MDK Yayo is a rising artist from Jackson, Alabama that has begun to make waves in the Southern hip-hop scene. Yayo began rapping in 10th grade and did what aspiring artists continue to do to this day. He found some people with a similar vision and started a group called “Self Made.” Unfortunately, as what happens in a lot of cases, time moved on and the group split up due to people losing sight of the vision and getting caught up in the streets.
In 2012, MDK Yayo had stopped rapping, he had never planned to but again, life happens, you gotta work, handle your bills and all that so sometimes the passions have to rest on the back burner. This lasted up until 2019 and ever since then MDK has been on a tear.
Dropping 2 EPs in 2019 and 2 already now in 2020! His latest tap MDK Vibes is a 7-track banger that has melody and bop along with life hardened lyrics that tell the MDK story. MDK (Million Dollar Kid) is a group, not necessarily a rap group, of homies that began in high school. Sadly one of the members, MDK Rick, was murdered in April of this year. Prayers to him and his family/friends.
Long Live MDK Rick.
MDK Yayo – MDK Vibes EP
Exclusive MDK Yayo Interview
This interview was edited for clarity*
What got you into creating music?
“My mom bought me a camera when I was young. I would make videos while playing the albums I had and it really just grew from there.”
How has your personal music taste helped you evolve as an artist?
“I really listen to everything so there are a lot of different places I can get inspired by. Really though I’m just trying to be myself. I want to create my own lane and enjoy making the music that comes to me naturally or in the moment.”
What has been the biggest thing you’ve had to overcome while chasing your dreams as a musical artist?
“Balancing my rap life with my personal life. I’ll just be doing my thing with my kids and complete strangers will just walk right up to me. I appreciate the support and all but there’s a time and a place and it’s definitely not when I’m with my kids.”
Using your platform as an artist what would accomplish/make an impact on outside of music?
“I actually had a meeting with the city council on the 29th of June. I’m trying to set up some sort of after school programs like the Boys and Girls Club. Just give these kids somewhere to go and something to do other than hang around in the streets.”
Would you want to move anywhere else to further your career. Or are you happy where you are and what to bring more attention there?
“I just want to expand as an artist. East, West, I don’t care as long as I can build a fan base that rock with me I’m happy.”
If you could collaborate with any artist alive right now, who would it be?
“Lil Durk or Lil Baby, they both dope, and I been a fan of Lil Durk for a while.”
Stream MDK Yayo
Follow MDK Yayo
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
