Blake Yung
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Blake Yung

Los Angeles, California, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2014 | SELF

Los Angeles, California, United States | SELF
Established on Jan, 2014
Solo Alternative Hip Hop

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"Blake Yung Talks Speaker Knockerz’ Influence On The Rap Game"

Blake Yung is here to prove he has the talent to thrive in this rap game. While he started out playing guitar in a metal band, the rockstar turn rapper quickly found his footing by writing and toplining for some well-known artists in the industry. As he awaits his first placement (slated for this year), he discovered his own voice and ability to have full creative control over his music.

Recently unleashing his single “Low Key,”the artist formerly known as Capo Cheeze is excited as hell to be working with Supah Mario and Mark Batson on his forthcoming debut project.

AllHipHop caught up with the South Carolina native to chat about his friendship Speaker Knockerz and the late rapper’s influence on the rap game, opening for Young Dro, and a normal day in his life.


AllHipHop: Talk about working with the Speaker Knockerz.

Blake Yung: That was my homie, me and him grew up in South Carolina together. I’ve known him since 2012. We did our first record together in 2013 in Atlanta. First song we did was on his mixtape Finesse Father, which is downloaded over a million times. The song itself is called “Boring,” it has almost half a million streams on Youtube, Spotify, all that stuff. He’s one of my good friends. Unfortunately, he passed away. We actually worked together on a good 2 or 3 other songs before he passed away.

AllHipHop: He was young too.

Blake Yung: He was 19 at the time. It was crazy. His parents haven’t talked about it too much, they haven’t really let the story out. I just know it was some heart complications.

AllHipHop: How did that affect you personally?

Blake Yung: It was really rough man, because I knew him really well. I had just seen him a week before. Talked to him a couple days before. It’s sad but it’s really cool to have seen someone like that start a trend so young and so early. People today are still taking from that years later. He was definitely a pioneer of our new sound.


AllHipHop: What is the trend/new sound?

Blake Yung: I think it’s safe to say that he started the whole “Flexin & Finessin” “jugg” rap wave. I guess some people would call it “mumble rap,” but how he rapped over melodic beats with trap drums — with HEAVY auto tune with catchy ad libs, he brought that youthful competitor energy we see so much of right now. Even people like Lil Uzi and Nav have adopted the style and shouted him out in freestyles.

AllHipHop: Who’s in your Top 5?

Blake Yung: Definitely Speaker Knockerz, definitely. Post Malone. Listening to a lot of Tame Impala recently. I really like Nav. I was a big fan of the old Nav before he blew up. Belly, all those Toronto rappers are really dope. Definitely The Weekend is one of my top favorite artists. And Yung Pinch.

AllHipHop: Talk about opening for Migos & Young Dro.

Blake Yung: Young Dro was at a Fourth of July event we did back home in South Carolina. It actually rained that day, but there was still a good amount of people who came out. [chuckles] I was really young when I did that. I was 21. It was really fun. That was something DJ B-Lord, a big DJ back home, set up. That’s probably the first big opening show I did. The Migos show was at Soundstage, which was a big venue that's not there anymore. That was a super fun show. It was like 5,000 people, super turnt up. We performed 2 or 3 things just me and my friend. It was fun.

Low Key - Single by Blake Yung
Low Key - Single by Blake Yung
Preview, download or stream Low Key - Single by Blake Yung

AllHipHop: What is your take on the music industry?

Blake Yung: It's a shady industry for sure. But like anything else, it has its good sides and bad sides. You can't have the good without the bad. It's definitely a tough business. I’ve learned a lot since I've been involved.

AllHipHop: What’s a normal day in the life? Walk us through.

Blake Yung: I wake up, smoke a Backwood or two, hit a couple fat dabs, figure out what I'm finna grub on. Drink lots of water, you gotta have your water as soon as you get up. I’m hopping on my email to see what the business is for the day, usually it’s a studio session, photoshoot or meeting with my manager, etc. I just play it by ear. I don't like to plan anything out too much, s##t changes last minute.

