Episode 147: Long As The Lord Say: YP aka Young Paul’s Story

In the latest episode of The Corelink Solution, we had the privilege of sitting down with YP, aka Young Paul, a distinguished Christian hip hop artist hailing from Jersey City and currently residing in the Bronx, New York. With an impressive discography and a raw, gritty East Coast sound, YP has made significant waves in the Christian hip hop scene. This blog post will break down the key insights from our conversation, offering valuable, detailed information that can guide listeners and fans of YP.

Introduction to YP: A Journey Through Music and Life

Background and Accomplishments YP, also known as Yung Paul, has an extensive discography that includes three albums, 24 mixtapes, and six EPs. His collaborations with respected emcees like Sean Burgundy, Derek Miner, and Jerry Sanders, among others, highlight his influential role in Christian hip hop. His acclaimed mixtape series, “Guillotines on the East,” volumes one, two, and three, created alongside Bronx native The Commissioner, showcases his authenticity and powerful storytelling. Personal Interests and Influences YP’s music is deeply influenced by his personal interests and experiences. He is a fan of thrillers and mobster movies, which often reflect in his lyrical content. Additionally, his love for sports, particularly basketball and football, also finds its way into his music, as seen in his single about Aaron Judge.

Longevity in the Christian Hip Hop Scene

Staying True to the Art YP’s longevity in the Christian hip hop scene can be attributed to his commitment to authenticity and staying true to his East Coast roots. He started putting out mixtapes with DJ Shaun Blue and DJ Rock Jesus back in 2009 and 2010, and his dedication to the boom bap sound has remained unwavering. Adapting to Change Despite the changing landscape of the music industry, YP has managed to stay relevant by adapting to new methods while staying true to his core values. He has embraced social media and streaming platforms, creating content that resonates with audiences while maintaining his unique sound.

The Upcoming Project: Long as the Lord Says

Inspiration and Themes YP’s upcoming project, “Long as the Lord Says,” is set to release on November 15th. The project, produced by Wanda, was initially intended to be part two of his “Hector” album but evolved into a distinct EP. The themes of the project include storytelling, addressing real-life issues, and leaning on God in the midst of chaos. Signature Sound YP’s signature sound is characterized by phrases like “Lord, let me talk to them,” which he uses to leave his mark on his records. His music reflects his experiences and the reality of the world around him, making his storytelling vivid and relatable.

Balancing Music and Family Life

Structure and Discipline Balancing a music career with family responsibilities can be challenging, but YP manages it through structure and discipline. He schedules his studio time around his children’s activities, ensuring he is present for them while pursuing his passion. Consistency and Hard Work YP emphasizes the importance of consistency and hard work in achieving success. He believes in seizing opportunities as they come and following through on commitments, a lesson that many artists can benefit from.

The Gritty Sound and Cultural Influence

Resurgence of Gritty Rap The gritty sound of classic hip hop is seeing a resurgence, and YP notes that many young people coming to faith still resonate with this style. He draws parallels between the revival of artists from the Mobb Deep and Nas era and the rise of boom bap in contemporary music. Influence of Legendary Artists YP and the host share their excitement about the current landscape of hip hop, particularly in New York, where legendary artists continue to influence the genre. They reminisce about recent events where they witnessed incredible performances, highlighting the artistry and substance in the music.

Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Collaborations

Upcoming Releases In addition to “Long as the Lord Says,” YP is working on a separate project with Shamir, set to release in 2025. He humorously reflects on their collaboration with Aaron Judge, showcasing his lighthearted approach to his work. Vision for the Future YP envisions himself making music full-time, providing for his family, and creating opportunities for other artists. He hopes to inspire others to stay true to their sound and work diligently, highlighting that hard work pays off.

Conclusion: Embracing Authenticity and Faith YP’s journey as an artist is marked by authenticity, resilience, and a deep faith in God. His music serves as a form of storytelling, addressing real-life issues and offering hope and encouragement to listeners. As he continues to grow as an artist, YP remains committed to his core values and the gritty sound that defines his music. Call to Action We encourage listeners to check out YP’s new project, “Long as the Lord Says,” and follow him on social media. Supporting independent artists in the Christian hip hop scene is crucial, and YP’s journey is a testament to the power of authenticity and faith in achieving success. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations and deep dives into the journeys of influential artists in the Christian hip hop scene. Holy Culture Radio is operated by The Corelink Solution, a non-profit organization that aims to create a safe space for healing, foster unity in our communities and empower the next generation of creatives and leaders through spreading the gospel. If you’d like to support our work, please make a donation. No amount is too small. You can also shop our online store to help spread awareness of our mission. Again, thank you and remember to be encouraged and be blessed.

TIMESTAMPS

The host introduces YP, highlighting his background and impressive discography in Christian hip hop. Discussion on Personal Interests (00:01:49) YP shares personal interests, including his favorite movie genres and sports affiliations. Longevity in Christian Hip Hop (00:04:24) The host discusses YP’s enduring presence in the Christian hip hop scene and his commitment to the genre. Influences and Early Collaborations (00:04:55) YP reflects on his early collaborations and the evolution of his sound over the years. Acknowledgment of Peers (00:08:05) YP names fellow artists he enjoyed performing with and acknowledges their contributions to the genre. Upcoming Project Introduction (00:10:06) YP discusses his new project, “Long as the Lord Says,” and the inspiration behind its title. Themes in New Music (00:12:48) YP describes the broader themes in his upcoming project, including storytelling and personal experiences. Focus on Community and Family (00:15:09) YP emphasizes the importance of community and family in his music, addressing real-life struggles. Commitment to Authenticity (00:16:35) YP explains his decision to stay close to his roots and reflect real-life experiences in his lyrics. The Influence of Environment (00:16:53) YP discusses how his life experiences in tough neighborhoods shape his music and storytelling. Approaching the Secular Industry (00:18:17) YP shares his thoughts on engaging with secular artists while maintaining a humble and respectful approach. Acknowledging Hard Work (00:20:39) He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the hard work of secular artists and balancing criticism with praise. Balancing Family and Music (00:24:14) YP talks about managing his time between family responsibilities and his music career. Consistency in Music Release (00:27:50) He stresses the need for artists to regularly release music to stay relevant in today’s industry. Adapting to Social Media (00:30:40) YP reflects on the shift from traditional music promotion to utilizing social media for marketing. Personal Faith and Growth (00:32:16) He shares how biblical teachings have influenced his personal growth and approach to conflict resolution. Understanding Human Experience (00:34:00) YP discusses the challenges of maintaining peace and love while navigating human experiences. God’s Grace in Darkness (00:34:33) YP shares his personal struggles with faith and how he experienced God’s unconditional love during dark times. Future Aspirations (00:36:05) YP envisions a future where he can make music full-time and support his family while uplifting overlooked artists. The Evolution of Gritty Sound (00:37:04) Discussion on the growing respect for gritty rap and its significance in the current music landscape. Exposure for Gritty Artists (00:38:09) YP highlights the resurgence of gritty rap, influenced by older fans and the success of underground artists. Upcoming Projects and Releases (00:39:26) YP announces his new project “Long as the Lord Says” and shares details about singles and collaborations.