Rapper Yungen is riding high off his recent success. If just returning from an international tour with the likes of Naughty Boy, Emeli Sande and Wretch 32 wasn’t enough to have him grinning like a Cheshire cat, his Black & Red project storming into the UK top 40 mid-week charts must have had him feeling like the cat that got the cream.
At just 21-years-old, it seems like the south Londons rapper’s career could only be on an upward trajectory.
What probably sets him apart from his peers all jostling for position is a maturity and intelligence that surpasses his age. With a knack for making real life experiences into relatable songs, Yungen has grabbed the attention of tastemakers including DJ Semtex (BBC 1xtra) and Jamal Edwards (SB.TV) who have branded him one of the most exciting prospects to arise from the underground.
Speaking on how he has captured the eardrums of so many, Yungen says: “Everyone goes through things. Everyone goes through their stresses and their good times. I just like to speak on that and kind of show people that I am normal just like everyone else.”
These good and bad times were penned and packaged as the Black and Red project – his latest release that explores the duality of moods he sees within himself.
“The Black Project I wanted to be really dark. When I made some of the songs on the black side I was really angry at the world, or I just came back from a show and was really turned up. Then sometimes I was going through problems with a girl so wanted to make a girl song, and that’s the kind of stuff that’s on the Red Project,” he says describing the vibe on each.
That he managed to secure a spot in the top 40 is a major accomplishment when you consider one of ‘urban’ music’s biggest killer (second only to lack of mainstream radio spins) is fan’s insistence on ripping music from the Internet for free.
Not at all put off by this, Yungen explains why he felt it was the right time to see if the YouTube views would convert into iTune sales. “I’ve been putting out music for free for so long, I’ve seen my fan base grow and seen what’s a real fan base and what’s not. I know what’s a buzz to what’s real.”
Appreciating the love that fans have shown him along the way he says: “ I have fans who have followed me city to city coming to my shows even though they have just seen me perform the night before,” he says clearly humbled.
He was also offered some invaluable pearls of wisdom from a fellow British rhymer. “I speak to Wretch (32) a lot and he gives me advice. When I was putting my project out, he called me and was like: ‘good luck with it and just be happy that you have put something out for sale. Don’t be worried about where it goes or where it charts, just be happy that you have made the next step,’” says Yungen.
This step was definitely one in the right direction. With hard hitting rap production, catchy melodies and lyrics, and features from the UK’s rapping heavyweights (Wretch 32, Krept & Konan, Sneakbo, G Frsh), Black & Red will most certainly make sure that Yungen remains one to watch.
Black & Red is available for download via iTunes http://t.co/0ThJU0e4Nw
and you can catch Yungen at his first headline show at O2 Academy Islington 6 November tickets available from Gigs and Tours http://gigst.rs/yungen
www.twitter.com/YungenPlayDirty
www.facebook.com/YungenOfficial
www.Youtube.com/YungenMusic
