Virginia Beach - I agree with Yello’s name - yellow is associated with intellect and energy, produces a warming effect, and stimulates mental activity.  I can most definitely say that is the feeling that I get when I listen to Yello’s music.  His latest mixtape Caution at the Yellow Light has an array of hits that sends an uncontrollable electric current to my mind and has my head bobbing like crazy as I mouth the words, “This track is hot!”

I met Yello at an album release party a while ago.  I was immediately entertained by his presence onstage and told myself that I had to meet him.  Right after his performance I explained who I was and what I was doing, and he instantly welcomed me into his world and began providing insight into his musical career.  His story was very interesting, very humbling, and all very memorable.  Forget what list Reverb has for the top 20 in this area.  Yello is unquestionably at my top of hot Virginia artistry.

33: Explain your upbringing, i.e., where you are from, how was your childhood, etc.
Yello: Initially, I grew up outside of Philadelphia in a town called York, Pennsylvania.  So, I guess that's where you can say I'm from.  Virginia is my home now since I been in the state and started my new life.  During my childhood, I lived with my grandmother, and she was lenient as long as I remained respectful to her house.  I didn't really get in trouble because my restrictions were limited.

33: What is your musical background?  Was anyone in your family doing music that may have influenced your musical passion?
Y: I learned from watching and being around my cousins.  Actually, a few of my family members were very instrumental when it came to creating music.  My sister was extremely talented on the piano.  Together, we created solo acts for the family. 

33: What are you currently working on?
Y: I am working on my first solo album/mixtape, Caution at the Yellow Light.

33: What was the first CD you ever came out with?  Any critiques?
Y: It was called Top Gunz in Ur System, which was fairly a group project featuring other Virginia artists.  I considered it a building project which allowed all of the artists on the album to be exposed.

33: Where are some of your favorite places to perform?
Y: Right now, anywhere is my favorite place.  Anywhere there is support.

33: I remember you explaining that you were offered a deal when you were a teenager, but you had to finish school.  Please explain that situation.
Y: When I was 16, I had a few labels come to me - Sony Records, Universal Record Label, etc.  I didn't accept any offers because it didn't amplify my success beyond either record label regarding education.  I decided that education was my first priority, and although music is of much importance, I do not think it was significant without education. 

33: What are some of your favorite songs to perform?
Y: "Caution," "PartyLife," and "Beach Girl."

33: I remember you performed "Beach Girl" at D'Arena.  Where did the concept of that song originate and why a beach girl?  Why not a Norfolk Girl or Chesapeake Girl, etc.?
Y: The concept for "Beach Girl" is not truly describing a Virginia Beach girl.  The song differentiates the difference between a female that is above average versus a female that still doesn't have it together and doesn't meet your expectations.

33: How would you describe your artistry, your music?
Y: I would say that I am versatile.

33: Is there anything new that is upcoming for you?
Y: I have a website coming soon, a video for "Caution", and I am currently working on my second album.

33: Did you make any plans for the year 2011 as far as your music?
Y: I have a few goals in mind regarding my music.  However, my main goal is to develop my own production team to heighten my brand.

33: Who are your musical influences?
Y: I listen to various artists/groups from all music genres.

33: You prefer to be in the booth or on the stage?
Y: Both.

33: Define hip-hop in your perspective.  Do you believe there are genres under hip-hop?
Y: My definition of hip-hop is real music based on day to day ideas that people can relate to.  I do believe there are genres under hip-hop, because you have Wacka Flocka, who is from the south and gives a southern draw.  Then you have Nas who is highly lyrical, creating a message.

33: Define when you know you have reached success?
Y: I know I've reached success when I'm able to touch people through song, and I feel that I've done all that I could do via music.

ReverbNation.com/VaYello

Twiturm.com/g4i28

By Correspondent: Jasmin Jamison

“Confidence is from believing in yourself, and ambition is from your personal strength.”  These are the words spoken from a true go-getter by the name of Jasmin Jamison.  She was born in Olongapo, Philippines, January 6, 1986.  At six months, she moved to Philadelphia and then finally settled in Virginia Beach where she spent most of her life.  A self-proclaimed “Blasian,” she is mixed with Black and Filipino and embraces both sides which she claims define who she is.  She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2009 with a degree in Fashion Merchandising and a minor in Marketing.  Her drive for fashion and music comes from the desire of learning the art and breathing it as if it were her life.  She also gained passion for music from her brother and local rapper, Intalek, whom she claims “is her best friend and the reason why she loves hip-hop so much.”  Her main focus is to bring Virginia music to the forefront and stand tall in mainstream media and claim its mark as a force to be reckoned with.  “Virginia hip-hop is big...why not share it with the world and let it bring forth something spectacular?!”

Please login to post your comments.

More Featured Articles