Young Don - 10 Questions
Young Don returns in style for UK Rap fans with the announcement of his new music and 5 years on since ‘Weatherman 2’ which was hosted by DJ Khaled.
No stranger to the music industry having being introduced to it by his uncle Danny Sims, who was instrumental in Bob Marley's early career.
He’s performed on Big Brother’s Big Mouth, BBC Switch, gained plays on MTV, Flava, BET, The Box, Chartshow and AKA to name a few and has toured with American rapper Rick Ross, Chipmunk, Lethal Bizzle, Labrinth and more.
Young Don 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?
Firstly, my Dad was a musician who went by the name of ‘Smiley Culture’. I used to watch him on TV as he had he’s own TV show called ‘Club Mix’ on Channel 4 and I use to see him doing adverts. I think watching him and listening to his music made me believe music was the way forward and I grew a passion for music when I was like 10 years old when I when I started my own sound system and became a DJ and also performed songs I wrote in front of 1000’s in Brixton Academy and Brockwell Park reggae Super Jam. As I grew older I started make my own music and shoot videos which gave me courage to take on music in the future.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
My influences are Gucci Man and DJ Khaled who I’ve worked with.
Jay Z is also a big influence and I would like to work with him in the future for sure.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?
My biggest problem during the pandemic was that I made a lot of music and weren’t able to shoot music videos for the songs as freely as I would like to have. I enjoy and have a passion for shooting videos to my music.
4. How would you describe your sound?
My sound is UK Street Rap. As I’m a product of my environment and I try to rap about real life situations which I’ve either gone through or witnessed.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
My proudest moment as an artist so far was when I was when I worked with international artist like Gucci Mane and DJ Khaled and shot videos with them. I did this at a time where UK Rap artist weren’t really doing features with the Americans and I believe I helped break a barrier in that area.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Yes, persevere and do it if your passionate about it and not because everyone else is doing music. Be patient and work hard to perfect your craft.
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
I like a guy who I recently worked with called Vory from America. He has about three tracks on Kanye West new Donda album and features all over Meek Mills last EP ‘Quarantine Pack’. In the UK the guys who are featured on my new project ‘Weatherman 3’, are all very good rappers and I believe they are all ones to watch out for.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
I don’t listen to much music. I have to continuously listen to my own material to look for any mistakes in the mixes but when I do have time I like to listen to a bit of EST GEE and Lil Durk.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I like to do business and create opportunities within the music industry and develop my artist I have signed to my label or who I manage.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
I have to have a phone charger, good critics in the session and a little bit of alcohol to put me in my zone.