The New Orleans Rapper Who Brought Quality Control Their First Music Plaque With "Moolah": Young Greatness

Before Quality Control Music became a dominant force in hip-hop with chart-topping stars and platinum records, their first real breakthrough came from an artist who carried the soul of New Orleans in his sound — Young Greatness. Often overlooked in conversations about the label’s rise, Young Greatness played a historic role by delivering Quality Control’s first-ever music plaque with his breakout hit “Moolah.”

Born Theodore Joseph Jones III in New Orleans, Young Greatness emerged from a city known for resilience, rhythm, and originality. He didn’t chase trends — he crafted music rooted in authenticity, pain, and ambition. When he signed with Quality Control in the mid-2010s, the label was still finding its footing, far from the powerhouse it would later become.

Released in 2015, “Moolah” quickly caught fire. The record’s hypnotic beat, street-wise lyrics, and undeniable hook resonated across clubs, radio stations, and neighborhoods nationwide. It wasn’t just a regional hit — it became a national anthem, earning heavy rotation and eventually achieving Gold certification. That success marked a major milestone: Quality Control’s first official plaque, laying the groundwork for what the label would later build with artists like Migos, Lil Baby, and City Girls.

What made “Moolah” special wasn’t just its commercial success, but its raw honesty. Young Greatness spoke directly to hustle culture, survival, and the pursuit of financial freedom — themes that felt especially real coming from a New Orleans artist who had lived them. His delivery was confident but grounded, reflecting the hunger of someone who knew opportunity doesn’t come twice.

Despite the song’s success, Young Greatness never fully received the recognition his contribution deserved. As Quality Control skyrocketed in later years, his pivotal role in opening that door often went unmentioned. Yet industry insiders and true fans understand the truth: without “Moolah,” the story of Quality Control might look very different.

Tragically, Young Greatness’ life was cut short in 2018, when he was fatally shot in Houston, Texas, at just 34 years old. His death sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community, especially in New Orleans, where he was respected not just as an artist but as a voice for the streets.

Today, Young Greatness is remembered as more than a rapper — he’s remembered as a trailblazer. He proved that talent from New Orleans could break through nationally, and he helped launch one of hip-hop’s most successful labels with nothing but belief in his craft and a record that spoke the truth.

“Moolah” still echoes years later, not just as a hit song, but as a symbol of what happens when preparation meets opportunity. Young Greatness may be gone, but his impact is permanent — etched into hip-hop history as the artist who helped turn Quality Control from a vision into a reality.