Young Thug is making waves in the music industry again, this time over a Billboard ranking that has sparked major debate. The rapper has publicly questioned the absence of his girlfriend, Mariah The Scientist, from the list of the greatest female rappers. While Billboard’s list is topped by the iconic Nicki Minaj and includes other heavyweights like Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott, and Lil Kim, Young Thug believes his partner’s contributions to the genre deserve more recognition. His comments have reignited a conversation about loyalty, relationships, and the complexities of fame, especially amid ongoing legal battles.
Billboard’s Ranking: A Mix of Legends and Rising Stars
The Billboard list, which was recently unveiled, features an impressive roster of female rap pioneers. Legends such as Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott, Foxy Brown, and Queen Latifah secure spots among the top 25. Additionally, the ranking gives a nod to the current era of female rap with artists like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Latto making their mark. While the list highlights the vast legacy and power of women in hip-hop, it also showcases the changing dynamics of the genre with fresh voices and newer influences. However, the glaring omission of Mariah The Scientist from this list has stirred controversy, particularly from her boyfriend, Young Thug.
Young Thug’s Response: “Where Mariah At Tho?”
On April 9, 2025, Young Thug took to Instagram to express his thoughts on the Billboard ranking posted by influencer Akademiks. His comment—“Where Mariah at tho 🤔”—was straightforward, but packed with meaning. Thug, who is known for his loyalty to his close ones, made it clear that he believes Mariah’s impact on the rap scene deserves to be recognized, signaling his support for her career while also taking aim at the industry’s oversight. The comment quickly gained traction on social media, igniting discussions about what defines success in the rap world and who truly deserves a place in the top ranks.
Mariah The Scientist’s Growing Influence in Hip-Hop
Mariah The Scientist, a talented rapper and singer, has gained recognition for her unique style, blending rap with emotional storytelling. Despite her growing fanbase and industry acclaim, Mariah has yet to receive the level of mainstream recognition seen by the women featured in Billboard’s ranking. With a catalog that includes a blend of rap, R&B, and hip-hop, Mariah has cultivated a loyal following. However, she remains outside the spotlight that many of her peers have basked in for years, raising the question of what more she needs to break into that elite circle.
Her relationship with Young Thug has placed her in the public eye even more, but it seems that she still struggles with being viewed as a top-tier rapper in her own right. Young Thug’s defense of her positions Mariah as more than just his partner but as an artist who deserves her flowers, adding fuel to the conversation about the underrepresentation of certain female voices in hip-hop.
Young Thug and Mariah The Scientist’s Relationship: A Love Under Scrutiny
While Young Thug’s defense of Mariah The Scientist may seem like a show of loyalty, their relationship is far from uncomplicated. The couple’s bond has faced public scrutiny, especially given Thug’s ongoing legal issues. In December 2024, a leaked jail call revealed that Young Thug had been conversing with multiple women while incarcerated, a revelation that cast doubt on his commitment to Mariah. Thug confessed that he had been talking to “at least 10 other girls” to pass time, which has led some to question his loyalty.
Despite these revelations, Thug made an emotional apology to Mariah via social media, stating, “Sorry to my baby for all this bullshit on the internet. I love u baby and fuck em all we know what’s up with us!” His message on X (formerly Twitter) was a public attempt to mend the cracks in their relationship and reassure Mariah of his devotion despite the swirling gossip. This back-and-forth has only added to the drama surrounding their relationship, which has been under a microscope since 2021.
Legal Battles and Public Struggles: The Impact on Mariah’s Career
The timing of Young Thug’s defense of Mariah comes amid his own legal challenges. Since 2022, Thug has been embroiled in a high-profile RICO case, which has put a strain on his personal life and professional career. Throughout these struggles, Mariah has remained a steadfast supporter of Young Thug, standing by him during his legal battles. Her loyalty and support have not gone unnoticed, but it also means that her own career could be overshadowed by the ongoing drama in their lives.
Mariah’s public support of Young Thug has only increased her visibility, but it has also led to increased pressure to prove herself as an artist in her own right, outside of her relationship with the rapper. As the world watches their every move, Mariah’s talent and ability to carve out her own identity within the hip-hop landscape are under constant scrutiny. Her career trajectory will be heavily influenced by how she navigates the balance between personal life and professional growth, especially in a space where female rappers often face even more intense scrutiny than their male counterparts.
The Bigger Picture: Industry Representation and Gender Dynamics in Hip-Hop
The debate over Mariah The Scientist’s omission from the Billboard ranking touches on larger conversations about gender and representation in hip-hop. Female rappers have long faced challenges in the music industry, not only in gaining recognition but also in having their contributions valued on the same level as their male counterparts. Despite the rise of new talent and the increasing dominance of female artists in the rap scene, women are still often measured by different standards. The fact that Mariah, with all her talents, is overlooked while other stars receive accolades highlights a persistent issue within the industry—one that is slow to change.
Young Thug’s vocal defense of Mariah can be seen as an effort to challenge these inequities and bring attention to the often-overlooked contributions of women in hip-hop. His comment about Billboard’s ranking serves as a reminder that the industry needs to make room for diverse voices and talents, acknowledging the full spectrum of artists who are shaping the future of rap.
Conclusion: A Complex Love Story and an Evolving Career
Young Thug’s recent comments about Mariah The Scientist’s exclusion from the Billboard ranking have sparked a wider conversation about gender, loyalty, and representation in hip-hop. As the couple navigates both public scrutiny and their own personal challenges, their journey serves as a reminder of the complexities of fame, love, and career in the spotlight. Mariah’s talent and Young Thug’s defense of her are pushing her into the conversation, but it’s clear that much work remains to be done for her to achieve the recognition she deserves.
As both their careers continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Mariah The Scientist’s path in the industry unfolds. Will she break through the barriers that have historically limited female artists, or will she continue to be overshadowed by her relationship with Young Thug? Only time will tell, but for now, her story is one that warrants closer attention from both fans and the industry at large.
