Yung Brodee

When West Coast hip-hop’s done right, there’s nothing like it. Raw tales of street life, set against infectious funk and soul-inspired soundscapes connect with the soul on impact and are as authentic as popular music gets.

One of California’s most respected new artists, Nipsey Hu$$le, is already ushering in his own team of stars with his independent label, All Money In, No Money Out. Shining brightest from the crew at the moment is Yung Brodee. Born Marques Edwards, Brodee’s name is born of LA slang meaning “brother” or “friend.”

Finishing up his debut album, 100 Percent Authentic, this month, Brodee has everyone’s attention with his somber track “Good Die Young” and its accompanying video. While the future game plan includes producing more radio-friendly hits and songs for the ladies, Brodee’s choice to debut with a hard-hitting song shows he’s not planning on taking the easy route to fame.

DrJays.com Live: Your debut track, “Good Die Young”, is dedicated to Derrion Albert, the people of Haiti and Chile, and victims of teen violence. The video starts off with a young, crack-addicted woman talking to the camera about how the good really do die young and features innocent casualties of street violence. Why’d you choose such serious subject matter to introduce yourself as an artist?

Yung Brodee: “I feel like I had to chose such a serious subject matter to introduce myself as an artist because I feel these subjects haven’t been talked about in hip hop as they should be. Artists nowadays seem to overlook what’s really taking place in the ‘hoods across America and beyond, so I wanted to give the world a closer look at reality and let them know I’m coming in this game speaking on what’s really happening.”

Ice Cube famously said “Either they don’t know, don’t show, or don’t care what’s goin’ on in the ‘hood” in Boyz In The Hood back in 1991. Almost twenty years later, do you think that statement still rings true?

“Yeah, that statement still true to this day and it doesn’t look like it’s going to change anytime soon. But this where we come from, so it’s up to us to just adapt to it or do something about it ’cause honestly, it’s only up to us to change the conditions in our ‘hoods.”

Your debut album, 100 Percent Authentic, drops soon. What can we expect from it?

“100 Percent Authentic will be a great introduction to my music and my experiences to the world. I really feel confident about this project and it’s for the people to listen to and be able to relate to my lyrics, and I just wanna make sure they feel every bit of what I have to say.”

What role do you play in Nipsey Hu$$le’s All Money In, No Money Out team?

“I support Nipsey’s All Money In, No Money Out label fully and I also have my own independent label. I established it to put out my music and create an outlet for my fans.”

On to a lighter subject: fashion. Describe your perfect outfit for a nice spring day?

“A perfect spring outfit for Yung Brodee would have to be a fresh Polo Ralph Lauren outfit from head to toe. I mean, you just can’t go wrong with that. Seriously, you just can’t!”

What fashion trends do you hope will die out for the fellas this year?

“Fashion trends I hope will die out this year for the fellas would have to be the skinny jeans. Take this as a memo from Yung Brodee: Leave that for the ladies.”

What kind of outfit should a lady wear to catch your attention?

“[I like] ladies that know they look good and have confidence. So when I see a woman, that usually catches my attention off bat. I can’t describe a certain outfit because ladies can look good in just about anything, just as long as they know how to rock it.” - Submitted by Boss Lady on April 15, 2010 – 9:41 am