Social media erupted earlier this week after rumors spread that Young Thug was among a group of A-list celebrities preparing for a historic Blue Origin space flight in May. But as it turns out, the news was nothing more than an elaborate internet hoax.
The Viral Post That Fooled Millions
On Wednesday, April 16, a parody account on X (formerly Twitter) called @DailyNoud posted a graphic claiming that Young Thug would be part of Blue Origin’s upcoming celebrity mission to space. The post also listed an impressive lineup of supposed passengers, including Tom Cruise, Kendall Jenner, LSU basketball star Angel Reese, and comedic influencer Druski.
The tweet quickly exploded, garnering over 21 million views within days. Fans and followers flooded the comments with mixed reactions—some excited by the idea of rappers and celebrities launching into orbit, others skeptical about the post’s authenticity.
Despite its virality, the claim lacked any official confirmation from Blue Origin or the celebrities involved.
Reality Check: Who’s Really Headed to Space?
Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos in 2000, did launch a successful mission on Monday, April 14, but there were no rappers or influencers aboard. Instead, the flight made headlines for an entirely different reason—it featured an all-female crew, including broadcast legend Gayle King and pop icon Katy Perry.
This genuine milestone was largely overshadowed by the fake celebrity passenger list, which had already taken over social media.
A Reminder of the Power (and Danger) of Viral Misinformation
While it’s not unusual for parody accounts to post humorous or exaggerated content, the scale and spread of this rumor reignited conversations around fake news and the public’s tendency to accept sensational stories without verification.
In an era where social media virality often outpaces truth, even major media outlets initially scrambled to clarify the facts. As of now, neither Young Thug nor his representatives have publicly commented on the fake Blue Origin story.
Young Thug Defends Mariah The Scientist After Billboard Snub
Meanwhile, Young Thug has been vocal about a different controversy—one much closer to his heart. Earlier this month, the Atlanta-based rapper stirred up the internet by criticizing Billboard’s list of the greatest female rappers of all time, particularly calling out the omission of his girlfriend, Mariah The Scientist.
“Where Mariah at tho?” — Thug Reacts to Billboard’s Ranking
The drama began on April 9, when influencer DJ Akademiks shared Billboard’s top 25 list, which placed Nicki Minaj at the top and featured heavyweights like Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott, Lil Kim, Queen Latifah, and Foxy Brown. Newer stars like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, Doechii, and Latto were also included, showcasing a mix of legends and rising talent.
However, Young Thug was quick to point out what he considered a glaring omission. Under the Instagram post, he commented:
“Where Mariah at tho ????”
His subtle yet powerful remark ignited immediate discussion online, with fans split between those agreeing that Mariah The Scientist’s contributions to R&B and hip-hop deserve more recognition, and others arguing she’s still too early in her career for such accolades.
Who is Mariah The Scientist?
Mariah The Scientist, known for her ethereal voice, introspective lyrics, and alternative R&B style, has steadily built a cult following. Her albums Ry Ry World and To Be Eaten Alive have received critical praise, and her collaborations with Young Thug have further solidified her presence in the music industry.
While not traditionally categorized as a rapper, Mariah’s genre-blending sound and influence on hip-hop culture have made her a fan favorite—and perhaps, in Young Thug’s eyes, a deserving name on Billboard’s list.
A Week of Fake News and Real Emotions
From fake space flights to real frustrations with industry recognition, Young Thug found himself at the center of two major pop culture conversations this week.
While the Blue Origin rumor may have been pure satire, it’s a reminder of how quickly misinformation can travel. Meanwhile, Thug’s defense of Mariah The Scientist underscores his passion not just for music, but for the underrated voices he believes in.
