Hip hop has evolved tremendously this decade, dominated by the emergence of the South, thanks in large part to the energetic, infectious production that has appealed to listeners across the world. However, today’s hip hop is in critical condition, with its declining quality and lack of originality. Hip hop is continually being infiltrated with artists that: mimic, come from the same regions, and lack a true love for it. Not in this case. Trevor Trotman (20), and brothers Dominiq...
Hip hop has evolved tremendously this decade, dominated by the emergence of the South, thanks in large part to the energetic, infectious production that has appealed to listeners across the world. However, today’s hip hop is in critical condition, with its declining quality and lack of originality. Hip hop is continually being infiltrated with artists that: mimic, come from the same regions, and lack a true love for it. Not in this case. Trevor Trotman (20), and brothers Dominique (17) and Darius Thompson (16), aka Kazi, Milli, and Dee, respectively, make up the trio ready to inject some much-needed life into hip hop. “Hip hop ain’t dead, it’s sleeping. Yung Ballaz are gonna wake it up,” says Kazi. “We got that sound. Most artists talk about nothing, don’t have concepts.” Inspired a lot by the hypnotic vibe of Jay-Z’s “Reasonable Doubt”, “that sound” is best described in one word --- “Smooth”. “We’re gonna bring smooth back to hip hop.” “We got style like no other,” they add. “We got the package and we can relate to people. We grind just like everybody else out here.” Growing up and interacting with the people of the melting pot that is the DMV has given Yung Ballaz plenty of experiences relatable to anybody. “We rap about life, period. Things others can relate to.” The DMV and its vast talent pool have long been overlooked by the rest of the nation. But Yung Ballaz show that the industry’s best kept secret is home to the next superstars of urban music. “Besides our swagger and appearance, our skills, passion, and love for the game sets us apart from other artists. Every minute you sleep, that’s one person trying to take your spot. ” Their excellent chemistry, which they recognized the moment they met, has allowed each to feed off each other and flourish. “I met them, rapped for them and vice versa, and we just clicked,” states Kazi. “If it wasn’t for Kazi,” says Dee, “I probably wouldn’t have gotten as excited about rapping again. Meeting him was like a light-switch, seeing his energy and how serious he was.” Their debut single, “She Bad”, is a sure-fire smash that shows off their amazing hit-making ability. Laced with a bouncy, body-moving track, “She Bad” is a perfect playground for their astonishing wordplay. “She Bad’ was already my single before I met them,” Kazi says. “When I was ready to record, I had Millie and Ose. I knew it would be hot with just me on it, but it would be even hotter with them.” Their debut mixtape, “World Premiere”, is a whole compilation of alluring sounds and a showcase of their effortless flow. “World Premiere’ is a mixtape that’s gonna wake hip hop up. Get hip hop out of a coma. We got singles to choose to choose from, we don’t even know which ones to choose. Every hit that comes out, the next hit’s gonna be two times better.” Among those hits includes the ultra-smooth “Rescue Me”, a track no girl can resist, and any guy can mellow out to. “We also got a song called “Swag It Out” ft. Yung Pacco. People hear that song, it’s a wrap.” With its wide array of hits, “World Premiere” is set to take the industry by storm and expose the entire world to Yung Ballaz. “People gonna get to know us. The birth of Yung Ballaz --- the lifestyle of Yung Ballaz.”
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