Young Ivy (Simon Trabelsi)

Forget your perceptions of standard behavior and personal history for a rap artist – Young Ivy is not your typical rapper. Born Simon Trabelsi in Luleå, Sweden, this wordsmith gladly admits to not taking himself too seriously. This outlook is evident in Ivy’s music, as he is just as prone to playing the jester as looking inward for candid personal reflection. Atop an eclectic mixture of musical beds typically gravitating in an
up-tempo electronic direction, Ivy’s subject matter covers everything from the wild late-night exploits and quarter life crises common of the Millennial generation to poignant
social commentary, reminding listeners that his moniker stems in part from being a young graduate of an Ivy League institution.

Although a relatively new face to most, Simon Trabelsi boasts a lengthy history as a performer that has forged a live show that displays true crowd control rivaled by few.
Young Ivy has effectively fired up crowds as opening act for artists like the Grammy-nominated Lupe Fiasco, critically acclaimed acts Cool Kids and Wale, as well as
underground heroes Zion-I and Blue Scholars. Showcasing his crowd-catering versatility, Ivy is also well versed in spoken word and has warmed up stages for world-renowned
poet Saul Williams and the groundbreaking Staceyann Chin.

From selling out clubs to packing beer-soaked frat houses, Ivy’s highly animated performance shuts down any venue he graces. With an uncanny ability to engage even
those who have never before heard his music, Young Ivy’s live show is a one-man wrecking crew that must be experienced first hand. No hype-man; no backup dancers; no pyrotechnics; just a man, a microphone, and a whole lot of energy. Whether performing the debauchery-inspiring party anthem “Shirt Off,” the college exam-taker’s humorous
lament “F.I.N.A.L.S.,” or taking an intermission for more thought-inspiring spoken word, Young Ivy will entertain you and command your attention. If you’ve ever seen him live,
you are already a fan.

Young Ivy credits the vast perspectives in his music to his unique background, residing in numerous locations in the US and Sweden before recently relocating to Atlanta, GA. His exposure to such diverse surroundings has manifested itself in his musical interpretations; sources ranging from sociologist C. Wright Mills to folk singer Cat Stevens and the Euro club sound of the mid 90s are found on Simon’s list of influences.

Ivy is also a member of the Swedish Eurotrash trio Blänk, and serves as the link between the group’s Swedish and US fanbases. As the other two members still reside in Sweden,
Simon T has traveled the United States performing their aforementioned hit “Shirt Off,” which appeared on both Blänk and Young Ivy’s debut albums.

And obviously since he’s so smart and stuff, he wrote his own bio in third person then got all colloquial at the end… go figure. What a pretentious and narcissistic thing to do. Geez