by Tyga is showing resilience in the face of personal tragedy and professional challenges. , NSFW, and gearing up for his ‘Red Light Tour.’
At the same time, his album’s chart performance has sparked industry-wide conversations about Billboard’s evolving rules for ranking albums. While some initially reported that NSFW “didn’t chart,” the reality is more nuanced. While NSFW initially made headlines for reportedly missing the Billboard 200, this is an oversimplification. The album did chart, debuting at No. 25, but several factors contributed to the confusion surrounding the final chart placement.
The facts: Billboard updated its rules to limit “bundled sales” and other promotional tactics that artificially boost rankings. These changes have affected how album sales are counted, leading to discrepancies between early reported numbers and the final Billboard chart placements. Initial sales figures suggested NSFW moved around 20,000 units, but Billboard’s adjustments reflected a lower total.
Despite the album discrepancies, Tyga had bigger fish to fry. In an emotional post on Instagram, the “Faded” hitmaker confirmed the passing of his mother, Pasionaye Nicole Nguyen, on January 18, 2025. He shared a heartfelt message expressing his grief and the deep void her loss has left in his life.
“I been trying to understand and process why God takes the most meaningful and most beautifulest people away from us. But I know I’ll never get an answer that will fill the emptiness in my heart,” Tyga writes. “Can’t imagine life without you by my side. You were the best and most supportive person in my life, you always made things better when I felt at my lowest and worst. I would trade anything just to be able to be with you again I LOVE YOU SO MUCH.”
Accompanying the post were personal videos and photos, including a touching clip of his mother reacting to a voicemail she left him, which was featured in his 2012 song “Black Crowns.” In the voicemail, she tells him: “Just wanted to call to let you know how proud I am of you, sweetie… You are my heart, I love you.” The hip-hop community and fans flooded his comments with condolences, showing an outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.
Despite the personal and professional turbulence, Tyga is keeping his foot on the gas. He recently dropped music videos for fan-favorite tracks “It Ain’t Safe” and “My Turn,” keeping the momentum alive for NSFW. On “My Turn,” produced by Mike Crook, he raps with confidence: “It’s my turn, yeah (Turn, yeah) / Got that USHER money, baby, let it burn, yeah (Let it burn, yeah).”
Tyga – It Ain’t Safe:
Tyga – My Turn:
And for those who want to experience NSFW live, Tyga is taking the show on the road with his ‘Red Light Tour,’ a 15-city trek kicking off March 20 in Phoenix, AZ, and wrapping up May 3 in Los Angeles at the Hollywood Palladium.
Tyga ‘Red Light Tour’ 2025 Dates: Tickets are available now via Ticketmaster.
• Thu, Mar 20 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
• Sun, Mar 23 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues San Diego
• Wed, Mar 26 – Seattle, WA – Moore Theatre
• Thu, Mar 27 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
• Sun, Mar 30 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
• Wed, Apr 02 – Denver, CO – Summit
• Sat, Apr 05 – Austin, TX – Emo’s Austin
• Sun, Apr 06 – Dallas, TX – The Echo Lounge & Music Hall
• Tue, Apr 08 – Chicago, IL – Concord Music Hall
• Wed, Apr 09 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore Minneapolis
• Mon, Apr 14 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte
• Tue, Apr 15 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
• Thu, Apr 17 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza Powered By Verizon 5G
• Sun, Apr 20 – Boston, MA – Citizens House of Blues Boston
• Sat, May 03 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium
Tyga’s 2025 has been filled with heartbreak and controversy, yet he continues to persevere. Losing his mother was a devastating blow, but he remains committed to honoring her memory through his music. With his new visuals, an upcoming tour, and an unwavering drive, Tyga is proving that no personal or professional setback can stop him from moving forward.
