Yashiyah is more then an inspiring artist, he is an athlete who is a source of inspiration – at a young age he has shown dedication and persistence and it shows in his music. We had the pleasure of sitting down with the young talent born in Brooklyn, check out the exclusive interview bellow.
What is your background? tell us where you grew up and some information about your upbringing/periences as a youth:
My Name Is Yashiyah Louissaint but more commonly know by my stage name Saint, which I was given when I was living up north. I was born In Brooklyn, New York and was raised there until about 9 or 10 years old. Where we moved to Durham, North Carolina A.K.A “The Bull City”. Growing up in The Bull wasn’t easy, I lived in some of the worst places in Durham. I grew up in a single parent home with just me and my mother. We moved about 3 or 4 times before we finally settled in the house where we have been for almost 10 years, which is Carriage house townhomes now known as Seven Oaks Apartments. Where I really started my journey rapping, I started football and still do,but I enjoy chillin with my brothers. At the age of 13 we came up with the group High Class Ent. I’ve been through struggles and trials and tribulations but god has always brought me out. A couple times I could of lost my life or things could of went left but god kept me here and for a reason. That’s why i go so hard and grind the way i do. I really started taking my rap career serious about a year ago. I have a song that’s about 2 or 3 years old it’s called Repo. A Freestyle On Meek Mills Beat Feat my uncle Gevinci on my soundcloud. Another reason is One night my cousin who is also my DJ-DJ HeadTurner- told me that i sounded good and could do something with it. Ever since then i’ve been working and grinding non-stop.Once I got to highschool I started to get in trouble and things in my city was getting to hectic, When i was 16 my mother sent me to go live with my father until i graduated and there I met more of the people I consider my brothers and we created SwimTeam Ent. Both teams-High Class Ent and SwimTeam Ent-are filled with different artists, entrepreneurs and creative minds. All of us grew up together and i plan on putting them on once everything gets right. Since a young kid i’ve always been the type to learn by experience and never been the type of person to sit back and receive, i’d rather go and get it. My motivation comes from all my fallen soldiers who can’t be here with us and my brothers locked in the pin and will never see them again this is for them. Through me and my team their names will live forever.
At what moment did you know that music was part of your life and what feelings did you have towards making an active impact with your music?
A year ago when i was told that i could actually do something with my music, and when i started to see the response i was getting from the audience and how people was reacting to my music i realized it was meant for me. I plan on getting to the top and putting my city and my Team on. At the same time i try to talk to the people that might be in the same position i once was in and maybe what i say could get you through it and or help you get out of it and get right.
What artists inspired/influences you and if you could collaborate with any artist (alive or passed) who would it be and why?
Honestly I was inspired by Chief Keef to really start taking it serious because I seen that a kid the same age as me was able to become one of the best in the game right now and change the rap game as a whole. But I Idolize a lot of rappers such as Meek Mill, Lil Boosie, YFN Lucci, Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane, Future, Scooter, G Herbo And Durk. A couple more I forgot but i idolize the real rappers that talk the real and keep it real.
What do you think about the current state of hip hop/mainstream music?
Right Now I think hip hop is at a state where listeners are more into beats and flows more than lyrics, a lot of rappers today really don’t talk about anything but their flow rides the beat and that’s what gets them known and heard. I feel like for a little minute real lyrical rappers went away but it’s coming back.
Currently, what projects do you have in the works that you are most excited about?
As of right now I just dropped my single “ SmitWes” and i’m working on my debut mixtape which will be on spinrilla, date is not set yet. I also have a couple tracks just sitting, that I know could turn the streets up but I have more in store and have a lot of bangers and hits coming this summer so stay tuned.
What are your short term career goals within the next 6-10 months?
To build my brand and fan base, and to start expanding and traveling the country doing shows. I also plan on having my tape dropped by then and a video on my youtube channel.
What are your long term career goals within the next 2-5 years?
I plan on being at the top or being a very strong presence in the rap game while being young and being new to the game.
If you had one song out of the catalogue you have created to show a person what song would it be and why?
I would say I Don’t Know Why (Feat Pete G) Prod. By CamGotHits just because that track turns up and will make you start dancing for a fact. Guaranteed club banger, S/o to CamGotHits for going crazy on the beat.
To the person who had never heard of you what is it about your music and story that you would tell them to entice them to be a supporter?
Honestly, that in my music I speak what i’ve lived and what i’ve seen or been through nothing phony. I also write my own songs and I feel like I have a flow to match what i’m saying and i feel like the crowd and fans feel my energy through the track.
If your music could be described in five words what would those five words be?
I would describe my music as Energetic, Real, Relatable, Original and Influential/Powerful
What do you bring to the game that is unique and different?
My style is something like a trap but lyrical rapper, I feel like i’m a mix of meek and chief because I can switch it up and play with my flow many ways. Also with help from my Dj; Dj Headturner we add a different sound to my music.
To the aspiring artist who is considering a career as a musician what lessons or advice would you give them to inspire them or to uplift them in the journey?
Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do it, and don’t wait for no one to do it for you get up and get out and go get it. Anything in life you want you got to take it nothing is given. Everything is earned.
What are your social media profiles and where can people purchase/download your music?
Facebook: Ayoo’ Saint
Instagram: TheReallNumba5 (2 L’s)
Twitter: Shiyah_5
You can listen to my music on soundcloud @ LilSaint570 and download singles on Spinrilla soon.
What are your final words you would like to say to people that you have left out?
That I plan on coming in the game with a bang and earning my way to the top, I feel like I bring something new and different and I know I can change the game in some aspects. To all my fans or people that don’t know me stay tuned man Saint is the movement and keep rocking with me and supporting, I’m putting on for my city the 919. S/o to all my brothers and all my team members, S/o My fans and S/o everyone rockin with the movement and supporting we appreciate y’all. Clothing line coming soon and website follow me on all social media to keep up with everything, for business inquiries email me at (Swimteamsaint@gmai.com). Stay prayed up! High Class Ent. & SwimTeam Ent. Up Next.