Yelawolf is a blunt and direct person who you’ll either have to take or leave. His personality comes alive in his music, which often makes his tracks memorable standout. No one sounds like him, and no one can copy his raunchy, gritty style of rhyming. Known for his far-from-pure antics and his energetic stage show, Yelawolf is a poster child for “not giving a “f*ck.”
Yelawolf’s fan base has increased at a steady rate, likely helping to fuel his hunger to carve out a unique niche in the industry. His dedication has landed him next to one of the greatest rappers in history – Eminem – who saw something in Yelawolf and signed him to Shady Records back in January. Yela speaks with AllHipHop.com on his latest moves and what his career will yield next:
AllHipHop.com: Tell me about your nickname, Joe Dirt.
Yelawolf: My manager, Bear, calls me that because I have lived so many different types of life. Every week of my life has been some type of story, and I always remember each one. I’ve known Bear for about six years, and it’s still stories that he’s never heard, so he started calling me that after the movie. [laughter]
AllHipHop.com: Trunk Muzik turned out great for you. Did it meet all of your expectations overall?
Yelawolf: I think it went far beyond my expectations. I’m thankful. I knew we had something special, but I didn’t know that it would change my life like it did. I’m a really strange person so I didn’t expect it to connect with anyone, because I was at the point where I had a lot of music but nothing was really sticking with anybody. It took awhile to show people who I am outside of the music, with how I look, and where I'm from, and being a white rapper.
AllHipHop.com: You’ve been doing bigger features with major artists like Gucci Mane, Ludacris, and Game. What has that been like?
Yelawolf: Features are just work. Ludacris and The Game just came together by being there. Features always work out together in different ways. I’ve reached out to other artists for my album, and it usually works out because you have two artists with a mutual respect that want to come together and make good music. I do features for the sake of the song not the money. I use it as a tool to get my name out there. My features are based on hard work.
AllHipHop.com: Once you made the XXL Freshmen list, some would say that was a strong co-sign that helped to certify you? Do you think it solidified you in the Hip-Hop game as the real McCoy or not?
Yelawolf: The Freshmen list can go two ways for you. Basically, the people at XXL say that here’s a group of kids that maybe deserve a chance. It’s not a list of a bunch of kids that “will” make it. That list doesn’t make you. This is just the staff at XXL giving you an opportunity, saying that these kids are worth watching. You might have a buzz or a great verse on a song but that doesn’t mean anything. This game is about making amazing albums and shows. It’s all about what you take from that situation. I think some will be great from that last issue, and some will not.
AllHipHop.com: So, you were a part of the Waken Baken Tour. Speak on that, and does Yelawolf indulge in the high art himself, or do you bypass the usual chronic festivities?
Yelawolf: I mean it was like spring training. Some nights were really good, and some nights were really bad. My DJ and me do our best to stay consistent but each city has its own style and crowd vibe. When we did our Vegas show, that was incredible. You have to understand what it looks like to people that came out to see Wiz and have me stepping out on the stage first, especially if they’ve never even heard of me. I don’t even smoke weed. Wiz chills, I rage out and jump in the crowd, and he barely touches the crowd because he’s so laid back. So, it’s two totally different shows with challenges. In the end, I gained a lot of fans out of that situation so I’m thankful.
AllHipHop.com: You had met Em before signing, so were you surprised down the road when he showed interest in signing you?
No, but If you’re not excited about signing with Shady Records, then you’re an idiot. Em is the best of the best in Hip-Hop, so it was huge for me. To not only be a fan but to think of me enough to want to do a deal was validating and a slap in the face to the critics. I still feel excited about it everyday when I wake up. It’s unbelievable, and thank you to all of the people that believed in me.
AllHipHop.com: How does Ghetto Vision plan to standout as a label now with major backing?
Yelawolf: I mean Ghetto Vision is the core and KP (Kawan Prather) is the CEO. He’s not so interested in the flash of the industry. It’s free creative freedom. There is support and friendship. Ghetto Vision is the ultimate artist label. The Ghetto Vision team is about dedication and that’s great. I don’t think that to stand out is the goal with Ghetto Vision. I’m proud of my team, but I don’t think the label wants to get shine but wants their artist to get the shine. So, if I do well than Ghetto Vision will be happy.
AllHipHop.com: You recently announced that the release date is October 25. Was there anything special about this date?
Yelawolf: Well, I didn’t know that was the release date. You’re the first person I heard say that date. I thought it was in September, but I'm not surprised. Well, no, there’s nothing special about that date, just that my album comes out and it’s my freshmen release of my life work that will be distributed.
AllHipHop.com: Tell me about the single, “Hard White.”
Yelawolf: Well, last minute, I was in Vegas, and I recorded the album and went out to my homeboy’s studio. I was in a bad mood because the crew was like, ‘we still need that one record,’ and I felt like I was finished. They stayed up all night and found the beat, I recorded it, and everyone went nuts. When I heard the mix back in Atlanta, Lil Jon had been added, which was a surprise. I like the single. We just shot the video for it. I’m proud of it.
AllHipHop.com: Are you worried that being under the Interscope umbrella will force you to change your musical direction?
No, that’s impossible. I never understood that concept, because if you don’t allow a label to do that, then it won’t happen. If you look at my musical track record, my projects were all my creative concepts. I am the creative director of my sound, me. I have people around who guide and help me, but at the end of the day, it’s my music and no one controls that. It would be impossible to control my music unless I turn into a robot. I was never worried about them trying to change my sound because they signed me for my sound.
AllHipHop.com: You were in a few episodes of the VH1 show “Single Ladies.” What was it like breaking in your acting chops?
Yelawolf: It was dope. It was my first speaking role. I had to audition, which made me pretty nervous. It was cool because I got to play myself. I feel good about it. It was cool being around the set. It inspired me. I’d like to do some more acting in the future, but I’d want to get a coach. I never seen the episode but people told me it was dope.
AllHipHop.com: Being from the South, how did you develop your speedy flow of rapping?
Yelawolf: I listened to a lot of early Three Six Mafia, Twista, Tela, Crucial Conflict. I got interested in the art of chopping words and using syllables to hit every note, and I just stuck with it.
AllHipHop.com: I know your musical career has really taken off. Does Yelawolf still have time for the skateboarding life as well?
Yelawolf: Yeah, I kinda still make time for it. I bring my boards out on tour. I don’t get to skate as much as I did because this life is very busy. I try to hit the streets in between shows or whenever I have down time.
AllHipHop.com: Any final words before Radioactive drops?
Yelawolf: I just want to thank everyone for staying down, and I want everyone to come out to the shows because that’s what my life is all about right now. I can’t wait for people to hear the new music.
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