and-concrete-boys-shares-mo-jams-video |url-status=live }} Bad Cameo, a collaborative album with English producer James Blake, was released on June 28, 2024.{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Abby |date=June 6, 2024 |title=James Blake & Lil Yachty's Collab Album Bad Cameo Gets Release Date |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2266823/james-blake-lil-yachtys-collab-album-bad-cameo-gets-release-date/news/ |access-date=June 6, 2024 |work=Stereogum}} On 23 October, 2024, it was announced Yachty would open for Tyler, the Creator on Chromakopia: The World Tour alongside hip hop duo Paris Texas.{{Cite web |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=2024-10-23 |title=Tyler, The Creator Announces Dates For 2025 Chromakopia: The World Tour |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/tyler-the-creator-dates-2025-chromakopia-world-tour-1235808797/ |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}

Lil Yachty has called his style "bubblegum trap." His songs have sampled sounds from Mario Bros., Charlie Brown, the theme from Rugrats, the startup sound of a GameCube console, as well as J-pop singer Daoko. Other themes in his works include clouds, cotton candy, the Super Nintendo, and scenes from Pixar films. His friend TheGoodPerry is heavily involved in the production of his songs. Yachty's style has also been described as mumble rap.{{cite web|url=https://theringer.com/mumble-rap-moratorium-lil-yachty-desiigner-15bc3647dae9|title=Declaring a Moratorium on the Term "Mumble Rap"|author=Charity, Justin|publisher=The Ringer|date=April 18, 2017|access-date=May 14, 2017|archive-date=April 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404033546/https://www.theringer.com/2017/4/18/16047136/mumble-rap-moratorium-lil-yachty-desiigner-15bc3647dae9|url-status=live}}

Rolling Stone described his music as "catchy, intentionally dinky-sounding tunes packed with off-color boasts delivered in a proudly amateurish singsong." The Guardian called his music "fun, hook-first pop rap oblivious to songcraft and structure that doesn't take itself too seriously, with very little interest in legacy and even less in rap canon."

Yachty expressed support for Bernie Sanders in the 2016 presidential election, and praised Sanders for his work during the civil rights movement.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2016/04/21/lil-yachty-gets-political-bernie-sanders-2016-lil-b-rap-origwx-allee.cnn|title=Lil Yachty on getting into Bernie Sanders via Lil B|date=April 24, 2016|publisher=CNN|access-date=August 13, 2018|archive-date=August 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813114732/https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2016/04/21/lil-yachty-gets-political-bernie-sanders-2016-lil-b-rap-origwx-allee.cnn|url-status=live}}

On October 20, 2021, Yachty announced the birth of his first child, a girl. The identity of the child's mother was not disclosed.{{Cite web|last=Moorwood|first=Victoria|date=2021-10-20|title=Lil Yachty reportedly welcomes baby girl|url=https://www.revolt.tv/news/2021/10/20/22736809/lil-yachty-father-baby-girl|access-date=2021-10-21|website=REVOLT|language=en|archive-date=October 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021000802/https://www.revolt.tv/news/2021/10/20/22736809/lil-yachty-father-baby-girl|url-status=live}}

On December 20, 2018, Yachty signed with FaZe Clan.{{Cite web |last=Yachty |first=Lil |date=2018-12-18 |title=Lil Yachty joins FaZe Clan, the Supreme of e-sports |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/12/18/18146782/faze-clan-lil-yachty-supreme-100thieves-drake-esports-fortnite |access-date=2018-12-18 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=May 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523234316/https://www.theverge.com/2018/12/18/18146782/faze-clan-lil-yachty-supreme-100thieves-drake-esports-fortnite |url-status=live }} He has also participated in competitive Fortnite tournaments.{{fact|date=June 2025}}

