2021 Soul Train Awards: 3 Things to Know About Soul Train Awards’ “Best New Artist” Nominee Yung Bleu
2021 Soul Train Awards “Best New Artist” nominee Yung Bleu seemed like he only recently burst onto the scene thanks to his Drake assisted remix to his Billboard charting single “You’re Mines Still.”
However, the Mobile, Alabama native has been creating music since he was 11-years-old after being inspired by his brother. Over the years, he’s released several mixtapes known as the Investments series, while slowly building a reputation for himself in the music industry. In 2017, the 26-year-old secured a viral hit with his single “Miss it” which displayed his popular soulful, pain-driven sound.
Yung Bleu’s hard work and resilience has clearly paid off and paved a way for him to be in the running for “Best New Artist” at the 2021 Soul Train Awards. Ahead of the celebration here are a few quick facts about this year’s nominee.
He quickly learned the business side of the music industry
The “You’re Mines Still” emcee said that his dealing with major labor had been less than favorable. Telling HipHopDX “The labels these days not willing to give. They want some sh-t that as soon as you drop it, it has to blow up or go viral every time or you ain’t the primary thing.”
After reportedly getting some advice from fellow emcee Boosie Badazz, Bleu was able to get out of his control with Columbia Records and venture off as an independent act.
Like us, he loves R&B music too!
“My mama was playing it and just after hearing it for so long, you know what I’m saying?” the rapper revealed. “We was coming up with Lauryn Hill playing on the radio, or on the CD while we cleaning up and shit like that. That just made me fall in love with that style of music. Then, my dad, he did R&B stuff too. He was my musical inspiration, really.”
He’s giving back to his city in a major way
In 2019, the rapper opened Gwen’s House, his first soul food restaurant in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama. Along with the restaurant, the 26-year-old has several food trucks with plans to open several more stores around the city.
Watch the 2021 Soul Train Awards on Sunday, November 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and BET Her.
- advertisement
