Australia’s biggest r&b artist Youngn Lipz who graced the cover of NME Australia last weekend has just released his debut album ‘Area Baby’. Along with the 15-track album release, he’s also dropped the video to the title track ‘Area Baby’ and single Misunderstood Pt.2 ft M Huncho was premiered on DJ Target’s show last night which Kenny Allstar sat in for.

Only 22 years old, Youngn Lipz has previously rewarded the Hip Hop community with 5 of the singles from this project, all of which have provoked a welcoming reaction from his fans and been crucial in his growth. This album has been in the pipeline for longer than you think, the track ‘Misunderstood’ was released back in October 2019 and has taken a place on this 15-song album, not to anyone’s surprise as the track was a huge hit, achieving 23 million streams on Spotify alone. This was near on the start of when Youngn Lipz came into the limelight and from then on, his dreams have been coming true.

Youngn Lipz sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

I can’t really ever remember a time in my life when music wasn’t there, it was in my household growing , plus being Polynesian as a kid especially growing up singing in church. I always knew I could sing, but it was only when I was in my mid teens when I’d be kickin it with the boys, drinking, freestyling and that, that it clicked it was something I should pursue. Even then, it took a few years for me to realise that in order for me to take this shit as far as I want to, I needed to make sacrifices. And here we are.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

Shit, where do I begin? I mean, my dream collaborations would be Roddy Rich, Lil Baby, Lil Durk, NBA YoungBoy, Chris Breezy, Ty Dolla Sign, Pnb Rock even Boyz 2 Men. I fuck with the UK sound heavy too, some of my favourite UK artists are:

Burna Boy, J hus, OFB, Headie One, Abra Cadabra, Tion Wayne, Dave, Skepta, Stormzy, Jorja Smith even Ed Sheeran.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?

Covid has definitely thrown some curveballs at our plans, when it first hit in early 2020 I was about to embark on my first ever national tour of Australia, it was already sold-out and everything. But we obviously had to reschedule that, but thankfully I was able to make that tour happen a few months back. It’s impacted some of our international travel and touring plans, but it hasn’t really disrupted my output - we’re still going to the studio, making records, shooting videos, releasing albums. Just hanging out for things to return to normal so we can touch base in UK, USA, Europe...shit, everywhere.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I prefer to let my music do the talking, to be honest, it’s tough trying to describe music because that’s my favourite part about music - it can capture a feeling or emotion in much better ways than I can describe it. I’m just trying to make people feel good, smile, catch a vibe. I once heard someone describe my sound as melodic street RnB and I liked that.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

I’m grateful to have had a few of these moments lately but the biggest would have to be the release of my debut album ‘Area Baby’ last week. Seeing the response of my supporters, my community, everybody that’s shown love has been krazy all together. They told me yesterday that my album was in the Top 10 most streamed albums globally on Spotify on its release weekend, and number 5 most streamed albums on Spotify UK. Still can’t believe that now so ye.. Only up from here. God is good.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Stay true to yourself, back yourself, be prepared to make sacrifices and put in hours and hours of work. I would also say, don’t let your pride become an obstacle to reaching your dreams. And surround yourself with a solid team.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

The scene here in Australia is having a hectic movement currently, lots of up and coming artists cutting through - I’d say you guys need to check out Blueboy, who’s an inspirational artist from my ends who is doing his thing. Shoutout Blue, that’s my boy.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Sheff G, Sleepy Hallow, Blxst & Bino Rideaux, Wallie the sensie, Roddy Ricch, lil baby & lil durk, polo g

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Straight out, just kick back with my peoples, my fams, my girl. We’re currently in fkn lockdown in Sydney so our options are limited, so my PS5 is getting a lot of use. Plenty of online shopping too haha.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

A fat beat, a little something to sip on...and a reliable engineer. Shoutout to the engineers and producers who know what they’re doing. Makes a big difference ay.