Words By Lola P.
The young Leland Austin is in a good position right now. Even though the music industry is flooded with new artists who are finding every way possible to market themselves online, there is still the odd rapper who focuses on the physical audience around them. The audience they can see reacting to their music; the audience that can share their success with them. One of these new artists is Grand Hustle/Interscope addition, Yung LA.
Originally from South East Atlanta, he has made it his mission to make the nation take notice. His first single “Ain’t I,” a collaboration with fellow label mate Big Kuntry, created a huge buzz in the city, so naturally, a remix version with T.I. and Dro was recorded. More recently, the up-and-comer has been spending the past few months on promo tours and recording new songs for promotional mixtapes as well as his debut album, Futuristic Leland, slated to drop in summer of 2009. This album marks the beginning of a new relationship between Grand Hustle and Interscope as their first joint venture.
TSS: Okay so let’s just find out some more about you. A lot of people are familiar with your record “Ain’t I,” and the fact that you are the newest member of Grand Hustle. You come from what part of Atlanta?
Yung LA: South East Atlanta; a whole different area where Tip is from. He’s from SouthWest Atlanta.
TSS: Did you know anyone else on Grand Hustle before you got signed to the label?
Yung LA: Yeah I knew Dro personally before I got signed. A friend of mine introduced us. I’ve known him for about 3 years, and I’ve been signed for about a year and a half.
TSS: If you had to find yourself a new situation, who would it be?
Yung LA: I think Grand Hustle is the best situation for me period. Oh you mean if I had to pick someone else? I guess I’d be over at So Icey Entertainment.
TSS: Oh with Gucci? Why them?
Yung LA: Because that’s where I first started. When I first got into the studio and started recording I used to record with this producer by the name of Zaytoven. At the time, he used to also do beats for Gucci Mane so we were always in the studio together. If I hadn’t been with Grand Hustle, I would have probably ended up over there.
TSS: When did you start recording seriously?
Yung LA: I’d say about 18 going on 19. I mean I was doing my thing when I was younger but I’d say when I was about 18 (and I’m 22 now) is when I got serious.
TSS: When did you realize where you fit in [in the industry]? Read the rest of this entry »
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