EPISODE 12
GOING PLATINUM IN 8 MONTHS
UK RAPPER, YUNGEN
While his track ‘Bestie’ might have put him on your radar, there’s a remarkable story behind Yungen’s several award nominations, Platinum certified records, and commercial success.
The sudden loss of a close friend, growing his career alongside peers like Stormzy, and touring the world before breaking onto the scene are all huge moments in his incredible journey.
Yungen joins Ty on the podcast to discuss the life-changing moments on his journey, and future beyond the music industry.
This episode covers:
Yungen’s upbringing in South London
Overcoming early tragedy and trauma
The fascinating story behind Bestie’s stellar success
Developing his performance skills from touring the world
Stormzy, Wretch 32, SBTV/Jamal Edwards and other hugely influential figures in the music scene
The complex relationship between music and crime
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
“Nowadays a lot of people come through with a hit and don’t have a background of performing, which is hard. I toured the world when nobody knew me, so I had to learn how to work a crowd, which is one of the biggest blessings.”
33:50 - Yungen
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“I never wanted to be a road guy, I just saw the nice things the older lot in my area had and wanted those. I felt that was the way to achieve them, but very quickly realised - I need out of this, I’m not doing this forever.” - 9:45 - Yungen
“We got a call that my best friend got hit off his bike, so we ran straight there. He’s laying on the floor, and the police have hit him off his bike - he died on the scene.” - 13:35 - Yungen
“My biggest inspiration was probably Craig David. The guy’s the greatest - I met him, and told him straight that he’s the goat.” - 25:50 - Yungen
“Jamal Edwards/SBTV did so much for me, and for the scene. He was a massive, massive part of my career.” - 30:00 - Yungen
“I think the UK is letting WSTRN down. These guys are making great music, and if they were somewhere else I think it’d be appreciated more.” - 40:40 - Yungen
“I’ve always been in full control. My label’s never forced me to make something specific, and I think that’s quite unique. I signed because of the A+R there, and he just GOT it.” - 45:35 - Yungen
“I did a talk on knife crime, but the reality is that most of the kids that turned up aren’t the bad kids! Those kids aren’t going to turn up to an anti-knife crime talk just because Yungen is there.” - 1:02:10 - Yungen
“All I’ve ever done since becoming an adult is music. From the last two years I wondered what I’d do if this whole business was over, so I’m diversifying a bit and doing stuff that I enjoy.” - 1:11:00 - Yungen
“When I did Bestie and people were talking about me like a ‘new artist’ - I’d been going at it for 7 years.” - 1:16:20 - Yungen