Ideas about what it means to be an independent artist in Hip Hop have changed drastically in the last ten to fifteen years. With the exception of rap pioneers like Pastor Troy and Master P, being an independent rapper was normally seen as a way to get the attention of a major record label. A sort of musical purgatory where your creative and financial success is limited.
Modern Indie artists have fully embraced this ideology by giving birth to some of the greatest talents in popular culture. With funding cuts by record labels and the rise of social media, many artists have now developed their own branding and marketing tools. As a result, this generation of artists redefined rap by bringing the “hustle” back to Hip Hop. Not only do they make great music, but people pay attention. With the click of a mouse, I can download the whole mixtape. This kind of accessibility is critical in creating a robust buzz. While many of these items can be said for other genres of music, Hip Hop differs from its musical counterparts in that at its core, Hip Hop is a passion. Hip Hop is victory. Like water, the freshest sources can be found “under the ground”. Undamaged and unpackaged for mainstream consumption, independent rap artists are able to contribute as much to culture as any big name rapper. The future of Hip Hop can be described in three easy words: Young. Business. Thought.
I’m very excited to hear that I will be interviewing the band YBM because I like young people and are very ambitious. Apart from making incredible and infectious music, this rap duo has a story to tell. A story that combines passion and triumph—one I’m sure the world will hear one day.
Make half of the pair is Efficient. After serving our country for over eight years as a service technician, this Albany native decided to pursue his passion for music. Since then, he has survived through the departure of his wife, in addition to the birth of his two beloved kids. Reecialago, who was born in Germany, moved to Oakland California as a teenager. The Al Paso, Texas-based group was formed after a studio session where the two rappers hit it off with each other. Since then, they’ve continued to make big hits like their most recent YouTube success “I Do”, in addition to going on tour.
After conducting the interview, I did not know what to expect from the two rappers who seem to have everything going their own way. I opened the interview by breaking the ice with a corny joke about the weather and quickly braced myself for a number of responses.
What instantly struck me was how right down to earth the two men were.
“What does YBM stand for??” I ask.
They both chuckled before replying, “Young Business Minds.
For the next 40 minutes we discussed what appeared to be everything. Starting from their childhood to their taste in music.
We also discuss precisely what they would do if music was never an option for them. Reecialago shared that he does not mind becoming a barber, while Efficial has a previous career in the military to make a comeback.
Meaghan: “Given you both have such a great diversity from across the United States, what other artists have inspired you musically?”
Efficient: “Growing up, I always listened to my stepfather’s music. We listen to a lot of people like TI and Nas.”
Reecialago: “I remember going to visit my dad and listening to Boosie. It was a really different sound than everybody else in California did. I love it. “
Both rappers agree that this influence had a major impact on their sound. The infectious hooks and southern-style beats give YBM a distinct sound that’s hard to disregard.
Meaghan: “Musically, what are you doing and what new projects can we expect from you in the near future?”
Reecialago: “We in fact just performed in Albuquerque New Mexico. And we have a self-titled mixtape set coming out August 22ndt This year.”
Meaghan: “What is YBM’s contribution to the Rap Game?”
Reecialago: Substance!
Another observation I made during the interview was how focused the two of them were. They know precisely where they want their music to go and what will take them there.
“We can separate fiction from reality.” Reecialago said.
“we know ourselves, added Efficient
Many of the key points I gathered during my interviews with YBM revolved around “being real”, or being genuine to yourself. Both have successfully used their diversified backgrounds as a catalyst in their success.
Efficient proved this when he opened up about his wife’s suicide a year ago.
“I’m a father so I must move on. It’s not about me anymore.”
Meaghan: “Where do you see yourselves 1 year from now?”
Reecialago: “We have a good team so I’m sure next year the world will know YBM.”
Despite the hardships and hardships, the two men have continued to maintain a focus that is difficult to find in many artists in their positions.
Not to mention, their music is unbelievably good.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the YBM band.
