24: What made you
want to become an artist?
Young Twinn: Growing up I didn’t have much and my family was
very dysfunctional at the time. I started out writing poetry as a form a
venting and expressing my thoughts. Then a friend of mine at the time pointed
out to me that my poetry was much different from the usual stuff he heard
before, it was not only real and visionary but it spoke with rhyme and
rhythm. The compliments lead me to go to a local recording studio where my
poetry became my music.
24: Describe your
style and sound?
Young Twinn: I feel I’m a musical combination of everything
we love today. People fail to realize that even in Hip Hop there is a time and
a place for everything because from what I hear now, most artist are focusing
more on what they have and what their doing rather than motivating and having
an positive influence. I spit hard believe that, but I always find a way to
make sure the listener can relate. I speak on everyday real life topics with a
little southern swag to it. Mama always said, “Creativity will be the
death of me”!
24: Tell me who are
some of your musical influences?
Young Twinn: Although I’m certified Hip Hop, most of my
influences are Rock, Alternative and R&B artist. I pay attention to
concept rather than a few hot bars, but to name a few artist Lupe Fiasco,
Bun B, Lil Wayne & Kanye West. I feel these cats know how to get the point
across in a clever and creative way while mastering the art of time and place.
24: Tell me about
some of the things you have been working on lately because I see that you have
a couple of hot tracks such as “ Playa” ft Lloyd and “ Show Me Some Luv” ft.
Pleasure P how did you get together with him?
Young Twinn: Big up to my homie Pleasure P that dude is a
workhorse and being solo now, he has a lot to prove which can be stressful. We
met last year at Bryant McKinney’s house party and being the businessman that I
am, we instantly discussed doing a future collaboration! At the time he was
still a part of Pretty Ricky and was about to go on tour. After about 2 or 3
months of building a personal friendship we linked up in Miami and recorded a
hit entitled “Show Me Some Luv”. The joint was an instant success
once I leaked it out there to Myspace and all the DJ’s. It’s a possible first
single for me. The track I did with Lloyd is hot as well, I didn’t actually
have the privilege of working with him in person but the track came out sick.
One of Lloyd’s in house producers and mutual friend of mines Matty P shot me
the track as he felt the joint needed my swag. This song hasn’t been leaked but
can be heard on my Myspace page. I’m also working with Sean Kingston and a few
other big names. My latest mixtape “Texas Yung Gunz Vol. 2” drops
this month and my highly anticipated album “The Eviction” drops in
May 2008 and will be hosted by DJ Smallz!
24: Tell me what has
been the hardest part for you being an up and coming artist trying to get into
the industry?
Young Twinn: I’d have to say the amount of ignorant people
who have power in this business. There’s a saying that goes “Thall shall
condemn what he not understand”. I feel the game isn’t ready for
an Artist of my Caliber. Just like the 60’s wasn’t ready for Martin Luther King
to unite Blacks & Whites. Instead of helping someone get on because he or
she has Talent and heart you literally have to pay your way to see success. I
agree with Nas when he said that Hip Hop was dead. Back in the day, you could
hit the club, slide the DJ your record and watch the crowd’s reaction or send
in a demo tape off and get some feedback. Today due to the success of DJ
Khaled, DJ Drama, and DJ Feli Fel, who have taken the DJ position to another
level as far as record deals, albums, and labels. Every DJ seems to feel that
they need to be “compensated for their services”. I don’t think it’s
fair when half of these so-called DJ’s just press play!
24: How has the DJ’s
been treating you as far as supporting your music and I know that you actually
moved from Houston to Miami, so if you has to compare the two which place
showed the most love for an up and coming artist so far?
Young Twinn: I think my opinion on most of the DJ’s was
clearly stated above (lol). To make things clear let me send a big up to all
the “Mixtape DJ’s”. They are the ones who really show me love and
made sure my joints stay in the streets. It’s the Club DJ’s and Radio DJ’s who
need a reality check! As for as the move goes, I will always rep my city of
Houston “H-town” Texas! When you get a little money in your life, you
want to upgrade and live nice. Houston just didn’t feel like the place to enjoy
the payoff of hard work. Miami Beach just has the women, scenery and it’s a
great place to network with a wide spread Entertainment Market. Honestly,
both cities show equal amount of love. Houston has most of the people who
really know me and how hard I’ve worked to get where I am today. Miami has the
fraudulent groupie love which is always good because it’s motivation at
the end of the day. It’s truly a small world here in Miami, so the
gossip just brings you more attention whether it’s a hater or a fan. I
love it!
24: Is their any
label out now that you think would fit you perfectly?
Young Twinn: I’ve had numerous major and major independent
offers. I’ve even been turned down by a few. There is no label I can say would
fit me best. They’re all in it for the same thing and that’s the money. So if I
had to choose a label, I’d say whichever one allows me to have full
creativity and the most flexibility.
24: So if you had a
meeting with them what song would you play is you only could choose one and
why?
Young Twinn: That’s a tough one… but I’d have to say
my joint with Pleasure P. Simply because it’s a complete record that highlights
all the versatility that I have. It has an up tempo commercial track you
can rock in a club or radio, a flow for the streets, and with Pleasure’s
vocals, that gave it the swag the ladies love!
24: Why is Young
Twinn “Music Next Big Thing”?
Young Twinn: Because I’m an Artist not a Rapper! I’m a
writer, I spit, I sing, and I even have my own Rock Band in the works. There is
a place for me in every genre of music because of the style of music I do. More
open doors, more fans means more money to be made. I’ve clearly separated myself
and my music from the rest.
24: Is there anything
you want to say or promote before this interview is over?
Young Twinn: I just would like to say God is good. Thank you
to 24HourHipHop for even taking interest in me. I’m a humble dude so I truly
appreciate the love. DJ Smallz & Young Twinn Present “The
Eviction” In stores and online worldwide May 2008! For those who
don’t know me, you can log onto www.myspace.com/artistyoungtwinn
or www.youngtwinn.com and get familiar!
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