Young Budd May Not Rap Forever, but He’s Here to Stay

We caught up with the New York rapper to discuss his new album ‘Art With No Easel’ and much more.

African Hype: Let’s start off by telling us where you’re from Young Budd?

Young Budd: I’m from New York. Spring Valley, NY to be exact, bout a 20-30 minute ride outside the city.

African Hype: Where do you reside now?

Young Budd: I live in South Florida. Been here 4yrs now.

African Hype: Dope. Ok let’s get Into it.

African Hype: What is it that drivers you to create art and music?

Young Budd: My son kahlik and my daughter Mya, is what drives me. My struggle is what drives me. What I’ve been through that’s what drives me. I’ve lost a lot on this road. Friends, family, people i loved and trusted. It’s not easy keeping everything together while at the same time shaping your reality. Honestly the loneliest part is being away from kids, it’s crazy cause we talk almost everyday but you still feel something missing you know. The music keeps me alive, keeps me motivated, inspired and focused.

African Hype: What inspired the lyrics for your most popular song ‘CMB’?

Young Budd: Aaghh yea CMB is a good one. I was really tapped in when I wrote that record. Touching base on points in my life, from family & friends to the senseless murder of my uncle, to motivating my young niggas yea I feel I covered a lot of ground with ‘CMB’. Covered a lot of truths to certain things me or my listeners are going or may have gone through. I wanted to write a record that would resonate with people from all over the world, give them something they could relate to. Like when I said “From the start it was from the heart, but things change and people do to shit is bound to fall apart” that’s something people can feel not just hear and that’s what I feel being creative is all about being able to feel the art you know.

African Hype: What inspired the lyrics for your latest single Members Only?

Young Budd: I write the music the way I see it, If you’re listening right you’ll hear my story. Shit be like a movie sometime for real. Members Only is about family and doing right by the niggas younger then you. Quality of life type shit.

African Hype: What type of movies do you like? What are some of your hobbies, or interests that might surprise your fans?

Young Budd: I like Mob Movies. I watch series mostly, action thrillers are my go to tho. I like hitting the beach as much as possible, I’d definitely say I’m more of an outdoor spontaneous type of person. My favorite food is spaghetti. Favorite color is blue. I like all kinds of music. I have a Renovation company, interest in stocks and other investments. I read and listen to a lot of books, articles and podcast.

African Hype: Are you signed to a label or independent, do you have a management team?

Young Budd: I am independent. To be honest I am the artist, manager & owner of my music and brand. I’ve had a few people at that manager role come and go, I honestly got tired of waiting on the right people, shit I’m the creator at the end of the day, so that’s what did I began to manage myself and when the right person catches up with me ill have everything ready, he or she could just get to work.

African Hype: What does Kultivation mean?

Young Budd: The kultivation is our core network of supporters who help assist with the sharing aspect of our music, insights, methods and material. The Anchor represents Love, Honor, Loyalty, Trust And Respect. Holding shit down. Staying solid. It’s a way of life, staying true to the rules that’s always been there and to what you believe in. It’s about up lifting others by sharing our art and stories.

African Hype: Do you have a merch line?

Young Budd: Yes we do and will be Releasing the first few items soon. The Kultivation Store is on the way!

African Hype: Where can people find and stream your latest single Members Only?

Young Budd: It’s been released on all streaming platforms. Most popular for me are Spotify, Youtube, Apple Music, Tidal, Google Play and Amazon.

African Hype: 2020 going into 2021, what can we expect from Young Budd?

Young Budd: A harder grind. I got things more organized, I’ll be out interacting with the people but cautious at the same time, Covid been hating hard. I got some shows lined up, I’ll be traveling to work with other artist, different producers and engineers. I have a lot of visuals I’ll be shooting as well as an in-depth look at the process. I Just want to connect with my core base and support system a little more, they keep me focused. My music is in the world now and people love it. Forever grateful.

African Hype: Lastly, what do you have to say to the up and coming artist’s out there?

Young Budd: Don’t quit. I know it sounds cliche’ but that’s the one thing I haven’t done. I’ve been up been down and back up but through it all I never gave up nor do I plan to. So if you’re an artist out there and having a hard time, step back for second analyze, plan and then attack it with no fear!

African Hype: Where can people follow you to stay updated?

Young Budd: The Kultivation website will be available soon!

You can follow me on Instagram: @realyoungbudd
Spotify: Young Budd
Apple Music: Young Budd
You can also follow me on Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal: Young Budd

Thanks for having me, I enjoyed it, very informative. Appreciate the love and support of my fans, my hood and the ones that raised me. Thank you!