Q&A With Rising Cleveland, OH Based Hip Hop Artist Y.G.K
Hey Y.G.K , we would like to thank you for your contribution to underground Hip Hop and keeping the culture alive! Your new mixtape “State Of Mind” is pure FIRE!!! Please tell us what exact area code you represent? How long have you been making music? How did you come up with your Emcee name?
I represent the 216 area, its like maybe 15 minutes from downtown Cleveland. I’ve been making music since about 15-16 about 8 years and my rap name came from me trying to find a good acronym. Y.G.K. (Young Great King) was the one that seem like it stuck.
What influenced you to become a Hip Hop artist? What were the main factors that got you into, quote on quote, “Underground Hip Hop”?!
The love of music really, I’ve listened to everything from rock to r&b to jazz. But hip hop to me is a great way to get what I want across.
How important is it for your to stay ORIGINAL? How would you describe your style?
Ultra important. Being yourself is what makes us all different in this industry and in life. I’d describe my style as versatile, I like to keep my options open approaching music so it never gets stale.
Tell us about the creative process for your new mixtape “State Of Mind”! Any interesting features on it?
The creative process for me was trying to make this project as transparent as possible while also making it digestible and relatable. Soledad Brother (the producer of the project) really aided that sonically.
In 2018, who will be on your personal music rotation playlist!? Any new artists you are listening to?
Definitely J.I.D, Cole, Isaiah Rashad, and Kendrick. Also looking forward to Jay Rock and School boy Q’s albums. As far as new artists I recently got hip to Lute from dreamville and my fellow clevelanders Blak Bravo, Tae Miles and Ezri are among the big talent thats in the city right now.
Any new projects and videos you are working on? Planning on a tour anytime soon?
Yea I still have two visuals I want to get done early this year for State of Mind and I have a EP in the works along with a joint tape with the bro Blak Bravo who was featured on this project under his old name Shawn Reyez. Tour wise I have a plan to do something locally but you never know
Your TOP 5 Dead Or Alive??!!
Biggie
Jay-z
Kendrick
Tupac
Nas
Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”
Staying true to yourself and the craft. Not letting outside forces control your next move.
Drop all your music and social media links!
Twitter: @YGK216_
IG: YGK216
FB: YGK216
Any shout outs!
Yea big shout out to UGHH as well as anybody that’s been supporting me whether its blogs or new listeners. Preciate y’all man!
