By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
There are a number of new hip hop artists, all around the world, who are gaining stardom. Among the sea of rising stars is Young Don, a veteran of over ten years in the game. Born and raised in Memphis, Young Don grew up listening to the likes of Three Six Mafia and Project Pat. Now, Young Don finds himself rubbing shoulders with them.
Young Don has continued to make a name for himself throughout the South, doing shows in many areas, specifically Alabama, Georgia, and his native Tennessee. His grassroots campaign has led to Young Don becoming one of the hottest up and comers in the game. Earlier this year, Young Don signed with Big Cat Records and things have taken off for him.
Currently, Young Don is working on his new mixtape, A Young Don Capone, which will be hosted by DJ Scream. On the project, he boasts collaborations with Stuey Rock, fellow Tennessee native, Young Buck, Project Pat, and his label-mate, Maceo. Young Don spoke to Hip Hop Vibe about his views on the new-look hip hop industry, his new mixtape and explained how the Big Cat deal came to be.
Read the entire interview below:
Being from Memphis, were you inspired by such legends as Project Pat and Three Six Mafia? Oh yeah. I got two songs with Pat, I just shot a video with Pat called “Shawty Bad.” I was in the spot with him, that’s what it is.
What is it like to spend time with figures, such as him? Oh man, it’s a real priviledge. I always looked up to him, since I was little I listened to him. It is amazing to work with him and I appreciate him helping me out with the tracks and giving me advice.
Yourself, you’ve put in over ten years in the game, correct? Yeah. That’s right.
Can you explain what your journey has been like? There have been ups and downs, but I am grateful for the people who are helping me get to my destination. It has been a journey, but I appreciate the good and the bad. At the end of the day, we all have to prosper.
In this new age of hip hop, artists are able to release music very quickly, and a lot of stars are being made, do you see this year being your year to do the same? Yes sir. You already know it.
Can you tell us more about your own upcoming project? Yes. I got the “Dead Fresh,” dropping on May 25. I got a show coming up in New Orleans on June 23, including a video shoot and then it’s back to Memphis on July 6 for another show. I got my “Dead Fresh” campaign going on, a lot of promotion.
“Dead Fresh?” Can you elaborate on this movement? It’s really just the campaign in Birmingham and Atlanta and is moving its way to Memphis. We are hitting the streets real hard with this, we are dealing with the DJs, state to state, city to city, we are moving with this campaign.
How did you link up with Big Cat Records? We did an interview in September of last year. They did their research on me and we signed a deal in February and now we’re in there like swimwear.
So, with signing to Big Cat, you moved to Atlanta? Yeah. I am really back and forth between Birmingham and Atlanta, every weekend, I am back and forth.
What has it been like for you since signing the deal, how has your reach broadened? It’s climbing, my views on YouTube are going up. More Twitter followers, my fan base is expanding from state-to-state, a lot of shows being booked and we’re working. I am triple blessed, shout out to God.
How do you feel about putting together a campaign from scratch? Like I said, it is a part of coming up. Looking back at yesterday to see how much bigger you are today, coming from nothing to something. I have a nice campaign, we have Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. Much love and respect to all of my fans.
What was it like to collaborate with Young Buck? It was a pleasure. He’s a real down-to-Earth guy. I appreciate working with him, we were on the same page. When we worked together, it was a pleasure, I have mad respect for him. I also have a track with Kia Shine. I’m working on a single with Stuey Rock.
When will your next project be released? September, A Young Don Capone, which will be hosted by DJ Scream. My video with Project Pat, “Shawty Bad,” will be aired in August.
What is the inspiration behind A Young Don Capone? Basically, just coming from the streets man. Trying to come from the heart, just keeping it 100.
Will any of your Big Cat label-mates be featured on this project? Yes. Maceo is working with me on it, so yeah.
Looking back on where you came from, to be where you are now, how does it feel? Oh man. It’s an accomplishment. I appreciate what I saw back then and I appreciate what I see now. It feels good to see how I grew and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
Young Don – “Dead Fresh” promotional video:
