Interview: Meet E.G. Young

 

We recently sat down with E.G. Young this week and was given the opportunity to interview the newly emerging Southern Californian MC. Instead of focusing on just one project, or issue, we wanted our readers to meet EG Young for the first time, and get to know the man behind the mic, not just the most popular track on his YouTube channel. Born Geivon Cisneros in La Mirada, California, E.G. Young is a rapper and producer who can also hold a note on his own hooks. E.G. has been in the game since 2011 and is keeping the hype present with the recent release of his first free album, The Masterpiece. Accompanied by a tour, E.G. is quickly expanding his horizons in the Hip-Hop world and looks to further establish himself moving forward. E.G. Young is also a verified MTV artist and a student to The Avila Brothers, who are Grammy Award winning producers.

Style: An artist’s style and look is paramount to his or her first impression. Often, an artist’s choice on how they visually express themselves can be the difference between an intrigued fan, and an alienated hater. E.G. let’s us in on his thread game…

E.G. Young: “E.G. are initials. The E stands for Estilo, which means Style in Spanish and the G is my initial from my first name Geivon and Young was added because I was always the youngest person sitting in meetings or studio sessions. They always say “who’s this kid?” due to my baby face [haha]…”

E.G. Young: “I like to keep it simple most of the time, Jordan’s, Jeans and a regular fitted t shirt. I don’t like all that flashy custom stuff. It’s just not me. But depending on the occasion I will pull out the bow-ties and slacks.”

RESPECT.: Hip-Hop is home to so many unique fashion icons. Whose style/look do you admire most in hip-op right now?

E.G. Young: “In hip hop not really a lot because I’m a simple type dude, but in music I would say Michael Jackson of course. I love and respect what he did with his style.”

RESPECT.: Is there any trend right now you just don’t mess with?

E.G. Young: “I don’t do the whole dance-trendy-songs. It may work for those artist for one hit, but that’s it. So you won’t ever see me make a song based entirely on a dance.”

The Man behind the Mic: As an artist begins to transform him or herself into the persona they feel best represents what they’re trying to do, it’s important to gain an understanding of the human being behind it all. Here, E.G. Young opens up about his personal life…

RESPECT.: As you continue to devote a lot of your time to your career and develop as an artist, what keeps you centered and grounded?

E.G. Young: “First GOD. That’s for sure. My core fans & supporters help me stay humble, especially all of my people from my hometown, Inland Empire. They give me a lot of props and acknowledgment for putting on for our cities and that alone is overwhelming for me to the heart because it reminds me of when decided to do music I never had someone tell me, “Hey good job” or anything positive in general. In fact there was a time my own parents said I’m wasting my time in music.”

RESPECT.: At what moment did you know that a career in music was the path for you?

E.G. Young: “The moment i heard my voice recorded on a Panasonic tape player over some random instrumental, I thought it was the most amazing thing ever [haha]…”

RESPECT.: What’s one thing fans wouldn’t be able to guess about you?

E.G. Young: “That I write, arrange, and produce all of my music like a mini Kanye West. You know he does it all.

Also that I am heavily involved on the business side of music, not just a ‘Rapper.'”

E.G. Young: “IE is for Inland Empire and it’s about 40 minutes from LA and San Diego. I take pride from the area I was raised in. I was raised in several cities throughout the Inland Empire and went to 3 different high schools so represent it as a whole. I have love for all my cities, San Bernardino handling business with my bro Lil Tyson down to Perris which is where i graduated from. Class of 08 baby, lol. The people really support me and I take pride in the position they place me in representing the IE properly. It’s all a blessing.”

E.G. Young: “First of all, I love food! Anyone that knows me or follows me on social media can confirm this [haha]. I learned to balance time and meal prep, and also visit my favorite healthy food spots while being on the road. I definitely stay away from fast food places.”

RESPECT.: How would you describe your sound to someone unfamiliar with hip-hop?

E.G. Young:“Melodic flows with an actual concept or message in the music.”

RESPECT.: What’s your favorite song by yourself and why?

E.G. Young: “Man…This is a tough one. Honestly depends on the mood I’m in but I will tell you I am very excited about my upcoming release with my first major feature. I believe this is my best work yet. You will have to stay tuned with me I can’t say details yet on that.”

RESPECT.: What’s your favorite album of 2015 so far? Are you still waiting for it to drop?

E.G. Young: “It would have to be, If Your Reading This It’s Too Late by Drake, X by Ed Sheeren and also Sam Smith in The Lonely Hour.”

RESPECT.: With the recent success and release of your recent mixtape Masterpiece, whats next for E.G. Young?

E.G. Young:: “Well I’m always writing and recording new music so eventually ill gather them up and release another project but my main focus is this new record I mentioned featuring my first collaboration with a major artist. I have a whole team behind me now and ready to push in what I plan to be my breakthrough record.”

RESPECT.: As a producer as well as an artist, how involved are you in the production of your own music? Do you produce for other artists?

E.G. Young: “I’m involved from beginning to end on all my music. Writing, musical arrangement even to mixing and mastering. Yes, I produce for other artist as well, I’m excited about the most recent record I helped write & produce by London. A female singer I work very close with under my Hustle Division movement. That record will be releasing end of summer. I’m also featured on it. So be on the lookout for that.”

E.G. Young: “Yes, I set a whole blueprint out months before and create a campaign start raising awareness of the record and do a countdown till the day of release.”

RESPECT.: What are you trying to do or say with your music? Is there a specific message or end game?

E.G. Young:“I simply want to INSPIRE the people. I want to show everyone anything is truly possible especially coming from NOTHING with no support or financial backing I want help people understand that whatever your dream or passion may be, go pursue it and become it. No excuses at all. Music changed my life, it was the only thing there for me in my darkest times of life. I hope to possibly do the same for people out there with my music.”

RESPECT.: What separates you from others in your peer group trying to widen their exposure?

E.G. Young: “That I actually have something to say in my music rather than a trend or typical I got money and girls crap. I’m not basic. I love what I do and passionate about it.”

RESPECT.:What’s one component of your creative process unique from the average rapper?

E.G. Young: “I have developed an ear to music and what sounds sonically correct and feels right thanks to my mentors like Bobby Ross Avila, Joe Alfaro & ODM. They really spent time with me helping better my craft as a whole. I came into the music game only knowing how to do basic raps. Now I can literally due it all and I’m really good at it.”

After interviewing E.G. Young, its clear why so many fans support his movement. His honesty, work ethic and natural musical talent are the exact characteristics that will eventually carry him into the next tier of hip-hop artists. Considering the fact he’s already verified with MTV and has a major feature in the works, this progression into an established and well-recognized career in Hip-Hop could be a lot sooner than people think. Check out his website and YouTube channel (links below) for more music, news and announcements from E.G. Young. This man is not to be slept on.