TALENTED hip-hop artiste Yung Raja certainly has a lot to be grateful for of late.
The 24-year-old, who made his musical debut two years ago by releasing two singles — Bounce, and Tamilian — is no stranger to the entertainment scene.
He began acting at 13. While filming Ah Boys To Men 3L Frogmen (2015), Yung met fellow actor Fariz Jabba who suggested that he give the music scene a go.
The pair bonded over their passion in hip-hop and rap music.
Born Rajid Ahamed, Yung eleased his debut singles under the stage name MC Raja in 2017.
He was also a part of the Scape Music Talent Development Programme, mentored by local hip hop big wig Joe Flizzow and FlightSch (Ezekiel Keran).
Last year, when signed to M03 records (Madeyoufamous) with Flightsch as his manager, he changed his stage name to Yung Raja.
Last month, Yung released his latest single Mad Blessings, with a music video directed by Singapore filmmaker, Jasper Tan a.k.a. Vadbibes.
The video also features his parents as well as his frequent collaborators Fariz and Flightsch, who also produced the song.
“My parents have always been supportive of everything I do. My dad has always wanted to be an actor or work in the media industry and my mum is a natural in front of the camera. So when I asked them to be in my video, they were so excited because they are huge fans of Mustafa, the first song I released,” says Yung.
The young rapper and songwriter admits that his parents’ enthusiasm and support made it easier for him to choose a career in the entertainment industry.
“I'm very blessed to have parents who are on board with stuff that I love doing.”
ELEVATING ASIAN HIP-HOP
Mad Blessings is also the very first release under the newly signed partnership between Yung's management, Madeyoufamous, and regional hip-hop powerhouse, Def Jam Southeast Asia.
With a focus on elevating and bringing Asian hip-hop to the world, Yung once again showcases his English-Tamil flow.
“Its creationwas super organic and natural for all of us within the team. I used to use the term ‘mad blessings’ a lot in conversations and in my Instagram captions.
“I didn't intend for it to become a song. One day, Flightsch and I were talking about it and we thought it would be cool if we made it into a song.
“When we got into the studio, it all fell together. It was a period when great things were happening in all of our lives, especially in our Madeyoufamous team.”
Yung's songs brim with positivity and a refreshing vibe.
“ I'm consciously trying to be myself. The cool thing about hip-hop is that you have to be yourself.
“If you try to be anything other than yourself, it will not work. People will know.”
Yung is also happy to be part of Def Jam Southeast Asia.
“I don't know how it came about. One day, my manager Flightsch just told us that we have a new deal in the works and that he will reveal it soon.
“We were intrigued. It was only sometime in October that they revealed to us that we were going to be joining Def Jam Southeast Asia,” he says.
Asked if there is a full album in the pipeline, Yung says the possibility is there as he has many songs ready.
For the time being, however, the focus is on coming out with strong singles that will play on radio.
“That's the game plan as far as I know though I wouldn't deny the possiblity of releasing a bunch of songs.”
Mad Blessings is now available on Apple Music and other digital music streaming platforms.