AllHipHop: Dream collab?

Blake Yung: The Weekend. - AllHipHop


"Slidin’ Thru: Blake Yung"

Blake Yung is no longer remaining “Low Key,” as evidenced in his long-awaited debut single. The South Carolina native formerly known as Capo Cheeze is the definition of versatile, finding his identity as a former rockstar turned MC. The 28-year-old is no stranger to the entertainment industry — a walking testimony to all those with a dollar and a dream. Read more..

Currently residing in Tarzana, real name Matt Young has barely been in LA 6 months and somehow finds himself in sessions with some of the biggest names in music spanning all genres. What began as songwriting and toplining for others soon transitioned into his own art, currently spending his waking minutes perfecting his first full-length project. Production alone is handled by Supah Mario (Drake) and Mark Batson (Eminem, Alicia Keys, Maroon 5).



For those who don’t know, who is Blake Yung?
I’m a hip-hop artist and topliner. Been doing music for probably 10 years now. Just changed my name to Blake Yung from my other name, Capo Cheeze. I’ve been under this new alias for 3 months, literally put out my first new single under my new name. Still trying to figure that out.

What made you change your name?
Just going for something a little more international, instead of being boxed into an urban type mindset. I started writing a lot for other people, working on pop records and toplining for different people. Trying to approach a wider audience.

Who have you written for?
I’ve been working with this girl named Ashlee Keating, a pop artist. She’s got some good songs out. Kevin Pollari, he’s got a bunch of stuff out right now. He’s from Atlanta but based in LA. E.B. which is Eazy-E’s daughter, she’s managed by my manager. I’ve been helping her. Omar Kadir, Canadian guy who lives out here. Emani 22, super fire.

So you started out songwriting?
Well I started playing guitar in a metal band, then transitioned into hip-hop. Literally started writing for other people this year, so I’m sort of new.

Can you talk about turning from rockstar to MC?
It’s pretty much the same. I was in a metal band, it was 5 of us. I played the guitar. Nobody really took it as serious as me. People not showing up to practice, slacking off, etc. I figured “yo if I do hip-hop, I could literally get a beat, do everything myself. Be my own brand and move at my own pace.” I didn’t really have to answer to anyone, that’s pretty much the main reason I decided to do it.

Why should people fuck w/ you?
My music is dope! I definitely got a good message. You should be who you are and not worry about what anybody else thinks. I know it’s kind of cliche, everyone says that, but that’s really what it boils down to. I’m for the people and I’ve got some good music.

Being from Colombia, South Carolina, how does that play into your life and career?
Colombia is a small town so everybody knows everybody. You gotta work really hard where I’m from to get the recognition that you deserve, so I took that with me on the road out here. Brought it into my work ethic and really try to work as hard as possible.



What were you seeing growing up?
Well I have a half-brother and a half-sister, so I was like an only child. My sister lives in California, my brother’s back home, so I had to entertain myself. I played sports growing up, then got into music when I got my first guitar at 15. Ever since then, just hit the ground running. Haven’t stopped at all.

Are you able to incorporate the guitar with the hip-hop?
Absolutely. I have some tracks I play some solos on. On the production side, definitely dabbling here and there when it comes to producing my own stuff. Nothing too crazy yet, but working on it for sure.

How important is it to come to LA as an up and coming artist?
It’s really important actually. Since I’ve been out here I’ve had a lot more opportunity and have definitely found a better direction for myself to go with my music. It’s really important to be in a big entertainment hub. LA is the capital for that right now.

You’ve been here for 6 months. Favorite part about the West Coast?
The weed. [laughs]

At what point did you realize this music thing was for real?
That;s a good question, probably as soon I split from the band. We were actually on the verge of getting signed to a deal and going on tour, so I knew I was cut out for it at that point. As soon as I started doing hip-hop, I put all of my marbles together. I’m like “I gotta make this work,” probably 4 or 5 years ago in 2015.



You recently dropped “Low Key.” What was the mindstate in recording this?
It’s really just a fun song. It started as a song I originally was gonna send to someone else. I cut the hook, then my manager’s like “yo I really like the song.” We listened to it more and decided to keep it. Really going for a club vibe, something super melodic but chill with some trap drums. Something fun really, nothing too serious.

How was the release party in LA?
It was awesome! It was super fun. The DJ spun the song a couple times, all my good friends came out. We had a little quick turn up vibe, just networking. It was cool, a short little event. I’m trying to set one up in South Carolina as well. Spread it to my hometown.

What is it you want fans to get from your story?
It goes back to my message: I really want people to understand they could do anything and anything is literally possible. In this day in age, you can just be yourself. You don’t have to worry about being boxed in or feeling like you gotta be this and that. Just be whatever you wanna be.

What can we expect music-wise?
You can expect a lot. Definitely a full-length album this year, lots of singles and videos on the way. Hopefully my first writing credit will come out this year. Been doing a lot of writing but none of it’s out yet. That’s all in the works right now. Some shows coming up, hopefully hit the road and go on tour this year or next.



What are some goals yourself as an artist at this point of your career?
#1 records, that’s the main goal. Just to keep spreading and progressing every time we put out a record. Expanding the fanbase. Basically taking over inch by inch if we have to.

What are some of the struggles being independent?
Of course budget and financial, that’s always a struggle starting out. That’s really the biggest thing, getting people to take you seriously. Obviously without any press and writeups, it’s tough at first. When you start a new sound, a new wave, people are afraid to get behind it until they see other people supporting it. When you doing something new, it’s always rough at first.

3 things you need in the studio?
Gotta have the weed, gotta have some water for sure, and some fire food.

What kind of food you like?
I’m all about the street tacos out here. Always pizza, any type of sandwiches. Gotta have candy like Sour Patch Kids. Whatever you need to set the vibe. Welch’s® Fruit Snacks. [chuckles]

How important is social media for your career?
It’s pretty important, but it’s not as important as most people think it is in our generation right now. I’m a firm believer that if your music and brand is good, you don’t really have to do all of that stuff, like reach out and do all these viral videos. We live in a very interesting time. It’s definitely a tool, but you should use it as tool and not solely depend on it.

Favorite person to follow on IG?
Action Bronson. He’s a funny guy. That’s definitely my favorite person.

What’s the best encounter you had with a fan?
The thing is, I’ve only been out here for 6 months. Most of my core fanbase is back home in South Carolina. Since I’ve changed my name, I haven’t been directly back to see anyone yet. But people tweeting me in general from random states. From the work I did with Speakers Knockerz in some small town in Milwaukee telling me to come do a show, it’s crazy. The shit can travel that fast through the internet. They’re young kid, like 14 to 16, it’s like wow. It’s pretty nuts.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to do what you do?
Don’t waste time overthinking stuff like I did. Just dive right in immediately. Don’t let anyone tell you what to do. Don’t worry about what anyone thinks about you. Don’t spend time on any of that shit. Focus on your craft because everyone has the same 24 hours. It’s really what you could do with your time even if you don’t have a lot. Use what you have and slowly roll the ball forward. - Young California


"Blake Yung’s new single is “Low Key” Lit!"

Breakout Artist, Blake Yung releases his hot new single, “Low Key”. The South Carolina rapper’s new song is a combination of laid back undertones with the glitz and glam of the “Rockstar” life. An anthem for celebrities and the popular, this is a perfect summer vibe if you’re into causing a scene, driving fast, designer clothes, and moving like a Rockstar!

