How did you first get into music?
(YS): I’ve been infatuated with music for as long as I can remember. I was always around it — from my dad bumping his old-school records, to my cousin being able to shred on guitar. My brother, who’s also my best friend, Marquise, was always early to trends and putting me on to new artists. He used to get annoyed because he’d find someone new, show me, and then they’d become my favorite artist for the next month.
What inspired you to start creating your own sound?
(YS): There are a lot of things, but there’s one specific moment that really marked it for me. When I was nine years old, I memorized the third verse of Love the Way You Lie by Eminem and Rihanna, and I felt so cool being able to rap it. I remember thinking, “I bet it feels even cooler to rap something I created myself.” That was basically the start — and I fell in love with doing it.
Where are you from, and how has your background influenced your music?
(YS): I’m from northern New Mexico, a small town called Farmington. If I’m being honest, there wasn’t much musically going on there. There aren’t a lot of opportunities, so I’ve always felt like my influences are different. I couldn’t get inspiration where I was — I had to look outward.
I’d see what was happening in other cities and think, “Damn, that’s fucking dope.” A good example is N.W.A. I don’t necessarily think they’re the best rappers — that might be a hot take — but they’re GOATs because they were pioneers. Not necessarily of the sound, since Ice-T and others were already there, but in how they moved.
Back then, rap wasn’t commercial or globally accepted like it is now. Talking openly about hood struggles, drugs, and the ugly sides of life wasn’t normal — it made you a business risk. But they didn’t care. Instead of conforming to the mainstream, they made the mainstream conform to them. Whether you liked it or not, you were going to hear them on the radio and see them everywhere. That’s super inspiring to me.
Was there a specific moment when you knew music was what you wanted to pursue seriously?
(YS): From the first rap I ever wrote, I knew this was what I wanted to do.
Artistic Identity & Sound
How would you describe your sound to someone hearing you for the first time?
(YS): I wouldn’t. I’d rather hear how someone describes my sound after they listen to a few songs.
Which artists or genres have influenced your music the most?
(YS): I’m influenced by a lot — no specific order. Joji, Denzel Curry, XXXTentacion, J. Cole, Billie Eilish, Eminem… the list could honestly go on forever.
What sets you apart from other artists in your lane?
(YS): I think I’d have to know what my lane actually is before answering that. I’ve been told I sound like so many people — but also like no one at the same time. Someone once told me I sounded like Dax, and I know they meant it as a compliment, but I’m not even gonna lie — that was one of the worst insults I could’ve received. I’d probably be even more hurt if someone said I sounded like Tom MacDonald. Either way… fuck both of those guys.
How has your sound evolved since you first started?
(YS): When I first started, I didn’t really know what I was doing — I just didn’t realize it at the time. Back then, I thought I was already the best. Listening back now, I wasn’t comfortable, my word choice was bad, and there was basically no structure.
Now, I’m making legit art. Not trying to be egotistical, but my hooks are strong, my verses hit whether I’m talking about real shit or just ignorant bullshit, and most importantly — I’m comfortable.
Current Work & Direction
Tell me about your latest release. What’s the story behind it?
(YS): I just dropped a song called “Suit Up.” It’s basically an introduction to a character I created named Mr. December, who’s going to be a villain. I want to build a connected universe within my music — like some comic book shit.
I’ll probably introduce more characters later, but this is the start. I’m not explaining too much about Mr. December yet, because I want his personality to be revealed slowly across different songs.
What themes or messages are you exploring in your current music?
(YS): I’ve got future projects in the works touching on things like imposter syndrome, and the battle between money and time. I’m just waiting for the right moment — and the right budget — to really push those ideas the way they deserve.
Is there a song that means the most to you personally? Why?
(YS): Yeah, there is. But that’s up to the listeners to figure out which one it is.
