Cautious

Yung FM will tell you that it’s hard to find good music nowadays. From his perspective, the current crop of hip-hop artists is auto-tuned out and devoid of any real truth or storytelling. The game is in desperate need of good music.

The game needs Yung FM. 

The rapper, who goes by the name Yung FM, hopes to bring a new perspective to hip-hop.

“My style is a little different, because I’m from Detroit,” he said. “My music is real, relevant. I’m not telling lies or talking about anything I haven’t done.” 

Despite where he's from, Yung FM said he didn't have a rough childhood. He was fortunate to live in a two-parent household without having to struggle for anything. He spent much of his youth sneaking records from his father’s collection and listening to many of the Motown greats. He later grew to appreciate R&B and hip-hop acts from Outkast to Jay-Z,  Soul for Real to Boyz !! Men, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations to The Whispers. Listening to so many legendary acts ignited his love for GOOD MUSIC, and encouraged him to write down his feelings in the form of poetry and letters. 

He experienced a lot on the road to manhood, from marrying young to having a few run-ins with the law. But throughout it all, he continued to cultivate his knack for writing and soon learned that he could rap, too. He named himself Yung FM and for good reason.

"It's an acronym for Yung Fly Mister," he said. "It just describes everything I feel I am and the 'Mister' is just out of respect."

In 2007, he released the single, "One Night," featuring Lady B. The sexy tune detailed Yung FM hope to have one night alone with his wife, with bubble baths and fantasy trips to Europe. The romantic tune made it clear that Yung FM had a gift for music. But he said he didn’t understand the craft completely until he moved to Fayetteville, N.C. There, he linked up with good friends and fellow rappers/Producers Shuan Dallez, Murk and Da Kidd QDH. When the two connected on a musical level, Yung FM encouraged  Dallez to let him join his entertainment company, Soul Zone Creationz, as the Chief Financial Officer. 

It was exactly what the young rapper needed.

“I just wanted to belong to a label; I just felt we were a team. But the more I got into it and the more I let people hear my music, the more I tried to produce,” he said.

By March 2012, he knew it was time to take a leap of faith and pursue music full time. To get things moving, he produced a six-track demo entitled, “Motivation and Inspiration 313” that features his witty and audacious lyrics and the production work of several producers including Bigg Serg. 

His demo showcases the skills of a self assured newcomer to the game. The lyricist even dabbles in R&B by singing the hook of the single, "Have It Your Way." But Yung FM doesn’t want listeners to think he’s taking on a braggadocios tone. He’s just trying to be himself.

“My momma will tell you that I was a hard-headed little boy who talked too much growing up. I’m still that man today. I’m hard headed but I'v learned to talk less. But I don’t mean no harm,” he said with a laugh. “And I will tell you I’m a G in a minute, but I mean a gentleman.”

Selling his demo for a $1 to whoever will listen, the rapper said he’s convinced that once people hear his music, they’ll be coming back for more.

“It’s not even about the money," Yung FM said. "It’s good music; people don’t buy that anymore. But I’m giving it to you for close to free. I just want you to listen. Because I know that the material that I have is gold.” 

North Carolina has been a hotbed for hip hop for many years now. In 2001, Petey Pablo was the breakout rapper from Greenville, NC. Following his short run, North Carolina rap had fallen off.

However, J. Cole put North Carolina hip hop back in the mainstream. Representing Fayetteville, he has introduced a new city to the hip hop world. J. Cole is not the only rapper representing the Crown City.

Ray Hustle has been representing Fayetteville, NC ever since his family moved to the area in 2000. He has quickly risen to become one of the city's most-popular figures in rap. Born in Detroit, Ray Hustle can be found performing in various clubs in the city. Hip Hop Vibe interviewed the rapper earlier this week and featured him as the latest "On the Rise" artist.

Cautious

Hu$tle