Blake Yung, formerly known as Capo Cheeze, has opened up for huge artists such as the Migos, French Montana, etc. Look out for this young star on the rise with his album dropping this fall! - The Hype Magazine


"Rapper Blake Yung Releases Hot New Single, ‘Picture Perfect’"

Picture Perfect is the second release for Blake Yung and produced by Supah Mario & Ye Ali. This smash single is about searching for that perfect someone and inspired by the feeling of loneliness. Picture perfect for Blake is that special someone who makes him feel a little less lonely and more complete.

Blake Yung will be performing at The West Music Festival in Ontario, CA headlined by acts such as Hip Hop legend Ice Cube, Roddy Ricch, and many more on September 20, 2019. You can expect a full-length EP, executive produced by Supah Mario for Blake Yung’s debut coming soon! - The Hype Magazine


"Blake Yung Releases ‘I’m Fine’ EP And Single "WILDFLOWER""

Singer Blake Yung is back with a batch of new music on his new EP "I'm Fine."

Blake Yung returns with his brand new single titled “WILDFLOWER” featuring Mod Sun, part of his 3-part EP.

The Los Angeles-based alternative rapper came up as the guitar player of a metal band, before discovering his own talents in the urban space.

In an exclusive interview with AllHipHop, the South Carolina native explained his friendship with Speaker Knockerz and doing a whole tape together.

Fast forward to 2020, he releases his new project titled I’m Fine, in perfect timing as we’re all quarantined in our homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.


“'WILDFLOWER' is modern love song, descriptively walking you through the tale of heartbreak and the constant tug and pull of what it’s like to be in love with someone toxic and not good for you. Blake states. “It’s about falling in love with the pain and learning to love something you know probably isn’t good for you, but you like it in the moment. Inspiration came from getting my heart broken for the first time and going through that first breakup that changes you. I’m pretty everyone goes through at some point in time.”

Blake hopes listeners can learn that as humans, we all go through the same emotions and that it’s okay to express your feelings however you feel best.

A lot of the current music out only highlights the glitz and glamour but Blake’s here to write songs that express his mood in the moment — whether it be optimistic or sad, just whatever he’s feeling.

At the same time, he hopes for his fans to understand more about who Blake Yung is, and what tones to expect from his songs in the future. - AllHipHop


"Hidden Gemz: Blake Yung"

Blake Yung, another hidden gem of talent, has been generating music since 2007. First, in an intense hardcore rock band, and then taking a serious flip into his versatile style of alternative rock rap fusion in 2012. Yung is influenced by the likes of Lil Wayne, Guns N Roses, and Blink-182.
Through personal discovery, I stumbled upon Yung, on Twitter, and I am glad that I did. He fits into this series of artist features, because he is tied to the music he makes. These tracks are his story, a voyage through his emotional narrative.
He was among one of the first artist I found for my Hidden Gem series. His 2019 single, “Low Key” resembled a Post Malone, Travis $cott, or Machine Gun Kelly track. I messed heavy with this track, the mingling of the guitar, high-hats, electronic-drum 808 style beat, with Blake’s rap flow. Play this one for you and the homies riding around in the evening getting up to no good.
He captures and rides the wave of the beat. He is consistent with riding the track’s beat, creating lyrics that voice personal emotion, and provokes such of the listeners.
This stands true to the artist’s new EP “I’m Fine”, it recently dropped on April 17th,2020.
From track one, I knew this EP would be packed-in with emotionally impacted lyrics, guitar infused beats, and easy-going rap flow.
“Wildflower”: On Blake’s first, he teams up with MOD SUN, hippy hop artist, former drummer of Four Letter Lie. They deliver a tale of the partner they fell deeply for, just to find out the true colors of who their partner really was. This rings true in lyrics:
Took you for an angel, really you a demon
The beat switches up once Yung hits the chorus, MOD SUN comes through afterwards to spit his verse and declare his heart ache of a love connection lost.
“Limit”: From the opening, with just acoustic guitar riffs Blake’s voice, as if he’s just reciting chapter from his persona journal. The sound forced a pure and raw connection. A tale of love lost,a lonely journey of self reflection, a song of heart break. This song provoked this dreamy acoustic version of love. That type of love that just might save you, from yourself. I admire the whole EP, but “Limit” is my top favorite, just because it was a track that displays Blake’s pure sound, his vocals and guitar.
“Time”: This heartbreak narrative continues on track three with a feature from Orlando,Florida’s rapper, Caskey, the last track of the EP. A failed love because of a lover’s dishonesty. One line that stands out is:
Change up on me, like the time
If you have had the luxury to be in love or fall for someone else, you may have also had the misfortune of broken trust. “Time” plays off this bleak experience.
All in all, if you are looking for a heart break recovery, alternative-rap EP, Blake Yung brings it all together for you in this project.
Listening to Blake’s EP, you should give production props to Eric Von and Cameron Nadler. - Taylor Listens: A Music Journal


