Features : Yay Yola Weaves His Story into Music in His Latest Single

American rapper Antonio Quenten Johnson—“Yay Yola” on stage—brings his story to life through music.

Born in Milwauke, Wisconsin, the rapper didn’t have an easy youth. Yay Yola was raised alongside his two siblings by a single-parent mother in a poverty-stricken neighborhood and later found himself incarcerated after being introduced to violence, gangs, and drugs at a young age. Despite a rough start, Yay Yola kept looking toward the future and found the motivation to rise. “I carry myself a certain way,” says Yay Yola about the expectations he holds for himself.

Yay Yola is a self-professed “observant guy—not quiet but laid back.” He’s also a family man, dedicated to his kids and wife. “I’m your everyday average guy. I treat people how I want to be treated. Respect is a two-way street.”

In regards to making music, Yay Yola doesn’t need a set process—he chooses to go along with the flow. “I hear a beat anytime of the day and stop what I’m doing and write the song in my mind first, then put it down on paper,” says the artist of his creative practice. The artist explores various topics of inspiration including his life over the years and the vibes and people around him.

When it comes time to lay down a track, “97% of the time before I go to the studio, I already got what I need,” explains Yay Yola. He’ll typically knock out three or four songs, then take them into the studio. The artist often works with his younger brother. (In fact, they’re working on another mixtape now.) At the end of the day, Yay Yola just wants to be heard. “I want people to hear my story. I put in so much pain and expression in a way that is heartfelt,” says the artist.

Yay Yola has overcome many obstacles in his 33 years of life. From jail time to doing what he felt he had to do to survive, the rapper has had his fair share of difficult moments. While he’s proud of how far he has come in life, it’s building his team and label that Yay Yola is proudest of.

Coming up next for Yay Yola are a few performances and video shoots. “I love it,” says the rapper of performing live. “The interaction with the crowd. Seeing them interact with me and listen to my words and fist pump me.” Be sure to catch Yay Yola on stage this summer.

To follow Yay Yola on social media and watch his video for “Playground,” check out the links below.

Watch "Yay Yola - Playground [Official Video]" on YouTube https://youtu.be/TeTiCfgLMRs

Instagram: @4_yola