Lil Baby Discusses Relationship with Gunna Ahead of New Album Release

Lil Baby is making it clear that not every disagreement in hip-hop needs to become a public spectacle. The Atlanta rap superstar recently addressed his strained relationship with fellow Atlanta artist Gunna during an appearance on "The New York Times' Popcast," offering insight into why he prefers to keep personal disagreements away from social media and public scrutiny.

While the relationship between the two former collaborators has been a frequent subject of conversation among hip-hop fans, Lil Baby suggested that maintaining respect in public does not necessarily mean two people have reconciled behind closed doors. "Whether I like them or they like me, it’s like we all gonna be on that personal vibe," Lil Baby said. "We can not like each other, but we gonna play it cool for y’all, you know what I’m saying? It’s like an unspoken thing."

His comments reflect a philosophy that separates personal relationships from public appearances. In an industry where disagreements can quickly turn into viral moments, diss records, and social media exchanges, Lil Baby appears more interested in keeping his distance than fueling a public confrontation. Lil Baby also questioned the growing tendency among artists to take their personal problems directly to social media, suggesting that some disagreements are better handled face-to-face. "It’s like a new thing now I see like, people be going at each other and stuff, like, we ain’t really on that," he explained. "We got a problem? We can handle our problem off the internet, in person, just us."

For Lil Baby, the issue is not necessarily whether two artists get along. Rather, it is how they conduct themselves when personal differences arise. His approach also carries another dimension because of the influence both he and Gunna have established in Atlanta’s hip-hop community. "I’d rather have that beef or problem personally because we’re… really like the ones who hold it down for the town," he continued. That statement underscores the significance of their relationship beyond their individual careers. Both rappers helped shape Atlanta’s contemporary rap landscape, becoming two of the city’s most recognizable musical exports.

Before their falling-out, Lil Baby and Gunna were among hip-hop’s most successful collaborative partnerships. Their chemistry was undeniable on their 2018 collaborative mixtape, "Drip Harder," which delivered the blockbuster single "Drip Too Hard." The record became a defining anthem of that era, eventually earning diamond certification after surpassing 10 million units in sales and streaming equivalents. The project helped solidify both artists as major forces in hip-hop. Their complementary styles, frequent collaborations, and shared Atlanta roots made them a natural musical pairing.

The Fallout and Its Impact on Fans

However, their relationship reportedly deteriorated following Gunna’s involvement in the YSL racketeering case. In December 2022, Gunna entered an Alford plea to a racketeering conspiracy charge. The plea allowed him to acknowledge that prosecutors had sufficient evidence to secure a conviction while maintaining his innocence. He was subsequently released from custody. Gunna has repeatedly denied cooperating against Young Thug or other defendants, despite the controversy and speculation surrounding his plea agreement.

The situation created a divide among listeners and sparked ongoing conversations about loyalty, street politics, and the complicated relationship between music and personal affiliations. As the situation continued to attract attention, fans began analyzing Lil Baby’s lyrics, concert performances, and interviews for possible references to his former collaborator. In December 2024, Lil Baby addressed the situation during an interview with Charlamagne Tha God, confirming that he and Gunna no longer had a relationship. He also expressed uncertainty about whether the two would ever record music together again.

Gunna, meanwhile, has reflected more positively on their musical history. Earlier this year, he discussed the creative chemistry behind "Drip Too Hard" during an interview with Billboard, recalling how naturally their contributions came together. Despite those reflections, there has been little indication that the former collaborators are preparing to reunite. Lil Baby’s latest comments reinforce that position. He did not disclose the specific issues that led to their falling-out, suggest that reconciliation was imminent, or indicate that the two had resolved their differences.

Artist Spotlights

Instead, his message was centered on keeping personal disagreements personal. While the Gunna situation continues to generate conversation, Lil Baby is preparing to move forward with his own musical ambitions. The rapper is gearing up for the November 6 release of his upcoming album, "Fresh." The 17-track project features an impressive collection of guest appearances, including Future, Young Thug, Rylo Rodriguez, Bally Baby, and Fatt Smaxk. Notably absent from the announced guest lineup is Gunna. The omission is another reminder of how dramatically the relationship between the two artists has changed since the success of "Drip Harder."

For now, Lil Baby appears content to let the music speak for itself while refusing to turn personal disagreements into a continuing public spectacle. Their once-celebrated partnership may remain part of Atlanta hip-hop history, but the possibility of another chapter together remains uncertain. And if Lil Baby’s latest comments are any indication, he would rather keep whatever happens between them away from the internet.