"BLAKE YUNG | I'M FINE"

Blake Yung, formally known as Capo Cheeze, has dropped a huge EP containing just 3 songs. I’m Fine is Blake’s debut EP under his new re-branded persona. Wildflower, Limit and Time are windows into the life of Blake Yung dealing with love and heartbreak. Seamlessly crafted and thought out, I’m Fine delivers on every level from front to back.


Blake Yung · Wildflower (feat. Mod Sun)
I wanted to focus on Wildflower for this review. Blake Yung released this as a single and I think it brings a fresh sound both melodically and lyrically. Wildflower is a concept about being in love with someone toxic, showcased in a uniquely creative way. Mod Sun also brings it in his verse. When paired with the other songs on I’m Fine, it creates a really interesting story and perspective on love and heartbreak.

It’s about falling in love with the pain and learning to love something you know probably isn’t good for you, but you like it in the moment.

- Blake Yung

I’m Fine displays the vulnerable side of what someone can go through and deal with. I really appreciate this about Blake Yung. It takes a lot of courage to be open, express how you feel, and hope that people receive it well. I’m Fine accomplishes what Blake set out to do, show that everyone is human, deals with emotions and that it’s okay to express that. - NOTNOBODY


Discography

American rapper and singer Blake Yung has released one EP, four singles, and one music video.

  • April 26 2019, his first single "Low Key" was released. 
  • August 9, 2019 "Picture Perfect". 
  • August 16, 2019 "Euphoria". 
  • April 2, 2020, his first EP "I'm Fine" was released. Tracks on the EP include "Wildflower" "Limits" and "Time". 
  • July 17, 2020, he was featured on German artist mwelly's song "Insomnia".

His latest single "DRONEZ" from his debut album "Leader of the Lost Souls" is scheduled to release September 24, 2020.

Photos

Bio

Blake Yung (born Matthew Blake Young on November 12th, 1991 in Columbia South Carolina), is an American singer-songwriter/rapper with a unique and incredible story. Once a former guitarist, he was first involved in the Metal/Hardcore scene at age 15. He later transitioned his focus and passion to rapping, which led him to discover and embrace a whole new approach to his music! Blake began his official rap career as Capo Cheeze, following the release of his debut single “She The Truth”. In doing so, He solidified a concrete fan base from his songs with young music mogul Speaker Knockerz such as “Boring” “Smoke It”and “Life”. 

It doesn’t matter what style he adopts: He always stands out and finds a way to push the boundaries further each time he creates. Blake is a firm believer that music is first and foremost a matter of personal expression, and is excited to share something special with his listeners. His take on music is spontaneous and textural, often favoring unique delivery styles, and crooning eerie melodies. 

His first single "Low Key" accumulated over 700,000 streams alone on Spotify and landed on 2 of the biggest editorial playlists out (Beast Mode & Shisha Lounge). He now returns with his debut EP 'I'M FINE' which displays his return even bigger and better than ever, bringing sorrowful acoustic guitars, haunting melodies, and emotive yet raw vocals! Now streaming everywhere!

Band Members