From being born in Uganda to creating a scene for himself in Seattle, Young Mo Da Great describes his upbringing and what led him into making music. Introspective is a series of mixtapes Young Mo has put together but it also very much describes his style. Tune in below to hear his story and you can hear his lates music on Youtube here. Read his full interview below ⤵️! (Artist Submitted)
Young Mo Da Great
Thizzler: Where are you from? How was your upbringing?
Young Mo Da Great: I was born in Uganda and I moved to the Seattle area until I was 14. I had positive upbringing. Growing up, I saw my parents and other people around me work hard and earn an honest living. I apply that same work ethic towards music and making sure that I give the people thoughtful concepts that could transform their lives and expand human potential.
T: How did you begin making music?
YMDG: As a kid, I saw my friend in Uganda writing rap lyrics when we were in boarding school. That was my first introduction to rap, just hearing kids rap in Luganda and English. At first, I was just a fan. After I moved to the United States around 2006, I went to the recording studio with my cousin at the Boys and Girls Club in Federal way, Washington for the first time. As a teenager, this is where we would go to stay away from the troubles in the streets. One day my cousin took me with him to the studio and we recorded our first track. After hearing my voice on the beat for the first time, I became addicted to recording music. I have never stopped ever since.
T: How did you get your rap name?
YMDG: My birth name is Moses. My friends started calling me Young Mo, as a nickname. One day, a friend of mine was starting a rap group and I thought about joining them. He jokingly said, “we are going to call you Young Mo Da Great”. I liked it and I ran with it from there.
T: How would describe your musical style?
YMDG: My musical style is like an all you can eat buffet. When you come to me, you are going to hear everything. You may hear various subjects, various styles of hooks, and a diversity of musical sounds. My goal is to surprise the listener every time and to keep challenging my self as an artist creatively. Overall, I would describe my musical style as “introspective”.
T: Tell me about “On God”.
YMDG: Right now, I have a single out called “On God”. I believe no one has talked about God like this since Kanye West did “Jesus Walks”. It’s a one of the most powerful records I have written.
T: What inspired this new single?
YMDG: I began reflecting on fate vs freewill, with regards to my career as an artist. I arrived at the fact that everything is destiny and that there are no coincidences in life, what is destined shall indeed be. Since God is in control of our destiny, the song became about him. This is how I came up with the first line of the song, which says, “what God gave me you can’t take”.
T: How is it different than previous drops?
YMDG: This record comes at a time where the world needs it. With everything going on with the pandemic and corona virus, life has taught us that God is in control of everything. If all the most powerful nations in the world could not defeat the pandemic, just imagine what would happen if the lord abandoned us.
T: Is it part of a project? If so, can you tell me more about that?
YMDG: This record is the single off my project Introspective Volume 2. The spark of true change begins with Introspection. The Introspective mixtape series were inspired by the idea of creating a mental space where music can help people reflect on themselves and their surroundings. True change begins with an internal introspection, separate from your physical surroundings.
T: What message do you want fans to walk away with after listening to “On God”?
YMDG: After listening to this record, I want people to feel resilient. Trials and hardships are gifts that are designed to empower us to become stronger in faith and action.
T: What’s next?
YMDG: I plan on releasing the third installation of the mixtape series called Introspective Volume 3. When I am done with the mixtape series, I will release my debut album.
T: Is there anything else you want to say?
YMDG: Thank you taking your time listen to my story. I hope you can take away something positive from my music.
Check out my YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2j2dsteaB0OQd0U3P0QmfQ.
And follow my Instagram page for more content: https://www.instagram.com/youngmodagreat/
For booking shows, call 206-922-9643.
(Artist Submitted)