Aftermath Music recently had the opportunity to speak with Ya Boy briefly to discuss Dr. Dre, The Game, Aftermath and BWS. We also discussed his projects and what you can expect in the future! This interview contains many different questions and answers.
INTERVIEW: July 12, 2005
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INTRODUCING YA BOY
Aftermathmusic.com:
1st off, thank you for taking the time to give Aftermath Music this interview. Which mood are you in at the moment and what have you been up to recently?
Ya Boy:
Fasho, I`m in a focused mood right now. Lately I jus been in tha studio makin history. I`m grindin like no other at tha moment gettin the buzz worldwide.
Aftermathmusic.com:
So how are things going, man?
Ya Boy:
Matter fact as we speak I`m in tha Document Room, a 9 million studio in Malibu. Knockin out a classic.
Aftermathmusic.com:
Please introduce yourself to the fans. Tell us about your childhood and how and where did u grow up?
Ya Boy:
My name is Ya Boy. I grew up in tha Bay Area, in tha streets of San Francisco, where drugs an murder is everywhere. I manage to stay focused on my raps under the influence of my older cousin San Quinn, a Bay Area legend. Growin up I lost a lot of friends to tha gun. And jus helped me push forward to become who I'm today, tho.
Aftermathmusic.com:
Do you have any crazy stories you wanna talk about?
Ya Boy:
Not really.
Aftermathmusic.com:
How would you describe yourself?
Ya Boy:
I describe myself as a star.
Aftermathmusic.com:
When did you start rapping?
Ya Boy:
3 years ago. I seriously started rapping, I was 18.
Aftermathmusic.com:
Who were your biggest influences that helped you pursue Hip Hop music?
Ya Boy:
Tupac, The Cash Money Niggaz, San Quinn, Jadakiss. An jus any rapper that made that hood shit look an sound good.
Aftermathmusic.com:
If you take a look at all of your qualities, what do you think it is that makes you successful, in terms of your style, ambitions or personality?
Ya Boy:
I think, It's tha fact that I try to be different than everyone else. If I see 10 Niggaz doin 1 thing I'm a purposly stand out by doin somethin else. Plus I'm a quik learner. I catch on shit very fast.
Aftermathmusic.com:
The West Coast is hungry right now. What new aspect do you feel you can bring to the rap game?
Ya Boy:
I'm tellin u ima bring straight fire. I will make tha Westcoast stand up. If you haven't heard of Ya Boy - Ask somebody. I'm a beast.
Aftermathmusic.com:
What has been your best career decision and why?
Ya Boy:
My best career decision was to jus stay on my grind and keep developin my skills. U go through a lof of shit in this rap game that might make u quit sometimes. But u gotta stick through it, cuz it get's greater later.
THE GAME & BWS
Aftermathmusic.com:
The Game is one of Hip Hops hottest new stars, and has released one of last years best albums: "The Documentary". How do you feel about The Games recent role in putting the West back on the map?
Ya Boy:
I feel The Game is one of the greatest lyricist in Hip Hop, not to mention he's like a big brother to me. He did a good job puttin tha West back on the map.
Aftermathmusic.com:
How did you hook up with him?
Ya Boy:
Through my uncle Phat Rat. Me and Phat Rat have also started my own label PRECISE MUSIC. Also check out
http://www.yaboymusic.com and
http://www.myspace.com/yaboyAftermathmusic.com:
What type of feedback did you get from people about your work with The Game & BWS?
Ya Boy:
I mean, u get tha haters as u do wit everything u do in this world. And then u get tha real mu'fuckaz love it and who jus care about ur work and how talented u are. So I was congratulated an hated on, not too many haters tho.
Aftermathmusic.com:
The fans wanted that you speak on PhatRat.
Ya Boy:
I mean, tha nigga is nuts. He's one of the smartest niggas in music to me.
Aftermathmusic.com:
What can you tell us about Game's second LP? Will it still be on Aftermath?
Ya Boy:
All Ima say about his second album is: ITS A 12 OUT OF 10!
Aftermathmusic.com:
Has The Black Wall Street gotten a distribution deal, if so from whom?
Ya Boy:
I don't want to speak ony any details until they're 100 percent.
Aftermathmusic.com:
Any other news on The Black Wall Street?
Ya Boy:
New Mixtape with DJ Skee is comin end of July. It's Banannaz.
DR. DRE & AFTERMATH
Aftermathmusic.com:
I heard Aftermath is interested in you? What can you say about it?
Ya Boy:
I can say that I`m in development right now to make myself the best rapper in tha game right now. Aftermath is definetely my 1st choice of a home.
Aftermathmusic.com:
Dre said: "Ya Boy marks the beginning of the next episode of Westcoast fury." What do you think about this comment?
Ya Boy:
I mean, comin' from Dre that's like Mike Jordan talkin about Lebron James. The Doc is a legend.
Aftermathmusic.com:
Have you worked with Dre. When can we expect some tracks?
Ya Boy:
I haven't worked wit Dre yet. That "yet" hopefully will be one day soon. Jus me bein in the presence of the Math camp is like me workin on my jumpshot wit tha bulls of the 90's. It's all a learning experience.
Aftermathmusic.com:
Aftermath is the powerhouse of the industry. How do you feel being affiliated with them?
Ya Boy:
I feel like when it's my time to shine. It's goin to get ugly.
Aftermathmusic.com:
Have you worked with any other artists in the Shady/Aftermath family?
Ya Boy:
I'm goin to work with Bishop Lamont. That's my dawg. That dude is a beast, too.
Aftermathmusic.com:
That's hot Boy. Now working with this standard of producer can only push you to higher creativity standards. There is no failing under the Aftermath umbrella. Do you believe you have advanced a great deal since working with The Game?
Ya Boy:
Yes, I feel like 100 times better than I was at this time last year. And I