Pullupmp3 News

Dancehall Star YT had time to talk to us, after a dubplate session at Somows Studio in Berlin. Here the interview:

Pullupmp3: What did you want to do before you start singing?

YT: Be a footballer. I'm singing from my early age so when i was a little kid i wanted to be a footballer. After that it was just music - straight.

Pullupmp3: Is music for you just fun or is earning money with it a reason?

YT: It's not only about the money. I started a long time ago. It is in a hard struggle still. But i do it all with love. Really, you can't do good music if you have no love for it. It's got no feeling in it.

Pullupmp3: What about your label Sativa?

YT: Four other people are involved. Nat Clapson, NJC, Digital, Innerheard who is also a big musician from Jah Warriors Band. My Album "Straight outta Britain" is released on Sativa and also Hip Tones.

Pullupmp3: How does it feel for you to play on big events in Jamaica?

YT: I Played on many shows in Jamaica still. Champions in Action, Beenie Mans Birthday Bash, but Sting 2004 was definitely the biggest event. Have to give thanks for Red Square family to arrange that for me, they make that possible.

Pullupmp3: What made you to got this invitation from Red Square?

YT: Basically like i said, it was the link up from Red Square family to get there. Tubby Reds is based in london. He made the call to jamaica, said he has a artist in england and needed him on a show and Promo was done. Next time i reached jamaica i saw my Face on a poster. Big up Red Square all the while, Assassin, Spagga Benz, ...

Pullupmp3: Is Your work inspired by political happenings?

YT: Yes, sometimes. It is just inspired by life in general. My work is just inspired by everyday Experience. It might be a political thing, it might be a normal thing like we are sitting here and you say something and i think it is funny or whatever, that can even start a lyrics. Just natural life.

Pullupmp3: Music is your form to express yourself. Is it possible for you to express yourself in a other way?

YT: It is definitely the way to express myself through music. I can not express myself in no other way than just through the music.

Pullupmp3: Like painting for e.g.?

YT: Yeah, that's not me. Strictly music. Thats how i got into the music. The First place was reality and the message in the music was touching me, so i felt that i had something to say.

Pullupmp3: Your favorite performers?

YT: To many to mention. If i have to name one Dj, i would name Papa San. Every DJ has a influence to me.

Pullupmp3: Top Five.

YT: Bob Marley, Tenor Saw, Papa San, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man

Pullupmp3: Which important meetings do you remember?

YT: I met many people along the way. Some of them i had a ambition as a young child like when i met King Jammys and reach king Jammys Studio, that was a big experience for me. I met many artists like Beenie Man, Macka Diamond is a good friend of mine, Spragga Benz. So, really i would'nt say one meeting was more important than the other, but definitely i met a lot of people. Another person like that was Joe Gibbs, when i went to work at joe gibs studio. Remember seen Joe Gibbs in the movie rockers, aktually i met him in person it was crazy. You know, i am the way i give thanks for that still, but i will continue many more.

Pullupmp3: Do you believe in Rastafari and Selassie?

YT: Not directly i have to say. Rasta has been a influence to me and i love a part of the philosophy still. As far of the religious part of it, thats not really me. My favor is individual to me still. Probably my favor is a part rasta, a part christian, a part whatever...

I don't really have one favor, one religion, it's just my personal thing with god. Big up the rastaman the same way. I think rastafari is a very good influence to the world. It is not a negative thing, very positive

Pullupmp3: Do you want to say something to our massive?

YT: Really all i am saying is thanks for the support to all them people. Look out for my LP Straight outta Brittain, we trying to spread the message worldwide right now. Yeah it's me, letter Y to the T.

Ganjamin took the interview 06. august 2006