{{Main|Cryptocurrency bubble|Cryptocurrency and crime}}

On February 18, 2022, in a class-action lawsuit filed against the cryptocurrency company SafeMoon that alleged the company is a pump-and-dump scheme, McCollum was named as a defendant along with professional boxer Jake Paul, musician Nick Carter, rapper Soulja Boy, and social media personality Ben Phillips for promoting the SafeMoon token on their social media accounts with misleading information.{{cite news |last=Germain |first=Atahabih |date=February 24, 2022 |title=Soulja Boy and Lil Yachty Named in Suit Accused of Misleading Crypto Buyers in 'Pump and Dump' Scheme |work=Atlanta Black Star |publisher=Diamond Diaspora Media |url=https://atlantablackstar.com/2022/02/24/soulja-boy-and-lil-yachty-named-in-suit-accused-of-misleading-crypto-buyers-in-pump-and-dump-scheme/ |access-date=July 13, 2022 |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922073455/https://atlantablackstar.com/2022/02/24/soulja-boy-and-lil-yachty-named-in-suit-accused-of-misleading-crypto-buyers-in-pump-and-dump-scheme/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news|last=Cole|first=Ty|date=February 24, 2022|title=Soulja Boy and Lil Yachty Faces Class-Action Lawsuit In Alleged Cryptocurrency Scheme|publisher=BET|url=https://www.bet.com/article/70b0vf/lil-yachty-soulja-boy-crypto-currency-alleged-scheme|access-date=July 13, 2022|archive-date=September 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922105153/https://www.bet.com/article/70b0vf/lil-yachty-soulja-boy-crypto-currency-alleged-scheme|url-status=live}} On the same day, the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a lawsuit against Bitconnect that the Securities Act of 1933 extends to targeted solicitation using social media.{{cite news |last=Lawler |first=Richard |date=February 18, 2022 |title=Influencers beware: promoting the wrong crypto could mean facing a class-action lawsuit |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/2/18/22941470/bitconnect-ponzi-bitcoin-securities-act-sec-lawsuit-influencers-youtube-tiktok |access-date=July 13, 2022 |archive-date=July 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220718010038/https://www.theverge.com/2022/2/18/22941470/bitconnect-ponzi-bitcoin-securities-act-sec-lawsuit-influencers-youtube-tiktok |url-status=live }}

In March 2023, Yachty was among eight celebrities charged by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, with violating investor protection laws by promoting cryptocurrencies without disclosing that he was a paid sponsor. The lawsuit was connected with crypto asset entrepreneur Justin Sun's Tronix (TRX) and BitTorrent (BBT) companies. He settled the charges for over $400,000 without admitting or denying the claims.{{cite news|url=https://thehill.com/business/3913168-sec-charges-lindsay-lohan-jake-paul-with-crypto-violations/|title=SEC charges Lindsay Lohan, Jake Paul with crypto violations|first=Julia|last=Mueller|work=The Hill|date=March 22, 2023|accessdate=March 22, 2023|archive-date=March 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322215355/https://thehill.com/business/3913168-sec-charges-lindsay-lohan-jake-paul-with-crypto-violations/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/crypto-charges-lindsay-lohan-jake-paul-lil-yachty-celebrities-1235307430/|title=Lindsay Lohan, Jake Paul, Lil Yachty Among Celebrities Charged In SEC Crypto Case|first=Patrick|last=Hipes|publisher=Deadline Hollywood|date=March 22, 2023|accessdate=March 22, 2023|archive-date=March 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322230130/https://deadline.com/2023/03/crypto-charges-lindsay-lohan-jake-paul-lil-yachty-celebrities-1235307430/|url-status=live}}

{{main|Lil Yachty discography}}

Studio albums

• Teenage Emotions (2017)
• Lil Boat 2 (2018)
• Nuthin' 2 Prove (2018)
• Lil Boat 3 (2020)
• Let's Start Here (2023)

Collaborative albums

• Bad Cameo (with James Blake) (2024)

{{awards table}}

|-

| rowspan="3"| 2017

| rowspan="3"| "Broccoli" (with DRAM)

| Top Rap Collaboration

| {{nominated}}

|-

| Top Rap Song

| {{nominated}}

|-

| Top Streaming Song (Audio)

| {{nominated}}

|-

{{end}}

{{awards table}}

|-

| rowspan="3"| {{mtvvma|2017}}

| rowspan="2"| "Broccoli" (with DRAM)

| Best Hip Hop Video

| {{nom}}

|-

| Best Collaboration

| {{nom}}

|-

| "iSpy" (with Kyle)

| Best Visual Effects

| {{nom}}

|-

{{end}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{official website|http://www.lilyachtyofficial.com/}}
• {{SoundCloud|770rd|Lil Yachty}}

{{Lil Yachty}}

{{portal bar|United States|Biography|Music}}

{{Authority control}}

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