(Photo Credits : Thomas J Henthorne/@tjh.photo_)
Z:
Where's home?
YBS:
Home? Oof man that depends on what you mean. If you mean home like where do I live, I live about 30 minutes from Tampa. Now if you mean, what do I call home.. That answer is St. Pete. Can't stand the city, but I love it to death.
Z:
Haha I think a lot of people would share sentiment with you on that. What kind of music would you say you make?
YBS:
That's kinda hard to answer. I don't really know what kind of music I make. I guess you could say I'm a hip hop artist through and through. I like to pride myself on lyricism, so yeah I think hip hop would be the best answer. I've dabbled alot and can make some fire country, r&b/soul, edm, and even rock music. So I think I'd say I'm an exploring hip hop artist in terms of what I make.
Z:
Well Hip-Hop is a blend of many genre's so it makes sense why you'd center yourself within that soundscape. You've had a few songs released this year, but I'd like to talk about the large project your released at the beginning of the year. Drugs n Diss Tracks was a 12 track album you released right out the gate for 2022. Tell me what it was like putting that jarring concept together.
YBS:
Yeah, the diversity of it all really just connects with me man. Just makes me feel at home. Now in regards to the project? It was a blast bruh, like for real. Having the ability to put together something so unique and intricate was a real blessing. I was going through a real tough patch at the time, and to be able to out something together like that with some of my closest friends really meant alot to me. Some of our dopest music is in that album. And I know that people actually like it. Everything can't be liked by everyone, but this is liked by many and I can honestly say I'm proud of it and all that it taught me. Fire music with fire people with fire vibes. D & D: Drugs and Diss Tracks out now on all streaming platforms. Let me know which verse was the best one.
Z:
They can find your socials when we release the article, I'm sure they'll let you know their favorite! Also noticed that you went on tour a few times this year promoting the album. What was different with this particular project vs. past projects as far as from studio to stage. Was there any songs that stood out more after performing to a crowd than originally when you first recorded it?
YBS:
From studio to stage, in terms of just me rapping the song... Hmm I'd say spitting in the studio is the better option to me. Strictly because you have the options to change the tones and dynamics of your voice. Its harder to focus on that when performing in front of crowds. All the movement can throw you off. But performing the songs is the better experience. Seeing so many people enjoy something you made is a great experience. Really makes you feel proud in the moment. And in terms of one standing out, I would say Don't Get Why and Don't Believe The Hype did so much better than I originally gave them credit for. I thought the songs were dope, but I didn't see them in the future for our shows. But man, when I tell you people get so turnt to those songs, it's kinda ridiculous. Like, we knew Florida Wake Up Call would be a banger, but these two were good songs... but not club bangers. I could see you vibing to them in your car or maybe even during a workout. But not in a club, I couldn't see it. But as soon as we get on stage, and those tracks come in... it's like watching a movie. The voices match, the energy is great, the crowds jumping and dancing. Those two I say get some of the best reactions for sure.
Z:
You're known for wearing a mask on stage and in interviews with a large smile. It reminds me very much of Slipknot. Their masks changed many times over the years. Do you see your mask changing many times as well?
YBS:
I mean, in a way yeah. I'll always have a mask, because that's just me. But I will probably update my smile on my mask or maybe even the fabric at some point as well. So there will deign updates most likely, but the concept will always be the same.
Z:
Could be a cool concept to have a variety to match different outfits. You have a noticeably fast rap style. There seems to be an ongoing trend to rope all fast rappers into this "Lyrical Miracle" group. Do you think that's an unfair bias and if so how does one differentiate from being immediately lumped into said grouping?
YBS:
Yeah, true. I may have to look into something like that. Probably would be too hard to do. Ah, the spiritual, lyrical, miracle. I don't know man, I think that's just something you have no choice but to accept until you prove different. For you to break out of that mold, it takes effort. You have to show people you can slow it down and still sound good. I know alot of faster rappers who just can't find the right flow to beak the mold. I can say this I've seen people find ways around it, so there's hope... but you definitely gotta put that foot forward to show that you're different.
Z:
Well said. Pie or Cake? Why?
YBS:
I'm usually not a sweets guy in terms of baked goods, but I would definitely say pie. I have sensitive teeth and cake usually makes my teeth hurt and I honestly don't think the taste all that good. Cheesecake is really fire, but any other cakes not so much. And I'm from the south so, Pie should be my no brainer anyway.
Z:
Superhero or Supervillain?
YBS:
Can we add a third category for anti-hero. Because I'm not a hero, but I'll help if it's not inconvenient, if you know what I mean. And I relate to the villains on like a personal level. So I feel like my personality and characteristics fall into both categories. Because some people see me as a positive, helpful person while other see me as evil. It's all a matter of opinion. But I'll go anti-hero who leans towards villains.
Z:
Last question. Why?
YBS:
Why? Why music? Why am I a hip hop artist? Funny story actually. This was around the end of 2016/2017 when I first got inspired to start actually making music. Like I freestyled back in the day when I circle would show up, but I never actually recorded nothing or wrote nothing like that. But 2016 I was working at this spot in Whitefish, Montana named Jersey Boys right. My best friend Sloth and I were opening up the pizza shop that morning and the song 'erbody but me' by Tech N9ne came on. I knew the track by heart and started basically performing the song, and sloth being so invested in concerts, basically saw a "spark" he told me. So he suggested I try making a song of my own. So I went home, smoked a couple blunts while listening to all of my favorite artists and just tried to figure out a way to make all of their sounds unique to me. Try to concentrate all that I've learned into something that was different. And that's why I still do it. I think it's fun to see how much different I can make something sound or how crazy I can get with my patterns or lyrics. The intrigue of how many different things I can do with instrumentals is my main why.
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