YG to release “Lovers Or Friends” single with Leon Thomas on August 1

YG announces “Lovers Or Friends” single with Leon Thomas

YG is back in full swing. The Compton rapper has officially announced his third single of 2025, titled “Lovers or Friends,” set to arrive on August 1. This track features none other than Leon Thomas, one of the biggest breakout names in R&B right now.

The collaboration is already stirring excitement across hip-hop and R&B communities. For fans of both genres, this song promises a potent mix of West Coast swagger and smooth, emotionally rich vocals. While YG’s past releases have leaned heavily into his signature street sound, this new track signals a potential shift—one that embraces melodic storytelling and a more introspective tone.

But there’s still plenty of grit behind the gloss. After all, this is YG we’re talking about.

YG’s 2025 Singles: A New Sonic Chapter

So far in 2025, YG has released two singles that laid the foundation for this new phase of his career. The first was “Hollywood” featuring Shoreline Mafia. That track brought the bounce and braggadocio fans expect, paying homage to L.A. nightlife while delivering infectious production. It was club-ready but still grounded in YG’s usual honesty about fame and pressure.

His second single, “2004” with Buddy and The Gang, took a more nostalgic route. The title alone hinted at a throwback vibe, and the production followed suit—funky, upbeat, and filled with West Coast flavor. It was a nod to the early 2000s era of California rap, but it didn’t feel outdated. Instead, it felt like a celebration of YG’s roots, updated for a new generation.

Both singles performed well, showing strong engagement on streaming platforms and social media. But they also hinted that YG was preparing for something bigger. And now, with “Lovers or Friends” on the way, that vision is becoming clearer.

Who Is Leon Thomas, and Why Does This Collab Matter?

Leon Thomas may be a new name to casual fans, but within music circles, he’s long been known as a serious talent. Originally gaining visibility as an actor, Thomas has successfully transitioned into one of R&B’s most compelling voices. His solo work, including 2023’s “Breaking Point,” proved that he can hold his own both vocally and lyrically.

Beyond his own records, Thomas has written and produced for artists like Drake, SZA, Ariana Grande, and Giveon. That level of behind-the-scenes respect speaks volumes. But what makes this collaboration particularly interesting is the contrast between Leon and YG.

Where YG brings rawness, energy, and street perspective, Leon brings emotional vulnerability and sonic polish. It’s the type of dynamic that, when done right, leads to chart-topping records. Think of Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR, or Kendrick Lamar and Anna Wise. The combination of rap and R&B can be electric when the chemistry is right.

With “Lovers or Friends,” that formula seems primed for success.

Breaking Down the Title: What Can We Expect?

The title “Lovers or Friends” naturally invites curiosity. Will the song be a reflective take on complicated relationships? A flirty back-and-forth between two perspectives? Or a heartbreak anthem dressed in a club-ready beat?

Given Leon Thomas’s history of emotional ballads and YG’s history of blunt storytelling, this could be a lyrically layered track. One where YG opens up more than usual, backed by Leon’s warm, textured vocals on the hook.

While no snippets or previews have been released yet, some fans have speculated the track may contain R&B samples or nods to classic duets—possibly drawing inspiration from Usher and Ludacris’s 2004 hit “Lovers and Friends.” Whether that’s true or not, the buzz around the title alone has helped the single trend ahead of its release.

Revisiting “Just Re’d Up 3” and YG’s 2024 Run

YG’s last full-length album, “Just Re’d Up 3,” dropped in 2024 and was a moment of reflection and revival. The “Just Re’d Up” series has long been a staple in his discography, starting with his early mixtape days. But with volume three, YG upped the ante.

The project featured standout collaborations with artists like:

• Saweetie, adding Bay Area flair and mainstream sparkle.
• Ty Dolla $ign, bringing unmatched West Coast chemistry.
• Mozzy, whose streetwise lyrics anchored some of the album’s heaviest moments.

“Just Re’d Up 3” reminded fans that YG is more than just a rapper—he’s a curator of California culture. From production to features to visuals, the album was carefully crafted. It helped set the stage for the more musically adventurous moves we’re now seeing in 2025.

Will These Singles Lead to a New Album?

One of the biggest questions fans are asking is whether this string of singles will lead to a full-length album. There’s no confirmation yet, but the pattern certainly suggests that YG is gearing up for something major.

He’s been strategic with his releases, spacing them out just enough to build anticipation without losing momentum. And each one has felt different—offering a new side of his artistry.

If “Lovers or Friends” performs well (which it likely will), expect an official announcement of a larger project before year’s end. There’s also a chance that YG could return with a “Just Re’d Up 4” or perhaps a completely new concept album that reflects this creative shift.

Genre-Bending and Cultural Relevance

One of the most exciting things about “Lovers or Friends” is what it represents for hip-hop and R&B right now. We’re in an era where genre boundaries are increasingly blurred. Artists aren’t afraid to mix sounds, collaborate across style lines, and take risks.

Leon Thomas collaborating with YG isn’t just a feature—it’s a cultural moment. It shows how two artists from different lanes can come together to tell a story that resonates beyond the charts.

We’ve seen similar examples lately, like Kendrick Lamar pairing with Blxst or Megan Thee Stallion working with Victoria Monét. These collaborations are deeper than trends. They reflect a desire to tell richer stories and appeal to listeners who crave both emotion and edge in their music.

A Must-Watch Release

“Lovers or Friends” arrives at a perfect time. It’s the middle of summer, music fans are hungry for something fresh, and both YG and Leon Thomas are at exciting points in their careers. For YG, it’s a chance to show evolution. For Leon, it’s another step toward full-fledged stardom.

Whether you’re a longtime YG fan or someone new to Leon Thomas’s catalog, this single is worth checking out. It has the potential to be more than just another radio hit—it could be one of 2025’s standout tracks.

Mark your calendar for August 1. “Lovers or Friends” might just be the anthem of the summer—and the beginning of a whole new wave for YG.