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YStress's Achievements
Newbie (1/14)
About Me
What is your musical background?
My mother started me singing in church choir at a young age. By the age of 17, I found my love for rapping and wrote my first song, “Stay Strapped”. I wanted to record my music in the studio, but could not afford it at the time, so I created my own studio in my closet. This built the foundation for my musical career. I started rapping with my first group, Black Falcon Entertainment (BFE) at 18, which brought me out of my shell. At 21, I created my label, Grill’em Up Entertainment. Since then, I’ve produced and engineered about 30 mixtapes, from hip-hop/rap to gospel and R&B, and collaborated with multiple underground artists.
Who are your biggest influences?
My family is my biggest influence. My brother, Stevie, did a tour overseas and introduced me to rapping and producing. My mother used to sing around the house all day as my father played his favorite R&B music. They were my first introduction to certain artist and musicality. The tone in my mother’s voice and the way she used it vocally was heavenly. Our family was very musically inclined as you can tell. I also listened to and learned from artist like Tupac, Young Jeezy, T.I., and those that I’ve come across on my musical journey and have collaborated with.
How did you come up with your stage name?
I actually started out as “Young Star”, which came from a basketball team that I used to play for growing up. We played numerous teams around the city and were called “The Young Stars”. When I made the decision to start my label, I felt “Young Star” did not reflect the grown man that I became and needed something fresh. One day, my homeboys and I were in the car freestyling to a beat and my friend through in a punch line about how stressed I was “with a YStress” and it stuck.
Why do you think it’s a perfect time for you?
Musically, I am at my best. My lyricism and originality have never been better. I’ve had over a decade to hone and perfect my craft. My performance skills have developed as I have performed in numerous places across the Midwest and East Coast. I am back with my family and have a strong foundation and support system to be able to take my career to the next level.
How can fans get in touch with you (Social Media)?
You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. My artist pages are:
Facebook – Why YS Stress
Instagram - @YStress87
Twitter - @YStress87
My “Grill’em Up Entertainment” group pages are:
Facebook – Grillemupent GUE
Instagram - @grillemupent101