Lil Yachty reflects on his debut studio album, Teenage Emotions.
After releasing a number of mixtapes and hit singles, 2017 proved to be quite victorious for Lil Yachty. Unfortunately, all of the hype surrounding his name failed to help his album sales.
Recently, the “Minnesota” rapper sat down for an interview with fellow Atlanta artist, Kodie Shane, for Interview Magazine. During their candid chat, the two discussed everything from their rise to fame, upcoming projects, and how they first met.
Yachty also opened up about the success of his debut studio album, Teenage Emotions, which arrived back in May. As much as we’d like to believe that Teenage Emotions was well received and took over the charts – it didn’t. The album debuted at number five on the Billboard 200 and moved 44,000 units. The disappointing numbers crushed Lil Boat.
“When I first released my Teenage Emotions album I thought that shit was fire, as you should! Then the sales came back and it did 44,000 first week and I was devastated and so confused, I worked so hard. But I disconnected with my fans because I tried to do this other stuff, you know? These records were good but they weren’t what I started with.”
One month after Teenage Emotions made its debut, Yachty took to Instagram to discuss the lackluster album sales, “Message to all my fans. I just want to thank you for giving me your all. Supporting me and backing me up when I’m not around but am always in spirit.
“I didn’t make this 21 project for the old reviews and bloggers. I made it for real Lil yachty fans who have been dying for new music from me… that’s why I put so many songs.. that’s why it’s mostly just me. Because it’s from me to you. I understand first week numbers didn’t do what most people expected but that’s only because they don’t understand me. They don’t understand us. I don’t expect anybody to. I make it for those who listen. I feel like my brand is so big and blew up so big, it blew up bigger than my actual music.”
Yesterday, via Twitter, Lil Yachty confirmed that Lil Boat 2 is done. However, he has yet to announce an official release date.
Read the full interview here.
