Young Thug told a group of young people that celebrity is most valuable forms of currency in modern society. And he stood on it. And now the fallout begins.

A video circulating online shows Thug speaking to students about careers, success and what happens when somebody becomes recognizable. And instead of delivering the usual speech about education, perseverance and finding your purpose, the Atlanta rapper offered something considerably more provocative.

“Fame is like more so like the money for us,” he told the students.

Then he went further.

“Fame is money. So fame is really the most important.”

Whew.

I understand what Young Thug is saying, at least from a business perspective. Attention has become an economy. Followers become customers. Visibility creates opportunities. A famous person without billionaire money can sometimes command rooms, partnerships and access that ordinary wealthy people cannot.

Thug reportedly explained that if someone becomes famous in virtually any profession, that recognition can make them “almost as important as the richest person in the world.”

But this is where things get interesting.

Should we be teaching children to pursue fame?

There is a massive difference between becoming famous because you are exceptional at something and making fame itself the objective. Michael Jordan became famous because he could play basketball. Beyoncé became famous because of extraordinary talent, work and ambition. Fame was the consequence.

Social media has reversed that equation for an entire generation.

Now, somebody can theoretically become famous first and figure out what they actually do later.

To Thug’s credit, his message was not completely silly. He also warned the students about the responsibility and danger attached to notoriety. He told them they would have to “move militant” and understand how to conduct themselves in different environments.

That part should not be ignored.

Young Thug knows better than most that celebrity does not provide immunity from consequences, controversy or danger. His own journey has contained enormous success alongside very public adversity.

Maybe he was giving these kids an unfiltered lesson about the economy they are actually inheriting.

Or maybe fame has become so valuable that we have started confusing visibility with importance.

Those are two very different things.

And I think that conversation is bigger than Young Thug.