You have to admit, ATL has vigorously pushed the music agenda forward with their latest stream of artists. YN Billy represents the new wave of trap music, and with his most recent singles, Billy poised to be the next big thing from Georgia. Today, RESPECT. sat down with YN Billy as he unveils his new project, Redville.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Billy briefly lived in Canada and Barbados before moving to Atlanta at the age nine. The fascination with money, drugs, guns, and girls instantly became fuel for YN Billy’s music. The thirst for fast life is present throughout Billy’s tit-for-tat bars and no-frills visuals. In late-2018, the Atlanta emcee took off with his single “Toaster,” which is produced by Miguel Da Plug. At the top of the year, YN Billy shared his debut EP, Slatt.
It wasn’t long until YN Billy picked up the attention of Sailing Team-affiliate Digital Nas thanks to his buzzing track “Bud.” YN Billy details the encounter: “his little brother showed him my song and he DM’ed me right away.” The two extensively worked together on a number of songs, including their explosive street anthem “Red Rag” which arrives weeks before Redville. Not to mention, the visuals include a high-profile cameo from Lil Yachty.
How did you get the name YN Billy?
I got the name YN Billy from my older brother. The “Billy” part comes from me being in Billy in Georgia. I used to go by Yan_Nick, that comes from my real name.
You grew up in many different areas including Jamaica and Canada, did you learn anything while staying there?
Not really, I just experienced different cultures. I grew up a little bit of every so I got everything in me, different cultural backgrounds. I was young, five through nine when we were moving around, so I didn’t really learn much.
How did you get into music?
I used to freestyle to challenges on Instagram. So I was freestyling in the car with my friend one day and I had went stupid on it. So he went to the studio and asked me if I wanted to go, I went with him. I was probably like fifteen, I made a song with him and one by myself.
Last year you dropped your debut EP, Slatt, how would you compare it to your forthcoming project Redville?
Slatt was just the trailer to Redville. Redville is just ten times harder.
Why did you choose “Red Rag” as the lead single for the project?
I really chose “Red Rag” to build the hype up for the project. I had dropped the song and video, and Lil Yachty was in there. I really just feel like that song is a preview of what’s going to be on the project. I got some fire stuff and some music you can just vibe to on there.
What’s the next move after Redville?
I really just want to go on tour.
Lastly, how did your relationship with Digital Nas develop?
He saw me on Instagram. His little brother showed him my song and he DM’ed me right away. I met him like that, that’s when I had went to the studio that same night. I made the song “Heavyweight” and ever since then, I just been fucking with him. That’s my boy.
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